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