Travis J. Weller

Some quick reflective thoughts as 2011 closes, and 2012 begins from my small corner of the podium: Read more…

Two new works are now up on my compositions page. Yankee Overture, recorded by the GCC Wind Ensemble, and Romance for Winds, recorded by the Westminster College Wind Ensemble are both under publication review. Yankee Overture is a rousing concert opener based upon the folk song “Yankee Doodle”. “Romance for Winds” is a bit of a departure from some of my other songs stylistically, but pretty true to my orchestration tendencies. It is dedicated to my wife Beth, who without her love, support, and care, I could never have arrived at this point in my life. My thanks also to Dr. Arnold at GCC and Dr. Greig at Westminster – I appreciate their willingness to read and record this music with their students and making the recordings available. Enjoy!

Since May of 2011 I have been preparing for the last week of my life, and I still did not feel ready. With all course work complete at Kent State University, the next major hurdle in front of me towards a doctoral degree in music education were candidacy exams. On Wednesday & Thursday (10/26 & 27) I wrote for a combined total of 12 hours answering questions related to music education, music and special education, music theory, and musicology related to American music. After completing on site writing at Kent, I completed two research papers at home: one a dissertation review, the other a review and critique of “educational” band literature (A surprising question to be offered for sure given my background, and that I have already written a little on the subject here and here). Read more…

I am pleased to announce that “Journey to the Prairie” audio has finally been posted at Manhattan Beach Music. The recording is by Dr. Edwin P. Arnold and the Grove City College Wind Ensemble – thank you Doc and students! My thanks to sound engineer Dr. Joseph M. Pisano for his assistance as well! The piece should be available by September 1, 2011. For those of you who have been asking – for over a year now – thank you for your patience and support!

Now available at C.L. Barnhouse, check out Siege of the Dark Castle from the Rising Band Series. It is programmatic work with a 3 part fugue that was commissioned by the East Stroudsburg North 5th Grade Band. Lots of good choices out there I know, but consider this piece in your music selections next year!