KATAHJ COPLEY

SUNSHINE

for Wind Ensemble

The origins of this piece come from this marimba motif I heard once in my life. From there the marimba's energy is spread to the rest of the percussion and into the ensemble. Sunshine is my ode to the sun and and the many colors it can show throughout the world. The beginning displays the brightest of the sun at its infancy filled with hope and promise. The 3/4 section is filled with more happiness and vibrant energy. Soon the tone shifts to a more passionate and intense color; the music begins to move in a forward direction until we reach a moment of bliss and peace. The colors shift to a lighter tone and a more relaxed approach. Finally, the ensemble brings out all the motifs to give the piece its colorful conclusion. This is Sunshine.

HAYWIRE

for Wind Ensemble

This piece is based off the idea of imagination gone out of control. How much chaos can be fit into one piece? From chaos comes beauty and from beauty comes madness again.Throughout the piece there is this motif played by the marimba that serves as a small sense of stability through the piece; this leads to erratic entrances and sudden dynamic changes. Finally the piece's melody is played by the first trumpet. From trills to glisses this piece is what happens when your imagination goes a little out of control.

ICARUS

for Wind Ensemble

The story of Icarus has always fascinated me - how the hubris of one man led to his demise; the underlying theme of humility. I decided to dive into the subject and make the story for a wind ensemble setting. 

I. Rise- This movement is written for brass and percussion. The sun is rising Daedalus is looking out to the skies and his son Icarus rises. They are prisoners looking for a way to escape. They begin to make their way to the Sky with the use of wings.

II. Hubris- The mixed meter beginning symbolizes the flight of Icarus. He begins to embrace the air and all its wonders but in doing so he believes he is a god among men. After the flugelhorn solo, the piece gets darker, symbolizing Icarus’s fall to his death 

III. Elegy- Written entirely for woodwinds and percussion. This scene represent Daedalus, a man of much hubris, mourning the loss of his son to his own hubris. As he cries the sun sets and the night enters. The end of Icarus. 
This is Icarus

CERULEA GETS RECORDED

June 16, 2019

This summer, The Rhode Island Recording Ensemble will be recording Cerulea for their 2020 CD! Thank you to Zach Friedland for this opportunity.

SUNSHINE

March 30, 2019

The University of West Georgia Wind Ensemble will be premiering a new piece of mine Sunshine on April 17 2019. The concert highlights American Composers through out the years like Joseph Curiale, Steve Danyew, John Williams and more. This concert will be a memorable one; I would like to thank Dr. Josh Byrd and the UWG Wind Ensemble. Can't wait!

GEORGIA PREMIERE OF BEYOND

March 29, 2019

The University of West Georgia Brass Ensemble will give Beyond its Georgia Premiere. Last year, the ensemble- conducted by Dr. Cale Self premiered my first brass ensemble piece, Cloudburst. This piece is special to me and to many people and I know this ensemble will give the emotion and spirit it needs. Thank you once again to the brass ensemble and Dr. Self for giving life to this impactful piece.