WORKS
Orchestral Works
14:30. Chamber Orchestra (single winds), Native American Singers (drum group). “Olowan” (oh-LO-wan) means “song” in the Lakota language. Commissioned by the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra for a Native American tour with support of the American Composers Forum and the National Endowment for the Arts. Released (2022) on the innova label. 2009. AUDIO.
05:00. Orchestra. Level 4. Part of the I/U Series (in Lenape language). Orchestra musicians also perform Lenape text. Commissioned for the Harvard-Westlake School Orchestra for Carnegie Hall. 2023. AUDIO.
32:00. Orchestra (single winds) and solo flute, in 3 movements: Golden Flute, Wooden Flute, Honey Flute. Movement 2 uses a Native American flute. Funded in part by Margaret Cornils Luke in memory of her aunt Gertrude Cornils and in part by the College of Visual and Performing Arts of Northern Illinois University. 2014. AUDIO.
23:00. Orchestra (double winds), Chorus (satb), Native American Flute, Classical Guitar, in 3 movements (Honoring Kwa’Apoge; Honoring Villa de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Assisi; Honoring Santa Fe, the City Different). Commemorates the 400th anniversary of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Supported in part by Dr. Gregory and Angie Yan Schaaf, the Santa Fe 400th Committee, and the City of Santa Fe. Special thanks to Dr. Anna Marie Cardinalli, Valerie Martínez, and the Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra & Chorus. 2010. MOVEMENT ONE.
32:00. Solo Piano and Orchestra (double winds). Honors the late Cherokee-Choctaw composer Louis Wayne Ballard in 3 movements (A Spirited Farwell, Music Box Manitou, Stomp Dance for Louis). Movement 1 was composed by Dr. Ballard, then posthumously arranged and orchestrated by Brent Michael Davids. Movements 2 and 3 were composed by Brent Michael Davids in remembrance of his longtime friend and mentor. 2007. MOVEMENT THREE.
15:00. Trumpet (Flugelhorn double), Orchestra (double winds), Chorus (satb), Oneida Water Drum. A trumpet concerto celebrating Oneida life, hymn singing and brass bands. Dedicated to Oneida People of Wisconsin, the “Standing Stone” People, and was made possible by generous grants from Florida State University, The Oneida Nation Arts Program, and the Wisconsin State Arts Board, and was composed for Oneida Trumpet Artist Christopher Moore. 2005. EXCERPT. AUDIO.
05:00.Orchestra (double winds). Features an English Horn solo. A new version of the final two movements of “Powwow Symphony” rewritten especially for Garrison Keillor and A Prairie Home Companion’s “thanksgiving” show (November 2005) broadcast from Indiana. 2005.
19:30. String Orchestra, Narrator. Humorous narrated story with string orchestra commenting on James Fenimore Cooper’s erroneous “Last of the Mohicans” book. Originally commissioned for the Miró Quartet by the Caramoor International Music Festival for A String Quartet Library for the 21st Century, and also premiered by the strings of the Scottish National Radio Orchestra. 2001. STRING QUARTET VERSION.
05:00. Solo Soprano, Orchestra (single winds). Lyrics and Music: Brent Michael Davids. Lyrics are Native American “vocables” that portray an operatic aria reminiscent of an Indigenous song. Composed as part of an opera workshop, and was rehearsed and performed with piano reduction by Nautilus New Music Workshop, Saint Paul, Minnesota. 2001. AUDIO.
40:00. Orchestra (double winds), Chorus (satb), Quartz Flute (or flute substitute), Powwow Master of Ceremonies (announcer). Optional Native American dancers (though preferred). A day in the life of a powwow day in 15 movements (Welcome, Sunset, Gourd Dance, Grand Entry, Flag Song, Veteran Song, Interlude, Intertribal, Tiny Tots, Interlude, Song Cycle, Contest Song, Honor Song, Prayer Song, Grand Exit). Commissioned in part by the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra with the gracious assistance of Ralph Berkowitz, and supported in part by Djerassi Resident Artist Program, and the Rockefeller Foundation. 1998. PROMO. AUDIO.
05:00. Orchestra (double winds). An orchestral adagio, that later became one movement of “Powwow Symphony.” The natural sounds of the orchestra grow into the theme of earth (low) and sky (high). 1997.
04:30. Youth Orchestra (double winds), up to 6 flute soloists, Timapani, Horizontal Bass Drum, Orchestra Bells, Clay Bird Whistles, Bird Roars, Harp. A celebration of the Indigenous residents of a Minnesota lake. Commissioned by GTCYS especially for this occasion, “Lake Winds” celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the Greater Twin Cities’ Youth Symphonies of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Commission was made possible in part by support from The Saint Paul Companies. 1997. EXCERPT FULL AUDIO
Orchestra Works Live-to-Film
Orchestra Score for Live Performance with the Film. Nature Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Robin Rupe, Volti Subito Productions, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 2015. VIDEO.
Orchestra Score for Live Performance with the Film. Feature Length Drama [re-scored]. Chamber Ensemble Suite and Flute/Piano Suite versions are also available. Composer (2003): Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker (1920): Maurice Tourneur, Clarence Brown. Film Producer: Maurice Tourneur Productions. Stars: Wallace Beery, Barbara Bedford, Boris Karloff. 2003. CLIP. CLIP. CHAMBER ENSEMBLE. FLUTE/PIANO.
CHAMBER Works
Four voices (ssaa) and 4 birdroars. Hand notated manuscript inked on vellum. Commissioned by Network for New Music to honor Lenape cultural treasure Nora Thompson Dean (“Touching Leaves Woman”). Print scores only (no digital). The vellum score and four birdroars were exhibited (2023) at the Morgan Library in New York City. 2023. VIDEO.
10:00. Part of the I/U Series (in Comanche language). Tenor Recorder (Clarinet substitute), Bass Flute, Contrabassoon, Hand Drum, Contralto, Viola. Commissioned by Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera. 2023.
04:30. Voice with small (flexible) ensemble. Lyrics by Juanita Pahdopony and Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned and performed by Houston Grand Opera. 2020. DEMO.
22:00. New Edition. Four flutes (Quartz, Metal, Clay, Wood), and percussion. Features Havasupai “Guardians of the Grand Canyon” Ram Dancers. Originally commissioned by the American Composers Forum and the National Endowment for the Arts as part of a nationwide “Continental Harmony” project (2000) with the Grand Canyon Music Festival. Featured on the “Continental Harmony” PBS-TV program (2001). Reprised for the 100th anniversary of the National Park (2019). EXCERPT. EXCERPT.
03:00. Bass Clarinet, Vibraphone, Marimba, Piano. Commissioned, premiered and recorded by new music ensemble Zeitgeist in celebration of their 30th Anniversary on their CD “Here and Now” (innova). 2008. AUDIO.
08:00. Solo Viola and Lyric Tenor. Lyrics were playfully adapted entirely from viola jokes. The Violist is the defensive witness, while the Tenor is the accusatorial barrister. Commissioned for Violist Melia Watras by the University of Washington, Seattle. 2006. AUDIO.
09:00. Chorus (satb), 4 Tubas. Lyrics: Marcie R. Rendon. Music: Brent Michael Davids. Dedicated to the HoChunk People and Madison Wisconsin’s surrounding four lakes. Commissioned by the Festival Choir of Madison, Wisconsin. 2005.
19:30. Violin, Vibraphone, Marimba, Bass Clarinet, Narrator. Humorous narrated story with instrumental ensemble commenting on James Fenimore Cooper’s erroneous “Last of the Mohicans” book. Originally commissioned for the Miró Quartet by the Caramoor International Music Festival for A String Quartet Library for the 21st Century, and also premiered by the Zeitgeist ensemble. 2001. STRING QUARTET VERSION.
07:00. Voice, Piano. Composed to honor the American Indians and survivors of the first Indian boarding school in America, the Carlisle Indian Board School in PA. “We Are The Dawn” was premiered at the Carlisle Powwow in 2000, by Brent Michael Davids on Quartz Crystal Flute and Joe Myers on Guitar. 2000. AUDIO.
10:00. Water Pipes, Water Bowls, Gourd Water Drums, Wooden Water Drum, Water Bird Whistles, Water Basin Echo Chambers, Water Fondue Pot, Quartz Soprano Flute, Quartz Bass Flute and Electric Guitar. Many of the instruments utilize water to produce the sounds. Obscure score. Commissioned by the Scottsdale Center for the Arts and premiered at the SCA “Canal Project” as a ceremonial dedication to the people of Phoenix Metropolitan area reliant on the canal system first developed by the Hohokam people. 1995.
06:00. Quartz Bass Flute (or bass flute substitute), and 2 contrabasses. Evokes the feeling of petroglyphs coming to life, by using extended instrumental techniques, vocalizations, whispery effects and harmonics to achieve its musically haunting effect. 1994. EXCERPT.
02:30. Chamber Ensemble (2 piccolos, 2 flutes, bass clarinet, bassoon, bullroar, 2 birdroars, 2 wooden sheepherder bells, 2 mounted toms, 2 mounted bongos, mounted tambourine, maracas, and horizontal bass drum). A fanfare for Indigenous America. Spaced into three separate groups, flutes and percussion instruments evoke the feeling of being deep inside the canyon where voices and echoes mix in unexpected ways. Commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the National Symphony Orchestra and the 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center. 1995.
12:00. Four flutes of differing material (metal, quartz, clay, wood), and self-made instruments (metal tapping bowls, crystal tapping bowls, clay tapping bowls, wood tapping bowls). Site specific work: Musicians move around the space while performing. Commissioned by the Central Arizona Chapter American Guild of Organists, and premiered by the composer and ensemble at the Western Regional Convention of the American Guild of Organists (1995), Phoenix, Arizona. 1995.
05:00. Quartz Soprano Flute, Bass Quartz Crystal Flute, Piccolo, 2 Soprano Flutes, Alto Flute, and Percussion (Bird Roars, Rain Stick, Shaker, Rasp, Sleigh Bells, 3 Wood Bells, Orchestra Bells, Marimba, Powwow Drum, Bass Drum, 2 Toms, Bongo). Spacial performance, arranged into 3 groups, with echo effects. Commissioned by the Arizona State Music Teachers Association with support from the Music Teachers National Association. 1993. EXCERPT.
18:00. Standard Woodwind Quintet (soprano saxophone, bass clarinet, alto flute, piccolo doubles), Toy Tambourine, 2 Baby Rattles, Toy Slide Whistle, Toy Melodia, Shell Horn, Toy Trumpet, Toy Squeaky Duck, Toy harmonica. A hand-notated manuscript with “picture notation” uses extended instrumental techniques and microtonal writing. ommissioned by Quintessence through the Meet the Composer program with support from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts and Dayton Hudson Foundation. “Ni-Tcang” is available on the “Ni-Tcang” CD (BBG 8001) from the Composer. 1992. EXCERPT.
15:00. Bass Voice, Shell Horn, Quartz Bass Flute, Water Pipes, Clay Flute, Bass Clarinet, Water Bowls, 6 Water Drums. Lyrics are in Mahican language, and work uses sound cluster effects, extended instrumental techniques, specially created handmade instruments, and spatial notation. All instrumentalists perform from the hand-inked vellum score, as does the vocal soloist. 1989.
08:00. Quartz Flute, Bamboo Flute, Clay Flute, Ocarina, Clay and Plastic Whistles, Shaker, Turkey caller, and La Fondue Pot (self-made device). Hand-inked score on vellum, where all instrumentalists perform from the score. “Elixir (Pure Since c1987)” is available on the “Ni-Tcang” CD (BBG 8001) from the Composer. 1987. EXCERPT.
10:00. Euphonium, Bass Flute, Piccolo, Steel Drums, 2 Wind Chimes, 2 Electric oscillating fans. A hand notated score on a 3-foot by 4-foot single page, in the shape of a beach scene. The 5-line musical staves appear in the shape of a sunbather, sea shells, sand, clouds, sun and birds. The score is mounted on-stage facing the audience, so the instrumentalists perform facing away from the audience. Ccommissioned and premiered by Matthew Scott Combs, Peoria, Illinios. Obscure score. 1981.
16:00. Piccolo, flutes, alto flute, bass flute, orchestra bells, vibes, belltree. Hand inked score, transferred to projected slides. Score projected onto hall walls, so performs can move about the space. Evokes the shimmering of snow flakes whirling about in the winter winds. The work was commissioned and premiered by flutist Jan Walker, DeKalb, Illiniois. Obscure score on slides. 1980.
10:00. Flute, Treble Kalimba, Alto Kalimba, Suspended Cymbal, 4 Baby Bullroars (self-made devices), Violoncello. Hand notated inked score. All instrumentalists perform from the score. Evokes 3 stages of a flute’s tradition use in courtship (youth, maturity, old age). The work was commissioned and premiered by flutist Jan Walker, DeKalb, Illinois. Obscure score. 1979.
10:00. Mezzo Soprano, Flute, Musical Saw, Celesta, Water Gong, Double Bass. Hand notated score with “picture notation.” All performers read from the score. The work illustrates 3 stages of a blue butterfly’s life. “KiMama To” was commissioned and premiered by Diane Ragains of the Chicago Lyric Opera, Chicago, Illinois. Obscure score. 1978 AUDIO
11:00. Mixed Chamber Ensemble. Level 5. The work utilizes layering techniques, extended instrumental techniques, timbre and cluster effects, several solos and soloistic passages, and added instruments such as thunder sheet, SATB chorus and flutes. The work was premiered an experimental chamber ensemble of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. Obscure score. 1978 EXCERPT
String Quartets
19:30. String Quartet. Autobiographical work about suffering “tinnitus” (instrumentalists create a tinnitus tone that rings throughout the work). Commissioned and premiered by the Miró Quartet at the University of Texas at Austin. 2005. AUDIO.
19:30. String Quartet, Narrator. Humorous narrated story with string quartet commenting on James Fenimore Cooper’s erroneous “Last of the Mohicans” book. Commissioned for the Miró Quartet by the Caramoor International Music Festival for A String Quartet Library for the 21st Century, and is dedicated to the surviving Mohicans, the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation, and to our perseverance, longevity, humor and unique way of life. 2001. AUDIO.
16:00. Electric String Quartet (Apache Violin double), Bow Shakers, Mini-Raspers, and Text. The text is a statement authored by political prisoner Leonard Peltier especially for this work. In four movements (Old World, New World, Post World, Earth World), the work was composed for the Kronos Quartet as an Honor Song dedicated to the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas. Commissioned by the Kronos Quartet. 1996. EXCERPT.
15:00. String Quartet, Quartz Bass Flute, Giant Turtle Water Drum (specially built) in center stage, Owl Buzzer, Clay Turtle Whistle, and Text. Text in Mahican language, by Brent Michael Davids. Commission was made possible by a grant from the Meet The Composer/Reader’s Digest Commissioning Program in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund, in cooperation with Hancher Auditorium/University of Iowa and Brooklyn Academy of Music. 1995.
12:00. Electric String Quartet, (Apache Violin double), Bow Shakers, Bow Bells, prepared bows (Leather, Silk, Velvet and Wood). The work parallels the cycles of life as the various woods “sing” the seasons of the earth into existence. A hand-notated manuscript, the score calls for extended instrumental techniques and microtones that add coloristic dimensions. Commissioned by Mrs. Ralph I. Dorfman for the Kronos Quartet, and premiered at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale, Arizona. 1994. EXCERPT.
Solo Works
05:00. Solo Violin. Level 6 (very difficult). Scordatura re-tuning of the low string. Commissioned by Dr. Katherine McLin and Arizona State University School of Music, Tempe. 2019. VIDEO
06:50. Solo flute. Commissioned by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for Julia Bogorad-Kogan. 2022. EXCERPT.
01:00. Beginner solo piano work, plus teacher accompaniment. Level 1. Commissioned and published by the Frances Clark Center. 2023.
1:00. Solo piano, with pianist whistling. Composed as part of Nicolas Horvath’s large pastiche on a Philip Glass work. Commissioned by Nicolas Horvath. Performed in Paris, France. 2014.
04:00. Alto Saxophone, Piano. Level 3-4. Commissioned by Kara Nye, for Darthmouuth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. 2010.
04:00. Solo Piano. Level 4-5. Composed for my dear friend and renowned pianist Emanuele Arcuili. 2009.
4:30. Solo Piano. Promotes science. Level 4-5. Composed for my dear friend and renowned pianist Emanuele Arcuili. 2000.
02:00. Solo Piano. Level 4-5. Promotes science and Freethought. Level 4-5. Composed for my dear friend and renowned pianist Emanuele Arcuili. 2000. AUDIO.
12:00. Solo Piano, in 3 movements. Level 4-5. Recalls the Mohican story of the great bear in the sky (astronomy). Composed for my dear friend and renowned pianist Emanuele Arcuili. Premiere by Emanuele Arcuili on the Classically Native Series (2008) of the National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, D. C. 2008.
05:30. Solo Piano. Level 4-5. Composed for my dear friend and renowned pianist Emanuele Arcuili. 2008.
06:40. Solo Cello (with cellist vocalizations). Lyrics adapted from a ficticious cello chili recipe and 2 quotes of Cherokee humorist Will Rogers. Commissioned by solo cellist Dawn Avery. 2008. AUDIO.
03:00. Solo Quartz Flute (or flute substitute). Work evokes a desert landscape in “picture notation,” where the musical notation depicts a bowing cactus. Commissioned by the Arizona Commission on the Arts and premiered by the composer at the Arizona Governor’s Arts Awards, Phoenix, Arizona. 2001. AUDIO.
06:00. Quartz Bass Flute, Voice. May be performed by one or two performers as desired. Text adapted from a text by Mona Susan Powers. The work showcases extended instrumental techniques, such as key pops, pitch bends, breathy whisper tones, and singing harmony while playing. The work was premiered by the composer at Atlantic Center for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. 1992. AUDIO.
Band Works
05:00. Symphonic Band. Grade Level 4. Commissioned by Mile High Freedom Band. Features 2 sets of timpani with the concert band. 2023. AUDIO.
04:00. Symphonic Band. Level 4. Commissioned by Michigan City Municipal Band. 2023.
03:30. Concert Band. Commissioned by Texas Lutheran University School of Music by the TLU Bands honoring Juanita (Nita) Pahdopony. 2023.
01:30. Young Band. Level 0.5. Commissioned by Minnesota District 196 Elementary Bands: Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan. 2022.
11:00. British style brass band. Professional level (difficult). 2016. AUDIO.
03:15. Concert Band. Level 2-2.5. Commissioned by the Minnesota Band Directors Association. and designed to fulfill the Minnesota Academic Standards, Arts K-12 for “contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.” 2012. AUDIO.
05:15. Concert Band. Level 3-3.5. Commissioned by the Minnesota Band Directors Association. and designed to fulfill the Minnesota Academic Standards, Arts K-12 for “contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.” 2012. AUDIO.
03:45. Concert Band. Level 2-2.5. Instrumentalists sing “vocables” when performing the work. Commissioned by the American Composers Forum, the work was published as part of the BandQuest series (Hal Leonard), and includes an interdisciplinary CD-ROM for teaching. Here are a few examples: Teaching vocables, Students Interview Brent Michael David, Band director Jeff Jacox discusses BandQuest experience. 2001. AUDIO.
16:00. Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Concert Band). Level 4-5. Depicts the four directions of many Indigenous cultures. The work utilizes layering techniques, extended instrumental techniques, timbre and cluster effects, several solos and soloistic passages, and added instruments such as thunder sheet, stroke rods and ocarina. The work was premiered by the Symphonic Band of Northern Illinois University with conductor Max Culpepper, DeKalb, Illinios. Obscure score. 1981 EXCERPT
Band Works Live-to-Film
04:30. Concert Wind Ensemble Score for Live Performance with the Film. Grade Level 4. Video: Josef Fairbanks. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned by Dartmouth College. 2021. AUDIO/VIDEO.
Big Band Jazz Works
11:00. Composed for NIU Jazz Ensemble, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. 1981; Ron Modell directing. AUDIO.
05:00. Composed for NIU Jazz Ensemble (big band), Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. 1980; Ron Modell directing. AUDIO.
04:40. Composed for NIU Jazz Ensemble (big band), Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. 1983; Ron Modell directing. AUDIO.
Composed for ASU Jazz Ensemble (big band), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. 1988 AUDIO
Composed for ASU Jazz Ensemble (big band), Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. 1987 AUDIO
Opera
56:00. Chamber Orchestra, Chorus (satb). Native American Singers, Opera soloists (Dramatic Soprano, Lyric Tenor, Lyric Baritone), Native American Flute. Libretto: Joseph Bruchac and Brent Michael Davids. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned by the Lenape Center in Manhattan with support from the Collegiate Church of New York and funded in part by the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian’s Expressive Arts program, the Indian Arts Research Center of the School for Advanced Research with support from the Ronald and Susan Dubin Artist Fellowship, the Native Arts & Culture Foundation’s Artist Fellowship, and ongoing support from Sharon Doty Davids. 2011. FULL VIDEO
Choral Works
29:00. “Touching Leaves Woman” is a hand-notated manuscript, inked on vellum, and the new musical work honors Nora Thompson Dean (1907-1984), a Lenape teacher and herbalist who dedicated her life to preserving Lenape culture. Nora was a beloved cultural treasure for the Lenape.
Scored for 4 voices and 4 birdroars, the lyric consists entirely of Nora’s name “Weènchipahkihëlèxkwe” in Lenape. Translated, her name means “Touching Leaves Woman.”
The work was performed at the Morgan Library & Museum on September 9, 2023, New York, NY. Music Copyright ©2023, Brent Michael Davids, All Rights Reserved. Video produced by Lenape Center (www.lenape.center). VIDEO.
05:00. Chorus (satb). Lyrics partially written by local Indigenous People as part of an Indigenous Land and People acknowledgement process. Choruses to work directly with local Indigenous People to complete the flexible lyrics, acknowledging Native land, people, genocide and survival. Each lyric is uniquely written by Natives, then performed by the host choruses. Commissioned by a consortium of eight University of Wisconsin universities. 2023. AUDIO.
02:00-02:40. Chorus (satb). Optional repeats. A conducting etude commissioned and published by University Libraries at Virginia Tech Press, Virginia. 2023. DEMO.
04:00. Chorus (satb). Lyrics in the Italian and Mahican languages. Commissioned for the 66th International Festival Venice Biennale Musica (La Biennale di Venezia), Italy, by Shenandoah Conservatory, Virginia. 2022.
05:00. Chorus (satb). Lyrics by Mona Susan Power. Commissioned and performed by I Cantanti Chamber Choir, Northfield, Minnesota. 2022.
05:00. Adapted for 3 levels of chorus, sung individually or in any combination (s, sa, satb). Lyrics by from Tara Houska. All proceeds go to Honor The Earth. Available through See-A-Dot Music Publishing, Inc. 2017.
15:00. Live film score for Chorus (ssaattbb) and Native American hand drum. Synched to b/w silent film, “Leather Stocking.” 2011.
3:30. Choral Anthem (satb), organ, Native American drum. Lyrics by Steven Charleston (Choctaw) and Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned by Native American Council at Christ Church Cathedtral, Cincinnati, Ohio. 2014.
01:00-10:00. Youth Chorus (sa), Native American flute, rattle, drum, synth piano, bass. Easy level. Lyrics are animal names in Oneida language. Composed for the Oneida Youth Singers of Oneida Wisconsin. 2013.
06:00. Chorus (satb), Native American Wood Flute. Lyrics and Music: Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned by West Virginia University-Parkersburg for the WVU-Parkersburg College Chorale, and is dedicated to the lone Wappinger man “Joe” Two Trees, to the young boy scout Ted Kazimiroff, to his son and author Ted Kazimiroff, Jr., and to the author’s book “The Last Algonquin.” 2008.
08:00. Chorus (ssaattbb), large Native American dance drum. Lyrics and music: Brent Michael Davids. Lyrics are entirely Native American ‘”vocables.” Commissioned by Loic Pierre and the Mikrokosmos Choir (Commande de Loïc Pierre pour le Choeur de Chambre Mikrokosmos). 2007.
01:30-3:00. Voice, Flute, 2 Contrabasses, Shaker. Lyrics in the Mahican language by Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned by Garrison Keillor for A Prairie Home Companion radio show (2 July 2005). Premiered at the Tanglewood Shed by Inga Swearingen, Prudence Johnson, Guys All Star Shoe Band, and the Edith Wharton String Quartet. 2005.
10:00-40:00. Three Choruses (s, sa, satb), Powwow Drum, Various Indigenous rhythm instruments. written especially for a ceremony held on the banks of the Mississippi River, and is a choral approximation of the convergence of three rivers: the Minnesota, the Saint Croix and the Mississippi. In this way, three separate choir works, named respectively, are performed separately and then sequentially combined, to evoke the mingling of the three rivers. Each choral work functions as a completely separate composition, specifically depicting the character and history of each particular river. Commissioned to commemorate the Mingling of Waters Ceremony of the Grand Excursion celebration and presented by Xcel Energy (4 July 2004), St. Anthony Falls, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2004.
09:00. Chorus (ssaattbb), 2 Nose Flutes. Lyrics are in Mahican language and Native American “vocables” as an Indigenous response to the dated western “The Covered Wagon.” A racist hymn is performed one half-step apart in tuning from an Indigenous backdrop to dramatic effect. Commission by Chanticleer and recorded on the “our American Journey” CD (Teldec). 2002.
08:00. Chorus (satb), Native American Flute (or flute substitute). Lyrics: Marcie R. Rendon. About Indigenous people, land and ideas of American immigration. Commissioned and premiered by World Voices, of Minneapolis, Minnesota (2001), with the composer on quartz flute and the lyricist as narrator. 2001.
20:00. Boys Choir (Trebles 1, 2, 3), Quartz Flute (or flute substitute), Shaker, Tambourine, Powwow Drum (or large tom), Narrator. Story and lyrics by US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. Vocables by Brent Michael Davids. Includes story and six songs (Introduction Song, Happy Vain Crow, Gaming Song, Crow Magic Song, Soot Song and Human Lesson Song). Commissioned by the Phoenix Boys Choir. 1997.
15:00. Chorus (ssaattbb), Quartz Flute (or flute substitute), Hand Drum. Lyrics by US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo. Composed in 3 movements, using vocal techniques such as whisper-singing, speaking, and Native American vocalizations. Commissioned and premiered by the Racine Symphonic Chorus in Wisconsin, and later premiered in Minnesota by The Dale Warland Singers. 2000.
09:00. Chorus (ssaattbb), 2 Nose Flutes. Lyrics and Music: Brent Michael Davids. The lyrics of Night Chant are both Mahican words and Native American “vocables,” as both a love song and night chant. A “walking chant” is composed into the work. Ccommission was made possible by a grant by Meet The Composer/Reader’s Digest Commissioning Program in partnership with The National Endowment for the Arts and Lila Wallace Reader’s Digest Fund; and, by a consortium consisting of Chanticleer and The Dale Warland Singers. 1996.
09:00. Chorus (ssaattbb), 2 skin drums (or tom substitutes). Lyrics and Music: Brent Michael Davids. A musical soup of Mahican and Native American “vocables” stirred together. Commissioned by Chanticleer, and premiered (22 July 1999) at Tanglewood’s Seiji Ozawa Hall, Lenox, Massachusetts. 1997.
09:00. Chorus (satb), Quartz Flute (or flute substitute), Shakers, Bird Roars, Powwow Drum (or tom substitute). A percussive suite derived from 3 Indigenous songs in 3 segue movements (Lenape Song, Apache Song, Zuni Sunrise Song). Lyrics: derived from Native American “vocables.” Commissioned by the Dale Warland Singers. Available through earthsongs Choral Music. 1995.
03:00. Youth Chorus (SA), 2 Soprano Flutes, Triangle, Shaker, Tambourine. Lyrics in Mahican language, and “vocables” by Brent Michael Davids. A hand-notated manuscript in “picture notation” in the shape of feathers. The work celebrates our relatedness and is dedicated to the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation. 2000.
06:40. Chorus (satb), Quartz Flute (or flute substitute), Shaker, Orchestra Bells, Crotales, Skin Drum (or tom substitute), 4 Timpani, Violoncello. Lyrics in Mahican and “vocables” by Brent Michael Davids. The work was a finalist (1993) in the Dale Warland choral reading series. 1993.
06:00. Children’s Chorus (s), Piano. Lyrics and Music: Brent Michael Davids. Designed to be easily sung by children and teaches about the importance of good familial relationships, and about respecting others and ourselves. The work was originally composed as the theme for a prevention video produced by Indian Rehabilitation, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. 1990.
12:00. Chorus (satb). Lyrics and Music: Brent Michael Davids. The work utilizes vocal syllables, experimental sounds and colors to evoke the passing of the four seasons. Whispery vocal effects, chanting sounds, partial words, consonants and extended vocal techniques are mixed with choral singing in a work “environmental” in nature. Commissioned and premiered by Graceland College Chamber Singers while the composer was Composer In Residence at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. Obscure score. 1983.
Dance Scores
18:00. Quartz Soprano Flute, Quartz Bass Flute, Powwow Drum, Clay Flutes, Electronics, Voice. Recorded and live performed score. Choreographer: Peter Pucci. The work was composed for the Joffrey Ballet and choreographer Peter Pucci, and shows a strong connection between Mohicans the animal world. The work is available on the “Ni-Tcang” CD (BBG 8001) from the Composer. 1992. EXCERPT.
Short recorded audio score (flutes and electronics) for Choreographer Sandra Yellowhorn, Alberta, Canada. 2021.
30:00. Quartz Flute, Electric Guitar, Violin, Apache Violin, Various Percussion, Voice, Double Bass. Performed live with the evening-length multimedia installation and modern dance work. Commissioned by Lincoln Center, and premiered by Maida Withers Dance Construction Company at Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors, Washington D. C. 1996.
04:00. Recorded audio score (flutes, guitar, percussion, electronics) commissioned and performed by the American Indian Dance Theater, Los Angeles, California. 1995.
30:00. Recorded ballet score (flutes, strings, electronics, spoken texts). Lyrics drawn from poetry of Ramson Lomatewama. Choreography by Michael Uthoff. Te ballet was commissioned and premiered by Ballet Arizona, at Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Scottsdale, Arizona. 1994.
30:00. Quartz Flute, Wood Flute, Powwow Drum, Small Percussion, Bells, Vocal Effects, Singing, and Electronics. Recorded and live score. score for a modern dance work of the same name, and was created for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts and the Santa Fe Indian Market. Commissioned and presented by the New Mexico Repertory Theater, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 1993.
60:00. Quartz Soprano Flute, Flute, Native American Wood Flute, Bamboo Flute, Clay Flutes, Whistles, Various Percussion, Piano, Electronics. Recorded score. Modern dance score for a fully-staged evening-length work for dancers and music that was conceived by mask-maker Zarco Guerrero and choerographed by Elina Mooney. Commissioned by the Arizona State University School of Dance and premiered by Dance Arizona Repertory Theater, Tempe, Arizona. 1990.
30:00. The score was composed as a sparse musical soundtrack to accompany a theatrical and movement work of the same name written by Yukio Mishima. The work was performed by the composer at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, and at Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, Illinois. Ccommissioned by the Crazy Salad Experimental Theater of Tempe, Arizona. 1990.
20:00. Various Flutes, Small Percussion and Voices. The modern dance score was commissioned by Mei Hsiu Chan, and premiered at the ASU School of Dance, Tempe, Arizona. 1988.
20:00. Various Flutes, Small Percussion and Voices. The score for this modern dance work was composed for an MFA candidate in the school of dance at Arizona state university. It was composed, performed and recorded by the composer, who scored the music to fit the choreography and was also the music director for the premiere. Commissioned and premiered at the ASU School of Dance, Tempe, Arizona. 1988.
20:00. arious Flutes, Small Percussion and Voices. The score was composed as the musical soundtrack for this modern dance work, was commissioned by Kerina McAdama-Conner, and presented by her modern dance company, Wrightstown, New Jersey. 1988.
16:00. Voice, Quartz Soprano Flute, Electronic Piano, Electronics, Spinning Ceramic Plates on Amplified Floor Space. Score for a multimedia and dance work, choreographed by Lisa Chow in collaboration with the soundtrack’s creation. The score was commissioned by the Heard Museum, and was performed by Lisa Chow and dancers, with Brent Michael Davids on flutes, Phoenix, Arizona. 1987.
Film Scores
04:00. Music video (Jazz-Rock). Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Video: Kendrick Whiteman, Jr. Commissioned by The Lenape Center. 2021. VIDEO.
04:30. Live film score for Concert Wind Ensemble. Grade Level 4. Video: Josef Fairbanks. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Commissioned by Dartmouth College. 2021. AUDIO/VIDEO.
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Filmmaker: Leya Hale. Prioducer: TPT-2 (Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Minnesota), PBS-TV. Emmy Award. 2021. STREAM
Video game score. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: Oneida Nation, Wisconsin. 2021.
Dramatic Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Filmmaker: Molly Worre. Writer: Wenonah Wilms. Producer: Katagiri Productions, Saint Paul, Minnesota. Stars:Saginaw Grant, Maxwell A. Hollingsworth, Eric Pierson. 2016. WATCH
Nature Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Robin Rupe, Volti Subito Productions, Albuquerque, New Mexico. 2015. WATCH
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Filmmaker: Aleshia Mueller. Producer: Reel Nomad, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2012. WATCH
Dance Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Filmmaker: Maida Withers. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Film producer: Maida Withers Dance Construction Company, Washington, D. C. 2012. WATCH
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Filmmaker: Anton Truer. Producer: TPT2, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Minnesota. PBS-TV. Emmy Award. 2011. WATCH
Industrial Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Rick Anderson. Film Producer: A Rick Anderson Production.
Feature-Length Animation. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Kai Mariah. Film Producer: A Kai Mariah Production, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Silver Medal for Excellence in Original Scoring (2011), Park City Film Music Festival. 2010. TRAILER WATCH REVIEW
Film Teaser. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Syd Beane. Film Producer: B&B Productions, Minneapolis, Minnesota. TEASER
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Filmmaker: Aleshia Mueller. Producer: Reel Nomad, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2009. WATCH
Animated Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Kai Mariah. Film Producer: Wazoo Show, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Comedic Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Kai Mariah. Film Producer: Wazoo Show, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2009. IMDb
Documentary Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Sharon Day. Producer: Indigenous People’s Task Force & Wabinigay, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2007. WATCH
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker Jerry Lopez. Producer: Sin Fronteras, Saint Paul, Minnesota. 2005. ARTICLE
Feature-Length Drama [two-night mini-series]. Associate Composer: Brent Michael Davids (with Composer Stephen Warbeck). Filmmaker: Steve Barron. Writer: John Fusco. Producer: Matthew O’Connor, Ron McLeod. Associate Producer: Georgina Lightning. Stars: August Schellenberg, Eddie Spears, Gary Farmer, John Trudell. Hallmark Entertainment, ABC-TV, London, United Kingdom. TRAILER STREAM IMDb
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Dan C. Jones. Film Producer: Ray Halbritter, Sonny Skyhawk, Dan C. Jones. Four Directions Media, Oneida Nation, New York. Stars: Peter Coyote. Winner, Best Long-form documentary: The American Indian Film Festival (San Francisco, California). Permanent collection at Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (Washington, D. C.). NBC-Sports TV. 2003. WATCH DVD IMDb
Feature Length Drama [Re-scored]. Composer (2003): Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker (1920): Maurice Tourneur, Clarence Brown. Film Producer: Maurice Tourneur Productions. Stars: Wallace Beery, Barbara Bedford, Boris Karloff. 2003. CLIP CLIP
Symphonic Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Orchestra: Phoenix Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: David Lockington. Stars: Brent Michael Davids, Sammy Tonekei White, Arizona Arts Chorale. 2001. PROMO
Documentary. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Beverly Morris. Producer: Beverly Morris, Santa Fe, New Mexico. 1997. LIBRARY LOAN ITVS
Feature-Length Drama [Re-scored]. Composer (1996): Brent Michael Davids. Music Production: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker (1930): H.P. Carver. Film Producer: Burden-Chanler Productions. Stars: Chauncey Yellow Robe, Buffalo Child Long Lance, Molly Spotted Elk. Released: Paramount (1930). Re-scored film was premiered live-to-picture at the Native Americans International Film Festival, Santa Fe, New Mexico, with the composer’s performance ensemble, and guest flutist Herbie Mann. 1996. CLIP SPECIAL
Theme Music (Radio). Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Distributor: AIROS, Lincoln, Nebraska. 1995.
Theme Music (Radio). Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Distributor: Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, Anchorage, Alaska. 1995. AUDIO
Media CD-ROM Music. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Media Producer: Heard Museum, Phoenix, Arizona. 1994.
Documentary Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: James Allen Swan. Media Producer: Phelps Dodge Corporation. Distributor: Copperstate Chronicles, KTVK-TV, Channel 3, Phoenix, Arizona. 1994.
Industrial Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Media Producer: Arizona Commission on the Arts, Phoenix, Arizona. 1994.
Educational Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: National Geographic Society, Educational Films, Washington, D. C. 1993.
Educational Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Producer: National Geographic Society, Educational Films, Washington, D. C. 1993.
Documentary Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Film Producer: Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, Reno, Nevada. 1992.
Television Theme. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Television Producer: Roy Track, Syd Beane. Distributor: KTVK-TV Channel 3, Phoenix, Arizona. 1992. AUDIO
Welfare Video. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Video Producer: Northwest Indian Child Welfare Association, Portland, Oregon. 1991.
Prevention Video. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Dede Yazzie Devine. Video Producer: Native American Connections, Phoenix, Arizona. 1991.
Documentary Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Producer: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Film Producer: The Television Workshop, Tempe, Arizona. 1991.
Television Advertisement. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Commercial Producer: Stadium Cafe, Tempe, Arizona. 1990.
Documentary Short. Composer: Brent Michael Davids. Music Production: Blue Butterfly Group, Doodlebug Music Studio. Filmmaker: Native American Media, Ink (Arizona State University, Indigenous Graduate Students). Film Producer: Tandy Young, Native American Tourism Center, Scottsdale, Arizona. 1990.
