
Recent Music Projects
2026: Horn and String arrangements for the new The Dear Hunter album
I contributed horn and string arrangements to two tracks on The Dear Hunter’s upcoming Sunya record — “Wasteland” and the title track — helping expand the band’s progressive palette with orchestrated colors that enhance the album’s dynamic scope. Sunya is set for release March 20, 2026.

2025: A Charlie Brown Christmas for full Symphony Orchestra
I recently completed an orchestral arrangement of Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, transforming the beloved jazz soundtrack into a symphonic medley. The piece moves through “Christmas Is Coming,” “What Child Is This,” “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Skating,” and “Linus and Lucy,” with touches of “I Saw Three Ships” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” woven throughout.

2025: Engraving Hans Huber’s Symphony No. 7
I engraved the second movement of Hans Huber’s Symphony No. 7 in preparation for an orchestral performance. Huber (1852–1921) was a Swiss composer known for his Romantic style and rich harmonies. Bringing his lesser-known symphony to life in a modern engraving format helps ensure musicians have a clear, high-quality score to perform from.

2025: Composing for Three Alphorns and Orchestra
I composed a piece for three alphorns and orchestra titled "Exalted Summits", exploring the alphorn’s resonant timbre and blending it with a full symphonic palette. The alphorn, traditionally used in the Swiss Alps, will be featured in a contemporary concert context—offering audiences a new twist on this fascinating instrument’s heritage.

2019-2024: Monthly Sight-Reading Sessions with Tom Hemphill
Since 2019, I’ve met monthly with Tom Hemphill—who performed in the San Francisco Symphony for 46 years—to sight-read Beethoven piano sonatas as vibraphone and marimba duets. We also explore music by Grieg, Mozart, Bach, and other composers. This ongoing project keeps us both creatively engaged, as we adapt these classical masterpieces to a unique percussion format.

2024: String Quartet Arrangement of “It Might as Well Be Spring”
I arranged Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “It Might as Well Be Spring” for string quartet, performed by Livingston Taylor during a Castles & Concerts tour in Bali. The lush harmonies of the original song blended beautifully with the intimate sound of a quartet, creating a memorable live performance in a stunning location.

2026: Stand! Reprise at the Paramount Theater in Oakland
For the In the Name of Love MLK Tribute in Oakland, I adapted and reprised my 2013 orchestral arrangement of “Stand!” by Sly & The Family Stone. The transcription honors the song’s roots in unity and resilience, reimagining its energy for full ensemble as part of this powerful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the Paramount Theatre.
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2025: Roundball Rock for full Symphony Orchestra
For Awesöme Orchestra's Thrive City debut, I created a full orchestral transcription of John Tesh’s iconic "Roundball Rock". Originally written as a high-energy broadcast theme, the piece translates surprisingly well to symphonic forces, with punchy brass, driving percussion, and soaring string lines capturing its unmistakable adrenaline. Opening the night with this fanfare sets the tone perfectly, bringing big arena energy to a live orchestral stage.

2025: Arranging “I Put a Spell on You” for Sam Pounds and Orchestra
I completed an orchestral arrangement of “I Put a Spell on You,” originally penned by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. This soulful track has been covered by countless artists, and I’m excited to craft a version that showcases Sam Pounds’ unique vocal style alongside a full orchestra.

2025: Aretha Franklin’s “Think” – Arrangement for Living Jazz
I’m honored to contribute to Living Jazz Presents: In the Name of Love, a special tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., celebrating the legacy of Aretha Franklin. For this event, I’ve been tasked with adapting my 2019 orchestral arrangement of Franklin’s “Think”—originally performed by the Oakland Symphony—into a reduced arrangement. The new version features a vibrant ensemble of flute, clarinet, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, harp, and strings, supported by Howard Wiley’s rhythm section.
This arrangement will highlight the incredible vocal talents of Dee Dee Simon, bringing Franklin’s timeless anthem of empowerment and resilience to life.

2024: Tutoring Composer Prasad Vidhyabaskaran & Conducting “Sentience”
In 2024, I had the pleasure of tutoring new composer Prasad Vidhyabaskaran for his first orchestral work, “Sentience.” I then conducted the piece with Awesöme Orchestra, and we captured the performance on video for YouTube. Seeing Prasad’s debut composition come to life was a highlight of the year.
