Under Western Skies for 2 trumpets and piano, I-Sunup [Heinz Karl Schwebel & Ayrton Banck] (duet)

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Under Western Skies Notes
"When New Mexico trumpeter John Marchinado contacted me about writing a duo
trumpet/piano piece, my immediate thought was to do something with a western flavor. Before,
and often during, my writing of this piece I poured over photographs of New Mexico’s high
desert areas, many that really embody the classic notion we have of “the west” - beautiful rock
formations, dusty deserts, distant snow capped peaks - the whole shebang. The first movement,
Sundown, attempts to accompany a classic western sunset. I imagined an evening ride
on horseback as the setting sun sets Shiprock aglow. The second movement, Sunup-High Noon,
opens with muted trumpets heralding the morning light. Before long we’re off on the days
adventure. The urgency of the mornings ride eventually slows as we ride into an old ghost
town. In the left hand we hear 12 ominous bell tolls signaling High Noon. Shifty eyes welcome!
The trumpets begin a duel in what is a tip of the hat to western master Ennio Morricone. After
reaching it’s climax we’re off again to the rousing conclusion."

Kevin McKee (b. 1980) is an active trumpeter, composer and educator in the DC area. A
California native, he earned his B.M. from CSU, Sacramento and a M.M. degree from University
of Maryland, both in trumpet performance. His teachers have included Chris Gekker, Steve
Hendrickson, and Gary Dilworth. He is a member of the Great Noise Ensemble, the Tryos
Ensemble and the Britt Festival Orchestra in Jacksonville, OR. He has also performed with the
Virginia and Richmond Symphonies, the New York Opera Society and The O'Jays. Festivals
attended include the Aspen Music Festival, the National Orchestral Institute, and the Music
Masters Course in Kasusa, Japan.
As a composer his music has been performed extensively throughout North America as
well as in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America by musicians ranging from young
student groups to top brass professionals. With an idiomatic style that is enjoyable for players
and listeners alike McKee has been rewarded with ongoing commissions and projects. When not
writing, playing or teaching you will find him with his wife, daughter, dog, cat and bird or with
his buddies on a disc golf course. For more information or to get in touch check out his website: www.kevinmckeemusic.com

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