NATIONAL FINALIST for
The American Prize in Composition - Band/Wind Ensemble, Professional Division

INSTRUMENTATION

WOODWINDS: Piccolo, 4 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, Eb Clarinet, 4 Bb Clarinets, 2 Bb Bass Clarinets, Bb Contrabass Clarinet
SAXOPHONES: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bari, Bass (optional)
BRASS: 4 Horns, 4 Bb Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphoniums (2+players), Tubas (2+ players)
STRINGS: Harp, Electric Guitar (optional), Bass Guitar
KEYBOARDS: Piano
PERCUSSION: Timpani, 7 Percussion (one player per part)

BRASS MUTES REQUIRED
Trumpets: Straight, Harmon, Cup
Trombones: Straight, Harmon

PERCUSSION LIST

Drum Set, Crotales (2 octaves, bow needed), Marimba (5 octave), Tam-Tam (mallets, 2 triangle beaters needed), Chimes, Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal, 2 Congas,
Xylophone, Tambourine, Djembe, Glockenspiel, DRUMS (4 Tom-Toms, 2 Bongos), Triangle, Whip, CYMBALS (China, Splash), Sand Blocks, Bass Drum

COMMISSIONED BY: Jason Noble, the New York University Wind Symphony, and a consortium of ensembles as part of the Aurora Tapestry Collective “Let’s Play” consortium
WORLD PREMIERE: December 10, 2022 | New York University Wind Symphony (Josh Trentadue, guest conductor) | Loewe Theatre, NYU, New York City

CONSORTIUM MEMBERS

Minnesota Junior Winds | Charles Weise
San José State University Wind Ensemble | David Vickerman
San José Metropolitan Band | Ken Nakamoto
The College of St. Olaf Scholastica Concert Band | Derek Bromme
Georgia Institute of Technology Concert and Symphonic Band | Benjamin Diden
Rochester Institute of Technology Bands | Luke Camarillo
Hanford High School Bands | Adam Hancock
Texas A&M University-Commerce Bands | Allan Goodwin
Westwood Wind Symphony | Brittany Dacy
Upper St. Clair High School Wind Ensemble | John Seybert
Nashville (AR) High School Wind Ensemble | Cody Ford
Fossil Ridge High School Bands | Aaron Herman

The very first video game I ever remember was Sonic the Hedgehog 2 for the SEGA Genesis (or Mega Drive, as it's known in a few other regions). The very first memory I have of a video game was of my mom and dad competing against each other in the multiplayer races featured in that game. I was immediately hooked.

While the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise was one that permeated throughout much of my life (for better and for worse), I would eventually become introduced to other platformers such as Freedom Planet, the Mario and Kirby series, and A Hat in Time. All of these games have similar characteristics, each defined in its own way, that represent different elements of the platformer genre -- games that ultimately require split-second decisions that can either make or break a particularly challenging obstacle or passage, a boss battle, a special bonus stage to obtain unique items, or a perfect playthrough. These decisions are especially crucial for the faster-paced adventures, where time isn't necessarily on the player's side.

Hilltop Run is an ode and a love letter to the platformer video games I grew up with and still continue to play to this day. The piece conjures up the imagination of a speedy character blazing through the lush, green, and naturally beautiful landscapes of their home that they always strive to preserve, protect, and defend. They are met with intense challenges during their heroic battles against the villainous foes who strive to destroy and pollute these landscapes for personal gain. However, in the end, it is the heroes of these games who always win, seeking additional and greater adventures on the path that lies ahead.

My sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Jason Noble and the New York University Wind Symphony for commissioning Hilltop Run; to the consortium members of the Aurora Tapestry Collective's "Let's Play" consortium for supporting this piece and project; to my fellow ATC members Kevin Day, Harrison J. Collins, and Katahj Copley for their encouragement and support; to Katahj for an excellent title for this piece; and finally, to my mom and dad for indulging in my and my siblings' video game interests during our childhood, sparking my creative interests for years to come.