“Rise” (2025) was commissioned by Marie Speziale and the International Women’s Brass Conference in memory of pioneering trombonist and teacher, Betty Glover. This piece features a recurring motif of four ascending notes layering on top of one another, their upward motion an inspiration for the title. An opposing line initially appears in the trombone voice as a descending melody whose final note always reaches upwards. As these ideas are exchanged among the ensemble, a new, more uncertain theme emerges. The texture thins to reveal a low brass feature that reunites with the ascending figures. All of these themes combine in a moment of glory that falls away to a joyous finish. 
 
One of the most striking facets of Betty’s story was her ability to always rise to the occasion and prove herself as an incredible musician and human beyond a shadow of a doubt. “Rise” aims to emulate this idea that even through the tumultuous seas of life, times of uncertainty, and moments when we feel we have reached a dead end, it is still possible to rise in the face of adversity, just like Betty did. Her life was one of many accomplishments and firsts that have allowed musicians like myself to have a career, and I hope this piece conveys that inspiration and gratitude.
 
Instrumentation: Bb Trumpet (4), Horn (4), Trombone (3), Bass Trombone (1), Euphonium (2), Tuba (2), Timpani (1), Percussion (2)
 
Recording: The Monarch Brass, 2025 International Women's Brass Conference (May 2025)