Powerhouse

Instrumentation: Alto & Soprano Saxophones and Piano

Duration: 8’

Commissioned by: A consortium of 27 ensembles led by the Invictus Duo at the University of Michigan

Premiere: March 4, 2021 at Stamps Auditorium in Ann Arbor, MI

Performers: Philip Kleutgens, soprano saxophone; Brian Kachur, alto saxophone; Karalyn Schubring, piano

Program Note: I am guilty of overusing the word “powerhouse” when describing musicians whose virtuosity I deeply admire. I find it strange how the more we begin to respect and admire other people, the more we might be prone to dehumanize them with our language, transforming them into gods or machines. Yet there is something uniquely awe-inspiring about coming into contact with these seemingly super-humans. I drew a great deal of inspiration for this piece from a “powerhouse” who sparked my own love for music: pianist/composer Hiromi Uehara and her work with The Trio Project. 

‘Powerhouse’ explores the idea of generating energy as a trio unit through constant dynamic shifts, unpredictable rhythms, and the irresistible power of groove.

Consortium Members:

Philip Kleutgens / Brian Kachur (Invictus Duo) - University of Michigan

Ali Wright / Dylan Ward / Juliana Witt (Dionysus)

Christopher Creviston / Jonathan Nichol / Hannah Creviston

Jeffrey Loeffert / Jonathan Nichol (H2/4 Duo)

Kristen Zelenak / Emily Loboda / Nathan Arch (Silver Lining Trio)

Robert Eason / Nathan Bogert / Michael Seregow

Timothy McAllister / Zachary Shemon / Liz Ames

Antonio Jarvey / Kathryn Pannell (Odeion Duo) - University of Montana

Coleman Wright / Roman V. Holder / Claudio Olivera - University of South Carolina

Daniel Dauber / Hunter Hellard - University of North Carolina School of the Arts

Dawson Coleman / Andrew Becker - Florida State University

Hannah Hickman / Mariah Goulet (Duo Iris) - University of Missouri - Kansas City

Jerick Meagher / Keegan Ewan - Arizona State University

Joe D’Aleo / Giovanna Gioscia

Kyle Kato / Samuel Dishon - University of Michigan

Lena Iris Brendel / Tasuku Noguchi (SaxConTrust) - Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst, Stuttgart

Lindsey Welp / Andrew Moore - Bowling Green State University

Matthew Dardick / Leo Schlaifer / Nathan Canfield (Latitude) - Northwestern University

Matthew Fox / Matthew Floeter (MF2) - Arizona State University / Oklahoma State University

Matthew Koester - University of Michigan

Mia Laping / Alex Jashinski (Duo de Givre) - Frost School of Music at the University of Miami

Noah Stoker / Chase Wolters (Charlotte St. Duo) - University of Missouri - Kansas City

Olivia Phaneuf / Megan Elks - University of Texas at Austin

Parker Fritz / Ben MacDonald (Zen Duo) - University of Oklahoma

Salvador Flores / Walt Puyear - University of Michigan

Samantha Canon / Austin McFarland (Cynical Duo) - University of Arkansas

Zachary Arthur / Zachry Tyler Taburaza - University of Nevada, Las Vegas

With special thanks to these additional donors:

Liz Ames

Ryan Muncy