Streets Ahead (2025) - ~9 Minutes

Streets Ahead is a collection of four through-composed miniatures for tuba quartet, written for the Miami Low-Frequency Ensemble. Each movement highlights a different ensemble member and explores a distinct musical texture and emotional space, all rooted in modern stylistic language influenced by funk, dance, and expressive lyricism.

The opening movement, Entrada, establishes an assertive tone from the outset. With aggressive harmonies and a fast tempo, the piece "moves to the front without asking permission." A funky, driving bassline lays the foundation for a soaring solo in the second tuba, showcasing the contrabass tuba's full range and unexpected lyricism.

Modal Dance follows, shifting the spotlight to the first tuba. The movement opens with a flowing, lyrical solo that gives way to a persistent 6/8 ostinato. The rhythmic structure constantly shifts accents and patterns, creating a feeling of tension and release. In this dance, rhythmic mischief drives the narrative.

Prayer provides a moment of introspection, with both euphoniums delivering warm, melodic lines above a three-chord passacaglia. It evokes a sense of quiet resilience—prayers whispered in turmoil, searching for calm waters amid the storm.

The final movement, Gallop, is a virtuosic sprint led by the euphoniums. Its quick-step melody volleys between players like playful yet competitive siblings. A brief bridge accelerates the tempo before the piece gallops to a breathless, thrilling conclusion.