A little about each composition:

• Shifting Sands No. 1

  • MGI Myrna Sislen Youth Guitar Competition Youth Division - 12 years old and younger

  • Comprised of short sections that overall resembles a Rondo Form, with many modifications, ABCA¹DA¹¹

    • A - (4/4) Serves as an introduction to the key, which is an Arabian-like mode in A (much like harmonic minor, but sometime has a raised 4th scale degree). Also introduces slightly odd phrase lengths (5 measures) as well as hemiola-like counter-rhythms that make the meter feel as though it is shrinking at the end of the section to create a push to the next section as well as appropriately “shift” as with the title of the piece.

    • B - (4/4 with brief 6/4 at end of phrases)Two phrases, each comprised of smaller semi-phrases, utilizing the previously introduced mode by arpeggiating through various chords. This section only focuses on harmony and does not contain a melody.

    • C - (3/4, ending in 4/4) With a meter change and moving bass notes for the first time in the piece, this section creates a true sense of intensity and urgency at which the other sections only hinted.

    • A¹ - (4/4) The introduction returns with a parallel mode change to a more uplifting major-ish mode.

    • D - (3/4) A completely contrasting section with lyrical melody and lush harmony utilizing the mode introduced in A¹

    • A¹ - (4/4) Very similar to the original A section with emphasis on “shifting” and leading to a satisfying conclusion

• Shifting Sands No. 2

  • MGI Myrna Sislen Youth Guitar Competition Youth Division - 13-15 years of age

  • A dance utilizing an Arabian-like mode in F with a B section modulating to Ab/G#

    • A - (2/4) This section is a rondo-like form on it’s own with returns of the opening 5 measure dance section returning after improvisational sounding forays into the mode that build to a climax. The final dance return uses an Ab pedal in the bass to assist a common tone modulation to the B section.

    • B - (5/4) A very slow contrasting section focused upon shifting a melody over rhythmically simple accompaniment movements. Accompaniments feature adventurous chord choices and many dissonances that must be navigated by the performer.

• Shifting Sands No. 3

  • MGI Myrna Sislen Youth Guitar Competition Youth Division - 16-18 years of age

  • A dance reminiscent of a Colombian Cumbia utilizing an Arabian-like mode in D and then modulating to a slow contrasting section in F. Overall form: A trans B(aba) A C D

    • A - (2/2) A syncopated introduction. This is definitely one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever written and I love it!

    • transition - A punchy intro to the feel of the upcoming true dance section.

    • B - The true “A” section, really, which features short melodic pieces with punches of rhythmic harmonic work between. This section is overall its own Ternary Form (aba) with it's b section comprised of a metrically shifting melody, kind of like a hemiola, that is accompanied by a very “on the nose” and booming half note accompaniment in the bass.

    • C - (4/4) Starting with a false key change (seems to be A at first) the key is shortly after revealed to be F Major. This section is written and should be performed in a very free and improvised way. Focused almost entirely upon a beautiful high melody which is then emphasized with lush harmony periodically.

    • D - In stark rhythmic contrast with the C section, D features a lush bass melody that rhythmically shifts with it’s accompaniment, never really sure if it should be on the beat or syncopated.

    • Closing chords - The piece closes with three dense chords that function to close out both keys, the original D and the slow sections’ F.