BONZAI DOWN (2016) is one of two works for large orchestra based on images from the Mid Willamette Valley. Each image is of a specific place, facing a specific direction. The image behind Bonzai Down is the Bonzai Trail in McDonald Forest outside of Corvallis. The trail is straight down and steep— on a mountain bike, potentially break-neck fast, relentless. The piece uses the form of a Rondo, and the refrain is inspired by the feeling you get from riding that trail…down.

On top of a fabric of various folk music harmonies, and asymmetric rhythmic cycles, is a commitment to vernacular melodic structure.

[SCORE ONLY] - Please contact me for parts.