PUBLISHER: Just A Theory Press | ca. 3 minutes | ADVANCED (Grade 5)
© 2025 M.O.T.I.F. (ASCAP)

Water Ballet for the Great Lakes is the first movement of my sonata for bass trombone and piano, Mitten State Postcards. Originally commissioned by Adam Graham and subsequently premiered at the 2025 International Trombone Festival, the sonata was an opportunity for me to create musical depictions of various aspects of my home state of Michigan and how each of them connects with the four classic elements - water, fire, earth, and air. This water ballet is a lyrical ode to the Great Lakes and all of its natural splendor, in which the more beautiful qualities of the trombone have an opportunity to shine. The gracefully flowing nature of this movement is especially exemplified in this arrangement through the idiomatic capabilities of the harp.

My sincerest gratitude to JOLO Duo for the opportunity to revisit this sonata.