Phoenix

Phoenix was completed in January 2011 for multiple-percussion soloist and concert band. The piece was created at the request of percussionist Dr. Susan-Martin Tariq for the WT symphonic band's spring tour. The piece is in ternary form with lively asymmetrical sections surrounding a segment that is more persistent and march-like. The solo percussionist introduces rhythmic motives that become melodic figures in the winds. The piece is melodically octatonic throughout as the harmonic content shifts from tertian to quartal/quintal sonorities. The slow crescendo of the middle portion is punctuated by a brief recapitulation and a coda that concludes the quintal harmony motif by using the soloist as the rhythmic drive bringing the piece to its conclusion and allowing the Phoenix to soar.