I began writing music when I was a kid in high school, most often for the stage band and greatly influenced by the music of the day, the great television shows of the 60's and 70's. These writters were the best in the business having come from the big band and broadway show eras. There were only three major television stations back then, KGO, CBS and NBC. The competition for great script and music writers was extremely high, unlike today where with cable outfits there are literally hundreds of mediocre channels and programs and musical backdrops. On school nights as a kid I would lay in bed at night, while in the living room where my parents watched TV, and listen to the TV music of The F.B.I., Rat Patrol, Get Smart, The Avengers, The Outer Limits, Dark Shadows, Hawaii Five-O, Bob Newhart Show and so many other great shows. So it started that my first writings followed that suit. Then later came along Mr. John Williams and Star Wars, E.T. and all. The great movie scorists and present neo-classical composers entered. So much beauty and awe-inspiring talents. These writers and that background formed my interest in writing. Music composition for me is clearly a hobby. Recently some fine musician friends suggested that I publish a website. Thanks to their suggestion this work is now available to you! My goal in producing any composition is that the music must be engaging, enjoyable to perform, and above all, an audience pleasing experience.
For the past 10 years, in terms of brass chamber music composition, I have focused my writing towards the quintet and ten-piece brass chamber ensembles. During the summer of 1998 I attended my first of many Humboldt State Brass Chamber Music Workshops in northern California and realized I was instantly hooked. I began in earnest (finding the time and the muse) to write for this medium. Having the wonderful pleasure these last ten years to be a member of "Brazzissimo" and "Amici Brass Quintet" I have had the full support and trust from these groups in premiering these compositions along the way. I am truly gracious to these fabulous musicians.
My trumpet experience includes studio session work, particularly in the soul/funk music industry during the early 1980's. Since then I have focused on orchestral, stage shows, small jazz combo, big band, Latin jazz, brass chamber music and special trumpet performances such as weddings and trumpet trio work. I perform regularly with Brazzissimo, Amici Brass Quintet, Gabriel's (Heraldic Trumpets) Trio, and with the spectacular California Pops Orchestra.
Listening to "Fire and Ice" for brass quintet by Dean Boysen
