"...satisfying to the core"

"It is refreshing to be around a composer
who is equally as exceptional at conducting
as he is at writing..."

Recent News

August 24, 2010: Turbo Scramjet on the Radio

The wind ensemble version of Turbo Scramjet will be featured on the season finale of WABE's "Summer Winds," hosted by Scott A. Stewart of Emory University. WABE is the Atlanta affiliate of National Public Radio.

The show will take place on Tuesday, August 31, at 9:00PM EST on 90.1FM or www.wabe.org.

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August 18, 2010: Summer is coming to a close

I have finally had a chance to sit down for an update. A lot has happened since...June.

First of all, Scott A. Stewart and the Emory University Wind Ensemble recently recorded Turbo Scramjet for Wind Ensemble, which I wrote for the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony. The CD should be released this year.

I just completed my second summer on the road with Phantom Regiment on the Administrative Staff (my fifth summer with the group overall). This was definitely a special summer. I greatly enjoyed the show, Into the Light, and how audiences around the country reacted to it. Congratulations go out to the entire corps, especially the Regiment Percussion Section for winning the Fred Sanford High Percussion Award for the third time in five years. I had a wonderful summer and am lucky to be a part of such an extensive family.

After returning from tour, I moved to TEXAS! I have taken a position at Duncanville High School as Assistant Band Director. I have had an incredible experience even in only a couple of weeks being here. I will be teaching a concert band, the jazz band, and will be teaching and writing for the marching band. I look forward to my time here. Now if it could be less hot.....

The summer, I had a premiere in Australia! JD Shaw performed the world premiere of my chamber work, Catalpa for Horn, Piano, Didgeridoo, and Ethnic Percussion. All reports are good and I am excited about the upcoming performance in New Mexico.

Upcoming for the 2010-11 school year are four new works:

Phrizoschenic for Wind Ensemble - commissioned by the ACC Band Director's association as a part of the 2010 ACCBDA Grant for Young and Emerging Composers. The piece will be completed in October and will receive its premiere in the coming year.......as long as they like it!

ghettoblaster: an overture for Wind Ensemble - commissioned by the Milton High School Band Class of 2009. The piece will be completed in October and will be premiered in January 2011 at UGA's JanFest by the Milton High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Ryan Borger.

downside-up for Wind Ensemble - commissioned by Ryan Bybee for the Collins Hill High School Symphonic Winds. Ryan and I have talked about me doing a transcription of downside-up (originally a work for Clarinet Quintet). The piece will be completed in January and will receive a performance sometime in the spring.

I spent last weekend in Indianapolis at the DCI World Championships, where I ran into good friend Joey Glaeser. Joey is student teaching with Audrey Murphy at Hopewell Middle School (who commissioned Pronto), and he didn't waste any time this weekend asking me to write something for the group. Since Pronto was so upbeat, we decided on, as we called it, a "slow and pretty piece." I had such a blast working with those kids and would love to do so again. I am hoping to contribute something non-cheesy, harmonically sophisticated, highly achievable, and unabashedly aesthetically pleasing to the Grade 2-3 repertoire. How's that for a categorization? The piece will be done in February and will be premiered in the Spring.

This will be a fun year. I'm excited to be focusing my time on teaching and writing. There are some exciting performances coming up this year. I will post new recordings as soon as they come available.

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June 5, 2010: Phantom Regiment

I will be on tour this summer with the Phantom Regiment. All orders might have a slightly longer lead time before shipping. It all depends on where the kinkos in wherever the heck we are......

Check out www.regiment.org for a tour schedule. It is going to be a great summer!

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May 3, 2010: Update!

Well, it's been entirely too long since I've made an update, so I thought I would try and recap the past....two months...

First of all, the premiere and second performance of Hoopla both went extremely well. I had an absolute blast working with the Northwinds Symphonic Band, their conductor, Ron Evans, and fellow Guest Composer/Conductor Charles Booker, Jr. Charles also had a premiere that night of his piece, Switchback, which was a lot of fun. It's great to work with a conductor and ensemble that constantly promote new music. It was also great to work with a conductor that so greatly shaped my initial interest and involvement with music. You can read more about Mr. Evans in the Hoopla program notes.

After these performances, we were heavy into the final preparations for our Large Group Performance Evaluations at Collins Hill. I co-conduced the Concert Band and the Symphonic Band, which played Pronto as a part of their program. Both groups, along with the Symphonic Winds, did a great job. The recording of Pronto can be found on the Pronto page.

I have been working on quite a bit of new music. I most recently finished Catalpa for Hornist J.D. Shaw and his performance at the International Horn Symposium in July. New works coming up for the next academic year include:

- a wind-estration of downside-up, originally written for Clarinet and String Quartet, commissioned by the Collins Hill High School Symphonic Winds

- an untitled work for Saxophone Quartet and Electronics, commissioned by Adam Ellis

- Phrizoschenic for Wind Ensemble, commissioned by the ACC Band Directors Association as a part of their Grant for Young and Emerging Wind Band Composers

- ghettoblaster for Wind Ensemble, commissioned as a gift by a senior class from a high school here in Georgia. I'll announce more specific details when the gift is announced

I'm excited to finish the school year and head on another tour with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. I'm right in the heat of Marching Band Music and hope to finish all of my shows before I head out to Rockford for Spring Training. I'm heading to Dallas this weekend for a performance of Turbo Scramjet with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony (even the acronym is longer than I can remember). I hope everyone has a relaxing end to the school year.... I know...yeah right...

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February 25, 2010: UNT and Dallas Schools

I've had a great two and a half days here in the Dallas/Denton area. First of all, UNT had a great performance of eos last night. Congrats to Nicholas Williams, André Feagin, and Mark Taylor for great performances last night. I have posted the recording on the eos page and below.

I've also been fortunate to get to see some of the great teachers in the Dallas Metro area. First of all, I spent some time with Amanda Drinkwater and her kids at Marcus High School. Amanda is one of the best teachers as well as one of the nicest people I've ever met. She definitely does great work!

After Marcus, I headed down to Duncanville High School to meet with the staff there about fall marching plans. Tom Shine, Jeff King, George Townsend, David Brandon, and Mark Teal are all doing (and have always done) great things. It's great to spend time around such amazing teachers!

Back home tonight and it's a Hoopla Dress Rehearsal tomorrow followed by a concert on Saturday. Then maybe a nap....

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February 24, 2010: UNT and Hoopla

I'm currently in Dallas for a performance of eos with the University of North Texas Concert Band, under the direction of Nicholas Williams. The group sounded great in rehearsal and I can't wait for the performance tonight. It's also great to see many good friends from drum corps!

For the rest of the week, there's a performance of Turbo Scramjet tomorrow with the Southeast Louisiana University Wind Ensemble with Glen Hemberger at the Louisiana South Central Regional Conference. Friday, I have the dress rehearsal with Northwinds for Hoopla. Finally, Saturday night is the premiere performance of Hoopla in Gainesville, Georgia.

Ron Evans, principal conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band, went on the radio this morning to talk about the concert and the two pieces that are being premiered tomorrow night. You can check out the interview here.

Have a great rest of the week!

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January 26, 2010: GMEA

I'm heading down to Savannah tomorrow for the 2010 GMEA In-Service Conference. It's a great time to gather with colleagues from around the state.

I have two works being performed at the concert. The Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and Conductor Scott A. Stewart will be performing Turbo Scramjet on Thursday at 4:30 in the Savannah Convention and Trade Center. Later that night, Hopewell Middle School, conducted by Audrey Murphy, will premiere Pronto in the Savannah Civic Center at 7:30. Outside of GMEA, Perrysburg High School and Conductor Scott Schleuter will be performing eos at the Ohio MEA Conference in Cincinnati.

I am also excited about seeing Ron Evans' induction into the Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place during the Tara Winds Concert at 8:30PM on Friday. Mr. Evans was the band director for my Mom and all of her siblings at Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia. He is currently the Conductor of the Northwinds Symphonic Band, which will be premiering Hoopla in February. He has greatly contributed to my interest and career in music. He is most deserving of this honor.

I'm excited about a week of great concerts, clinics, and seeing great friends. I will hopefully post recordings from the concerts early next week.

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January 20, 2010: ACCBDA Grant for Young and Emerging Composers

I found out today that I am a 2010 Recipient of the ACC Band Directors Association Grant for Young and Emerging Wind Band Composers. I submitted a proposal for a piece entitled Phrizoschenic for Wind Ensemble.

I will be finishing the work for the remainder of the year and the first performance will be scheduled sometime during 2011. The website for the grant describes the program as "unique in that it (a) seeks to recognize new and emerging talent, (b) does not require a finished product for consideration, and (c) offers up to 12 performances of the work once completed."

I am excited about getting back to work on the piece and am especially excited about having the work performed by some great ensembles in the ACC.

Don't worry, though....I'm still an SEC fan for life!

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January 16, 2010: Vote for Phantom Regiment in the chase for $1 Million!

I know this might seem an abuse of my website, but it's my website, so I'll do what I want.

Phantom Regiment is in the hunt for $1 Million in the Chase Community Giving Program. Please click on the button below and go vote for Phantom Regiment. As of 9AM today, Regiment is in 14th place. The top vote getter receives the $1 Million prize and the next five receive $100,000.

Thanks for supporting Phantom Regiment and the Drum Corps activity!

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December 21, 2009: Turbo Scramjet Premiere; Midwest Clinic

It’s been a great month!  I’ve had some great performances from different groups as well as the premiere of Turbo Scramjet for Wind Ensemble by the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony.  The performance was great and I am excited to hear the piece again at the GMEA In-Service in January.  I should have a recording posted soon.

The morning after the premiere, I headed up to Chicago with some teaching colleagues to the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic for a week of clinics, performances, and trying to sell some music!  It’s always a great time.  I love getting to see colleagues from all over the country that I only see once a year.  I was able to sell a good bit of music and attended some great clinics and fantastic performances.  I definitely love the new location.

So, coming up, I'm moving back into Atlanta next week, and then January begins another slew of performances including the premiere of Pronto for Concert Band (Jan. 28) and Hoopla for Wind Ensemble (Feb. 27). I will also begin my student teaching at Collins Hill High School as a part of my certification coursework. I'm ready to be teaching for sure!

Aside from that, it's home to the family for Christmas and then moving into the new place for New Years. Happy Holidays to everyone!

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November 16, 2009:

This update is a little late, but I have had a crazy week/weekend.  Here’s the latest:

I had a great time last Monday rehearsing with the Emory Wind Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony.  This was my first chance to hear Turbo Scramjet in person.  I was happy with how it sounded and have just made a few edits this week for them to put in for tonight’s rehearsal.  This piece is going to be a lot of fun!  The premiere will take place Monday, December 14, at 8PM.  Scott Stewart will conduct the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony in a concert including my work along with works of Corigliano, Grainger, and others.  Turbo Scramjet will be performed again at the GMEA In-Service Conference on Thursday, January 28, at 4:30PM in the Savannah Convention Center.

I also had a great time this weekend at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis.  The event took place concurrently with the PASIC Convention, so it was a great time to see friends and colleagues, as well as spend time with fellow Phantom Regiment staffers as they prepare for this summer’s tour.

I am finishing Hoopla this week/weekend and can’t wait to get it to the players!

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November 4, 2009:
Update

Just an update of what has been going on recently:

From what I know, Pronto going well at Hopewell Middle School. I hope to be able to work with them sometime in the near future.

The Wind Ensemble version of Turbo Scramjet is completed and delivered. The Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony had their first rehearsal on the piece this past Monday and all reports are good. One of my students from Collins Hill is a French Horn player in the ensemble and serves as my spy. She's happy that I gave her some high notes... I am excited about getting to work with them next Monday. Now I just have to keep studying Gazebo Dances (Corigliano) so that the rest of their rehearsal can be beneficial!

I'm working hard on Hoopla for the Northwinds Symphonic Band. I plan to be done within the next two weeks. It's going to be a fun piece and I'm excited about how it is progressing.

The next big project will be to begin the new piece for French Horn, Didgeridoo, Piano, and Percussion. The piece is being written for virtuoso hornist and teacher J.D. Shaw and will be completed in January for a performance this summer at the International Horn Symposium in Brisbane, Australia. This piece is definitely going to explore new horizons for me and I am quite excited about what it can bring.

Isn't it time for Marching Band shows again?

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October 9, 2009:
First read of Pronto

I took another visit to Hopewell Middle School yesterday to deliver the finished product of Pronto. I hope they were as excited to get the music as I was to hand it out. We were able to get through the piece in both classes and it was a great first read! I can't wait to hear it in performance. Again, a score and MIDI realization are available for perusal on the main Pronto page.

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October 8, 2009:
Pronto

I have finished the editing process for Pronto, which will be premiered by the Hopewell Middle School Symphonic Band under the direction of Audrey Murphy. The performance is Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 7:30PM in the Savannah Civic Center as a part of the GMEA 2010 In-Service Conference. Take a look at the score and listen to the MIDI realization that I've posted. You've gotta love MIDI cymbals :) Enjoy!

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September 18, 2009:
Hopewell Middle School Visit

I had the pleasure of making a trip to Hopewell Middle School to speak with students in the band program about my music and the upcoming piece I am writing for their peformance at the upcoming GMEA In-Service Conference. Below is a segment of an e-mail sent out by Director Audrey Murphy to students and parents:

"On Friday, September 18th, composer William Pitts stopped by the HMS bandroom for a visit. Mr. Pitts spoke to each of the classes, played recordings of some of his pieces, and invited students to ask questions.

Mr. Pitts has written and is currently writing compositions for various ensembles, notably the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, which has been hailed as one of the country's finest high school performing ensembles. He is also composing a piece for the HMS Symphonic Band, which will be premiered at this year's Georgia Music Educator's Conference in Savannah. This is the first time in HMS band history that the students have had the opportunity to work with and premiere the music of a composer!"

It was a lot of fun to spend time with the students and Ms. Murphy. I'm extremely excited about working with them on the new piece!

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September 15, 2009: Long Overdue

I apologize for the lack of updates since I got home from the summer. I upgraded to a new version of Adobe software and had some problems with new licensing. I know, I know.... excuses...

A lot going on recently! Last week, I was interviewed for the podcast "Wind Bands of Every Flavor" with Dr. Chad Nicholson of Indiana University-Purdue University Ft. Wayne. You can listen to the podcast here:

You can listen to future podcasts on the Wind Bands of Every Flavor Website.

I have a couple of new pieces in the works at the moment. Upcoming works include:

Turbo Scramjet for Wind Ensemble, for Scott A. Stewart and the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony, will be premiered in December 2009 and then performed again by the same group at the 2010 Georgia Music Educators Assocation In-Service Conference in Savannah.

Pronto for Concert Band, for Audrey Murphy and the Hopewell Middle School Symphonic Band, will be premiered at the 2010 Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference in Savannah.

Hoopla for Wind Ensemble, for Ron Evans and the Northwinds Symphonic Band will be premiered in February, 2010 at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia.

So, needless to say, I'm keeping busy. I've made some updates for upcoming concerts on the Performances page. I'm excited about what is to come this next year. I'll keep you posted!

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May 21, 2009: On the Road Again

I will be on the road again this summer with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. Any orders received during this summer will have a slightly longer processing time than usual. Visit regiment.org to see where the corps will be this summer. I'd love to see you at a show.

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April 4, 2009: Honors Composition Recital

I had my Honors Composition Recital last night with fellow composer Jonathan Hoffmann. The recital featured performances by the Atlanta Saxophone Quartet, The Vega String Quartet, Soprano Laura Jane Miller, Pianist Diana Barbour, Clarinetist Jonathan Hoffmann, and Marimba...ist Michael Stubbart. I have posted recordings for your enjoyment (hopefully).

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 March 28, 2009: Performance of Takeoff

The Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble and Organist Rachael Kresha had a fantastic performance of Takeoff last night as a part of Kresha's Graduate Organ Recital from Emory University. I should have a recording up soon.

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 October 20, 2008: Performance of eos

The Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony had a great performance of eos last night. I have posted a recording on the website. There are more performances coming up this year. Check the performances page for more information.

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 September 21, 2008

Well I'm finally back and adjusted from my summer with the Phantom Regiment. It was a great summer and I'm honored to have been a part of the 2008 DCI World Champions! A lot has been going on since my return, hence my lack of updating the website.

I had a premiere on September 13th! The Atlanta Trumpet Ensemble and Organist Rachael Peyton-Cushing performed my piece, Takeoff for Trumpet Ensemble and Organ as a part of the Atlanta Trumpet Festival. It was a great performance and I hope to have a recording up here soon. Check back!

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 May 20, 2008: Phantom Regiment

I will be on tour with the Phantom Regiment all summer long and will not return until August 9th. Any orders placed until then will not be filled until I return. Have a great summer!

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 April 23, 2008: UGA performance of eos

The University of Georgia University Band had an incredible performance of eos last night. Chester Phillips conducted the piece with incredible musicality and care. The recording is posted here.

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 April 16, 2008: Recording of eos!

I finally got a recording of eos from the GSU Honor Band concert. It is posted on the Recordings page and on the Myspace.

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 April 13, 2008: WCU Pictures are up!

I have put up a couple of pictures on the Photos page from the WCU concert.

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 April 7, 2008: Western Carolina Honor Band Performance

The Western Carolina University Honor Band had a great performance of eos this weekend. It was great to have Scott A. Stewart conducting the piece for a second time. I will be posting pictures shortly.

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 March 4, 2008: eos to be performed at Western Carolina University Honor Band.

Scott A. Stewart, Director of Wind Studies at Emory University, will conduct eos with the Western Carolina University Honor Band April 4-5, 2008.

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 March 1, 2008: Upcoming performances of eos:

University of Georgia Concert Band: 4/22
Marist High School: 5/15

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 February 13, 2008: Pictures are up!

I've put up some pictures on the Photos page from the GSU performances on Monday (2/11). Check them out!

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 February 11, 2008: eos performance at Georgia State

Tonight's performance of eos was amazing! Robert J. Ambrose, Director of Bands at Georgia State, did an incredible job and all of the honor bands tonight were phenomenal. I hope to have some pictures and a recording up soon.

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 February 2, 2008: Myspace page is up and running.

I don't know what I'm doing yet, but hey...it's there..

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 February 2, 2008: Upcoming performances of eos:

GSU High School Honor Band: 2/11
University of Georgia Concert Band: 4/22
Marist High School: 5/15

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 February 1, 2008: eos to be performed by Georgia State University High School Honor Band.

eos will be performed on Monday, February 11th at the Georgia State University High School Honor Band Clinic at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta. The piece will be conducted by Robert J. Ambrose, Director of Wind Studies and Ensembles and Assistant Director of the School of Music at Georgia State.

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 January 20, 2008: eos receives its World Premiere!

eos received its premiere performance this past weekend at the University of Georgia January High School Music Festival. The premiere was performed by the Stewart Clinic Band, conducted by Scott A. Stewart, director of Instrumental Studies at Emory University. The band was made up of exceptional high school musicians from across the state of Georgia. It was an honor for my teacher and mentor to conduct the premiere. I hope to have a recording posted on the website soon.