NEC Jazz Composers' Workshop Orchestra

The NEC Jazz Composers' Workshop Orchestra features NEC students performing NEC student–composed works, under the direction of Frank Carlberg.

The notes on these works were written by the respective composers/arrangers.

Aaron Bahr The View from my Window
Jake Baldwin, trumpet
Alec Harper, tenor saxophone

This is a piece I began before a final move from my home in the California Bay Area, and is a reminiscence on my childhood home.

Peter Jonatan The Road Ahead
Clayton DeWalt, trombone
Max Light, guitar

The Road Ahead is a through-composed tune that is based on two episodes. Episode 1 has a strong thematic material with “quasi-latin” piano riff accompaniment set in a relaxed, even 8th feel that is basically a combination of “2” and “3” feel. Episode 2 is more rhythmic, which developed out of the 3 bar phrase bass ostinato pattern. These two episodes are switching back and forth until the last section where the quasi-latin riff, thematic material from Episode 1, and bass ostinato from Episode 2 are combined together to create a climax. The ending is more of a reminiscence or echo of Episode 1.

Lorenzo Marquez Bananafish
Billy McShane, bass clarinet

Jimmy Van Heusen arr. Chase Morrin Here’s That Rainy Day
Shane Simpson, piano
Max Light, guitar

When dealing with a well-known standard, the arranger has the unique element of connotation to explore. In this arrangement, I wanted to challenge concepts of expectation and association involved with connotation. Thus, the piece explores juxtaposition of harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic ideas. As well, I explore the notion of auditory “illusion” in which previous experience (or lack thereof) dynamically informs the musical content.

Mina Cho The Meteorite
based on a poem by C. S. Lewis   
Samantha Stevens, vocals
Youngji Seo, percussion
Joe Doudley, vibraphone

Wayne Shorter arr. Jenn Allen Penelope
Alec Harper, tenor saxophone

Tyler Gilmore Many Faces
Travis Bliss, tenor saxophone

Many Faces consists of two parts, each of contrasting character. Both sections focus closely on the density of activity, and the upward or downward momentum that can result.  Also, each section was inspired by a certain work. Part I was inspired by Ligeti’s Piano Etudes and Part II by Lapalux’s Cousin If.

Billy Strayhorn arr. Steven Bass Lush Life
Michael Mayo, vocals

Jazz Composers’ Workshop Orchestra

Frank Carlberg, director    
Clayton DeWalt, assistant

Woodwinds
Wyatt Palmer, alto and soprano saxophone
Will Bridges, alto saxophone, flute
Alec Harper, tenor saxophone, clarinet
Travis Bliss, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet
Billy McShane, baritone saxophone, clarinet, bass saxophone

Trumpets
Kai Sandoval

Jenn Allen
Aaron Bahr
Jonathan Gaines
David Adewumi
Jake Baldwin

Trombones
Clayton DeWalt
Kody Glazer
John Cushing
Alfred Brewer

Rhythm Section
Shane Simpson, piano
Max Light, guitar
Andrew Schiller, bass
Carl Pillot, drums