Description
Join Darrell Brown (Carroll University), Don Peterson (BYU), and Diane Soelberg (BYU-Idaho) in commissioning a new work for concert band. The piece receives its World Premiere in Spring 2021. Join now for exclusive performance rights in the 2021–22 season.
Download the details below as a PDF.
About Joseph Sowa
Joseph Sowa grew up playing violin and listening to film scores and orchestral broadcasts on NPR. Inspired by these sounds, he has since composed a diverse catalog of more than 70 works. His music focuses on intricate textures and vivid colors to produce surprising twists and compelling flourishes. In 2020, his piece “Motion Lines” was released on the PRISM Quartet’s album Surfaces and Essences. Joseph received his PhD from Brandeis University where he studied with David Rakowski, Yu-Hui Chang, and Eric Chasalow.
Recent Awards
- 2019 American Prize (for vocal chamber music), 3rd Place Winner
- 2019 Herbert and Sandy Fisher ’56 Award for Exceptional Achievement in the Creative Arts
- 2019, 2016, 2010 Barlow Endowment for Music Composition, Commissions
- 2018 Noah Matthew Siegel Prize for Young Composers, Runner Up
Testimonials
“Joseph’s music is beautiful and a little brainy — tight intersections of lyrical lines add up to a very pleasurable listening experience. His phrasing and his formal sense are first-rate, and you always know where you are — even when there’s the occasional surprise. The joy he feels in writing is palpable.” — David Rakowski
“Joseph’s music is well-crafted, imaginative, and, just like Joseph himself, incredibly thoughtful. I believe he will write something truly unique for wind ensemble, and I can’t wait to hear it.” — Viet Cuong
“‘Motion Lines’ (recorded on Surfaces and Essences) has a wonderful pointillist quality that explores the inherent tension in generating musical momentum. Joseph is a rising star, and we look forward to hearing and playing more of his music.” — Matthew Levy, PRISM Quartet
Audio Clips
Summer Has Ten Thousand Stars (2010) for full orchestra (more details)
Glimmer, Glisten, Glow (2019) for sinfonietta (more details)
About the Commission
Key Details
- Difficulty: Grade 4-5
- Duration: 6–8 minutes
- Form: single movement
- Instrumentation: Standard Concert band
| Piccolo | Clarinet 1, 2, 3 | Trumpet 1, 2, 3 | Timpani |
| Flute 1, 2 | Bass Clarinet | Horn 1, 2, 3, 4 | Percussion |
| Oboe 1, 2 | Alto Saxophone 1, 2 | Trombone 1, 2, 3 | |
| English Horn | Tenor Saxophone | Euphonium | |
| Bassoon 1, 2 | Baritone Saxophone | Tuba |
Consortium Members & Performance Exclusivity
- Darrell Brown, Carroll University — Consortium Lead
- Don Peterson, Brigham Young University
- Diane Soelberg, Brigham Young University—Idaho
- Rickey Badua, Cal Poly Pomona
- Nick Carlson, University of Illinois Chicago
- Geoff DeSpain, Eastern Arizona College
- Jeffrey Hadfield, Shadow Ridge High School
These three principal consortium members will give the premiere in Spring 2021. Additional consortium members will join them in having exclusive performance rights in the 2021–22 season.
Premiere Date: Spring 2021
Institutions may become consortium members up until the premiere.
Method of Delivery: PDF
Buy-In Price: $250
- Payment may be made through the link above or checks can be made out to Joseph Sowa and mailed to 27 Ladd St., Watertown, MA 02472.
- Due to current financial strains, institutions may join the consortium in two payments: $125 before the premiere to secure your spot and $125 in Fall 2021. For details, please email [email protected].
- For institutional documentation (i.e., W9, invoice, etc.), please email [email protected].
Questions?
Contact Darrell Brown at [email protected] or 262-524-7188.
