This arrangement of Percy Grainger’s “The Nightingale and the Two Sisters” was written for Dr. Tyler Austin in celebration of 10 years with the Newfound Chamber Winds and their first performance at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL.

Commissioned by the Kerr Middle School Honors Band for their performance at the 79th Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, IL

Catharine Klein, Brennan Ross, & Andrew Klein, directors.

“The Art of Precious Scars” was commissioned by the Kerr Middle School Honors Band after their director faced a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis. Amidst treatment, she found hope through her band family, whose unwavering support reminded her she was not alone. Their compassion gave her strength, purpose, and helped restore a sense of normalcy during the most difficult time of her life.

The title is inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, transforming the cracks into a source of beauty and strength. In the same way, this piece reflects how the scars we carry—whether visible or unseen—can become part of a larger story of resilience, courage, and healing. Life’s journey often brings moments of fear, loss, and uncertainty—yet within those moments, the strength of community, compassion, and hope shines brightest. 

We dedicate this music to all who have faced battles and hardships, to those who continue to persevere, and to the memory of those we have loved and lost. May it serve as a reminder that even through struggle, the human spirit can emerge stronger, more radiant, and more beautiful.

Wabash Valley Chamber Players

Conductor, Eric Scott

The VanderCook College of Music Symphonic Band will perform “Pathways” at the Skyline Ballroom W375AB for their 2024 Midwest Clinic Performance. Conductor, Alexander Kaminsky

The University of Michigan-Flint High School Honor Band performed Ragamuffins with guest conductor, Joseph Dobos.

“Willows Weeping” (originally written for chamber winds) was set for Wind Ensemble and performed by the Old Dominion University Wind Ensemble in honor of their performance at the 2024 Virginia Music Educators Association Conference. Director of Bands, Dr. Tyler Austin did this beautiful band arrangement for his group.

The Gustavus Adolphus Wind Symphony performed “Feather” with conductor, Dr. Heidi Johanna Miller.

Harker Heights High School commissioned the piece “Echoes” to be performed in honor of recently retired David Norris in celebration of 34 years of dedication, inspiration, and leadership. (Commissioned by Eric Skinner & the Harker Heights High School Band Boosters.)

The Georgia State University Wind Orchestra performed “Pathways” on their program titled “Reflections” with conductor Braeden Weyhrich.

Kelly Watkins soft-premiered a beautiful new piece for band co-composed by my best friend Tyler Austin & myself. This piece exists in the world because my forever-inspiring high school band director, Lisa Preston, asked me to write something for her amazing @normalwestbands chamber winds, and now it has found its way into the band world.

Conductor Tim Heath was invited to share American Wind Band Music with the WASBE - Sektion Deutschland. He brought both “Seeds” and “Pathways” to the ensemble.

Ruth Petersen (current president of Women Band Directors International) conducted this haunting, aleatoric piece “Sueños de la Sirena” with the Burke County MS Honors Band in North Carolina. Bravo!

I’m so proud of my alma mater, and the students in the Normal West Chamber Winds for this absolutely beautiful premiere of my newest piece, “Willows Weeping”. Commissioned by Lisa Preston for the Normal West Chamber Winds.

The UMKC Campus Band did a fabulous job performing Ragamuffins! I loved getting to meet them via Zoom in rehearsal just a few weeks prior.

Conductor, Jennifer Hepp