I am pleased to announce that my choral composition “The Wind in the Wheat” has been named one of the winners of the “Voices of the Prairie” composition contest, held by Sonus Chamber Choir in Topeka, Kansas. For many years I’ve wanted to compose choral music based on the poetry of the prairie, and this contest provided the perfect opportunity, since the text had to be in some way related to Kansas. I chose to use this poem by a poet from my home state of North Dakota, Jessamine Slaughter Burgum, in which she personifies the prairie wind and a field of wheat as two partners in a dance. The music imitates the ever-flowing, whistling, unpredictable wind.

This piece will get a world premiere in Topeka on April 12, 2026, and a professional studio recording. Read the press release here.

The Wind in the Wheat

It started as a trombone quartet. Then it became an award-winning saxophone quartet. Now this piece is available as a reed quintet with optional contrabass clarinet.

Reed Quintet No. 1

This choral arrangement of the classic Christmas carol balances the familiar with fresh flourishes and allows a soprano soloist to shine. Now available for SSAA, in addition to SATB and TTBB.

O Holy Night