The Composition Ranch, that is.
I've been busy with a new commission. It's for the Hays Symphony (Hays, KS). They wanted a piece to celebrate their 100th Anniversary and asked me to write a work that will be premiered next September at their opening concert. Wow. One hundred years as a symphony orchestra in a town in Western Kansas. It's pretty amazing really, but not if you know the people there.
I had the opportunity to play some sketches for the conductor and concert master when they were on tour here last week (they play as a violin/cello duet as part of Fort Hays State University's Department of Music). I'm very happy to report that they loved the sketches and "Hays, America!" is born! Apparently there was this really funny, homegrown series of commercials for a car dealership back in the 1960s where the owner would yell, "Right here, in Hays, America!" at the end of every commercial. The music is sweet, almost nostalgic, but also has a bit of hectic, neurotic flair. I think we're capturing the spirit of not only the Hays Symphony but of the city as well.
I'll continue working on the sketches and orchestrations as time permits this quarter, but right now my meagre attention turns from composing, right past teaching, and headlong in my PhD studies. "EDLEA 838: Qualitative Research Methods " was scaring the bejeebers out of me prior to our first class meeting yesterday. Now that I've met the teacher (awesome), gone over the syllabus (doable), and learned how the grading system will work (four major papers - yikes!), I feel like I've got a good handle on it. I know it may sound absurd, but I am a little, nay a tiny bit, right-brained. *Gasp* I know, I know, but don't worry, I'll wrap my head around this research stuff and get it all figured out. Besides, by the end of the semester I should have the first chapter of my dissertation completed (or sketched out pretty darn well). And that'll be downright alright with me.
I hope you're doing well out there!
Peace,
Jeffrey
