I had the privilege last spring of being part of the “Lute And Harp” podcast hosted by friend Victor Andzulis. We were talking about my background, experiences and some philosophy related to church instrumental music. I guess I was talkative enough that it was broken into 2 episodes. A fun time which you can find on Spotify and Apple Music - and perhaps other podcast platforms as well.
A good bit late on the announcement, but delighted that “Molly Pitcher” was a J.W. Pepper “Editor's Choice” selection for concert band works last spring. That makes 4 consecutive years - a reason for gratitude, for sure. The piece may be purchased here: https://www.jwpepper.com/molly-pitcher-11622818-2537508/p.
I'm pleased to announce that my partnership with Carl Fischer Music continues with the publication of “Molly Pitcher” in 2025. (Or you can get your hands on it early at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Festival in Chicago this coming December.) A demo of this entry in my “American Legends” series is available on my Concert Band page here: concert-band-works. I continue to be grateful for these opportunities!
Is three years in a row a tradition? Whether “yes” or “no”, I'm pleased to start my summer once again with the publication of a new concert band work through Carl Fischer - and for the third consecutive year to celebrate its inclusion in the J.W. Pepper “Editor's Choice” selections for the year. “Steel Driving Man” - a dramatization of the story of folk hero John Henry - may be previewed (full score and recording) and purchased on the Pepper website: https://www.jwpepper.com/Steel-Driving-Man/11572106.item.
I'm pleased to announce that a new orchestra arrangement of “Joy To The World” (also including “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”) is now available in the store. Written as the opener for an annual Christmas production, this dynamic arrangement of a beloved carol will get - and keep - their attention from the first notes to its glorious conclusion. The piece may be performed effectively as a purely "symphonic" arrangement, or add the optional guitar, bass, drums and keys parts for a more "rhythm driven" sound. There's even an optional choral part for the ending. A full array of extra and substitute parts are also included. You can listen to a demo of the arrangement on the website at: https://sdunnmusic.com/orchestra.
I was honored - and surprised - to learn yesterday that “Pelican Dance” was selected by Bandworld as one of their Top 100 new band works of 2023. It was one of 34 in the Grade 3/3+ category. Grateful!
I am pleased to announce that “John Henry”, which has been available on this site, will be joining the Carl Fischer catalog in Spring of 2024. This piece was written for the 2020 University of Mobile Honor Band and was the last composition in my “American Legends” Series. I'm delighted that Carl Fischer continues to want to publish my works and hope that will continue for some time. Because of the upcoming publication, “John Henry” will no longer be available for purchase from this site; but you can still listen to the recording and I will certainly post information when it becomes available again.
I just discovered a lovely performance of my work, “Morning Song”, by the Montgomery County Concert Band (Telford, PA), with flute soloist, Faith Wasson. While the band parts are pretty accessible for most groups, the solo flute part requires a fine player - and Ms. Wasson clearly fits the bill. It's a treat to hear!
A nice start to my summer (in what I'm hoping is becoming an annual tradition!) with the release of "Pelican Dance" from Carl Fischer AND, for the second consecutive year, the J.W. Pepper selection as an "Editor's Choice" for new band works. The piece may be previewed (full score and recording) and purchased on the Pepper website: https://www.jwpepper.com/Pelican-Dance/11516643.item#.ZFwTFbKJK2E
It's always encouraging to discover that music I've written is being used by performers around the world. I recently discovered this (not new) performance of "Overture on ADESTE FIDELES" performed beautifully by Banda Sinfônica da Base Aérea de São Paulo, Brazil, directed by 1st Lieutenant Moisés de Souza Ferreira. Enjoy!