A musical accompaniment with narrator for Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven. Optional abridged text available for shorter run time. Commissioned by the Fort Collins Symphony.
live recording
Romance & Tango
duration: 14 min.
year written: 2023
instrumentation: 2[1.2/picc] 2 3[1.2.bcl] 2[1.cbn] 2 2 2 1 timp + 2 harp violin solo strings
A lighthearted, dramatic, and melodic solo violin showcase ending in a tango. Commissioned by the Colorado Health and Wellness Orchestra. Violin and piano version also available.
live recording
SO MUCH SO: a suite for chamber ensembles
duration: 40 min. in total
year written: 2017
instrumentation: flute, oboe or soprano sax, clarinet, bassoon horn, trumpet percussion piano 3 violins, 2 violas, cello, double bass
A spatial, seven-part theme and variations for sinfonietta ensemble and smaller combinations thereof. Melodic fragments, harmonic developments, and changes in texture are the overall ideas among the variations. Within the piece, community and individuality are displayed and developed. Movements can be performed separately.
I. We
flute, cello
tutti
flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, percussion, piano
Depicting a scenic drive up the historic first road in Rocky Mountain National Park, this highly accessible work is based on a D major scale with stepwise motion in all parts and string crossings on open strings. Musical motifs are shared throughout the ensemble as the beauty of nature takes center stage in this peaceful, yet joyful work.
This lively triple-meter dance from the 16th century is very popular with classical guitarists and is now a wonderful addition to the string orchestra repertoire. Pizzicato accompaniments interact with a playful melody that is cleverly developed throughout the ensemble. A delightful work, perfect as a change-of-pace on any program.
This arrangement of the traditional Scottish song “Gloomy Winter’s Noo Awa’” is a perfect change of pace for a winter program. Winter Aire has beautiful melodic lines, which develop slowly and intertwine seamlessly, bringing expressive energy to your ensemble. Includes highly accessible parts in first position that allow students to work on smooth bow strokes, legato melodic lines, and dotted quarter-eighth note rhythms in E minor. A poignant addition to your winter-themed concert!
Expand the reach of your holiday program with this wonderful arrangement of the medieval carol Personet Hodie (“Let resound today” in Latin). Often relegated to choir, this version for strings and percussion showcases bold, powerful lines and a strong rhythmic backdrop. An excellent addition to any winter program.
This arrangement of In the Bleak Midwinter captures the sentiment of the holidays by placing Holst’s beautiful melody in a lush string orchestra atmosphere. Each section contributes with lyrical motives and nuanced harmonies while students have the opportunity to practice bow distribution, tone, and balance.
Experience this poignant folk song about loneliness and desire that builds from a solitary melody to an emotional, harmony-driven climax. Smooth textures and flowing melodies meld seamlessly with dramatic phrases as the work develops. An inspiring and unique arrangement of a delightful folk song.
Each performer is their own “character” in this dramatic string orchestra piece with a story-like structure and improvisational sections, giving students the opportunity to create their own correlating narratives and play independent parts. Commissioned by the Lower Moreland High School String Orchestra; Sarah Gulish, director.
All Mixed Up (Grade 3)
duration: 4 min.
year written: 2014
A Mixolydian theme and variations for grade 3 string players. Commissioned by the Colorado Middle School Ensemble.
Closer to the Sky (Grade 3)
duration: 3 min.
year written: 2024
This piece depicts the gorgeous view of Longs Peak from Longmont, Colorado. Commissioned by Westview Middle School 8th Grade Orchestra; Chue Vue, director.
Will be available to hear and purchase from Alfred Music in Spring 2025
The Ghost of Lady Howard (Grade 3)
duration: 4 min.
year written: 2023
This haunting arrangement of the ghostly English folk song “My Lady’s Coach” weaves together elements of suspense, tension, and mystery. Arranger Morgan Denney uses layered effects, including harmonics, sul ponticello, tremolo, and glissando, to tell the story of Lady Mary Howard’s spirit, doomed to travel in her phantom carriage for eternity. Eerie and compelling, The Ghost of Lady Howard is ideal for fall concerts or any time of year!
Will be available to hear and purchase from TUX People’s Music in Spring 2025
On the Hill (SATB)
duration: 3 min.
year written: 2024
instrumentation: SATB + piano
Poem by Iris Tree, 1916.
One Off the Count (TTB)
duration: 9 min.
year written: 2019
instrumentation: TTB + piano
This powerful work for men’s chorus uses the last verbal statements of executed male prisoners in America to musically convey the many nuances of crime and humanity.
A work about women overcoming adversity.Poem by Elinor Wylie, 1921.
live recording
When Awake (SSAATTBB)
duration: 8 min.
year written: 2015
instrumentation: SSAATTBB + prepared piano
A work that explores choral textures and the phonetic sounds of short phrases about dreaming. The simple prepared piano part involves pencils, paper, and aluminum foil.
A work about the three types of absent-mindedness: I. Hyperfocus, II. Zoning Out, and III. Unwarranted Distractions by Irrelevant Thoughts. The ensemble represents a singular unified mind.
live recordingHow Are You?: a conversation between acquaintances (bassoon + double bass)
duration: 6 min.
year written: 2015
instrumentation: bassoon + double bass
A humorous, instrumental transcription of a fictional dialogue between two acquaintances.
Pavane (mixed ensemble)
duration: 6 min.
year written: 2014
instrumentation: oboe, alto flute, english horn, bassoon
An exploration of harmonic language and woodwind textures.
live performance (choreographed by University of Miami dance faculty)
Romance & Tango (violin + piano)
duration: 14 min.
year written: 2014
instrumentation: violin + piano
A lighthearted, dramatic, and melodic duet ending in a tango. Commissioned by Cameron May. Fully orchestrated version also available.
Rovescio (string quartet)
duration: 14 min.
year written: 2012
instrumentation: string quartet
A piece in three movements that explores texture and phrasing.
SIGNS YOU ARE A PEOPLE-PLEASER (baritone voice + cello)
duration: 4 min.
year written: 2019
instrumentation: baritone voice + cello
Signs that one might be a people-pleaser are sung, with the cellist representing the internal monologue of the singer as frustration and panic builds.Commissioned by the Frisson Duo.
SO MUCH SO: a suite for chamber ensembles
duration: 40 min. in total
year written: 2017
instrumentation: flute, oboe or soprano sax, clarinet, bassoon horn, trumpet percussion piano 3 violins, 2 violas, cello, double bass
A spatial, seven-part theme and variations for sinfonietta ensemble and smaller combinations thereof. Melodic fragments, harmonic developments, and changes in texture are the overall ideas among the variations. Within the piece, community and individuality are displayed and developed. Movements can be performed separately.
I. We
flute, cello
tutti
flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, percussion, piano
This work is a small celebration of nonsense, femininity, and the piccolo. The title is taken from Plato, who disliked wind instruments and dismissed women playing them as “frivolous nonsense.”
Effusion (flute solo)
duration: 2 min.
year written: 2013
A piece showcasing increasingly rhythmic lines and sporadic gestures.
Halls of Air (flute solo)
duration: 2 min.
year written: 2010
A light, floating flute solo that develops melodically.
Oak and Pine (violin solo)
duration: 2 min.
year written: 2020
A dance-like tune inspired by fiddle music and solitude.
White-Knuckling (cello solo)
duration: 8-9 min.
year written: 2016
A solo work which depicts the feeling of frustration over unreached goals.
An arrangement and reorganization of Liszt and Ravel orchestral music for the Canyon Concert Ballet’s full length original production.
The Rite of Spring (reduction)
A reduction of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring for 25-person ensemble.
Score and parts will be available in summer 2025
Mastering the Violin (book for adult beginners)
Includes original music and arrangements by Morgan Denney.
Written for adults who may or may not have ever played before, Mastering the Violin gets right to the heart of violin playing. It is designed to accommodate the physical and mental needs of mature learners. The music has been thoughtfully selected from orchestral repertoire, traditional melodies, alternative styles, and new compositions. Through its comprehensive nature of reading and playing a wide range of notes and rhythms, this book will set you up to be able to play the music you want to play!
