It’s a new semester, and after a few fits and starts, I’m finally back at it. A few quick notes on where “we” are (me and my virtual orchestral instrumentalists, that is).

• New composer/instructor! Since Juan Trigos has left, UK hired interim instructor Chelsea Komschlies, fresh out of her year as composer-in-residence with the Louisville Orchestra. We’re just now getting to know each other, but she’s young, vibrant, and friendly. Should be fun! Her professional website is here: https://www.komschlies.com/
  
• New piece! Under Chelsea’s tutelage, I’ve begun a new orchestral work. It will have two major characteristics: a “Prelude and Fugue” form (I just love fugues!), and an underlying programmatic focus on renewable energy sources, a pet interest of mine. Since I’ve written maybe 20 measures so far, I’m just starting to work out how all that’ll fit together. I also haven’t a title yet – as soon as I do, I’ll be adding it to the website so those who want to can watch it grow!
• New coursework! (Sorta.) After almost 10 years as a Donovan Scholar, I’ve pretty much run out of courses to take. The director of the Theory and Composition department of the UK School of Music teaches an advanced theory class, which I’m taking. I also branched out to an intro to economics course, but bailed after 3 class meetings – too big a class, a bad fit in instructional approach. I decided a couple of YouTube vids would probably give me a good intro!

More to come, as always!