Michael Oare

Portraying the thrill and speed of alpine skiers navigating the demanding Super-G (super giant slalom) downhill course, Alpine Adventure is composed using a single fast tempo and takes the listener through a variety of stylistic moods. The opening and closing segments feature a driving, syncopated style while the middle section features a more lyric melody in 3/4, but still at the energetic, fast pace. An exciting ride for players and listeners alike. Dur: 2:40

The power and intensity of our ever-changing marine environment is portrayed in this descriptive work for young players. Incorporating a simple melodic motif along with syncopated rhythmic energy, Michael Oare effectively depicts the power of nature’s most violent storms. Opening with a calm, yet foreboding introduction, the work quickly transforms as the storm draws near. Thundering bass drum rolls, driving rhythmic and melodic ostinatos, and dynamic and textural contrasts propel the piece towards a bold and exciting conclusion. (Grade 2) Dur: 2:55

Propelled throughout by a constant driving pulse, Michael Oare’s exciting work pits opposing elements of harmony and rhythm against each other, portraying a sense of musical equilibrium. Creative interplay between winds and percussion, along with shifting meters and changing textures, adds to the effectiveness of this unique piece commissioned by the U.S Navy Band for their performance at the 2014 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Dur: 4:00

As the title might imply, this unique composition contains several references to the number 5. For starters, the meter of 5/4 is an obvious connection. More subtle is the prominent use of the interval of a fifth, and also only five different pitches used throughout the entire work excerpt for two measures near the end. Even though Fivefold is composed using single tempo, the variety in textures and moods makes this particularly appealing. Dur: 4:00