The music of Michael Daugherty (b. 1954) music borrows from all forms of American popular culture, from Barbie to Liberace. He is widely acclaimed as a gifted composer with a truly original voice. He is currently a Professor of composition of the University of Michigan, for whose excellent bands he has produced much original music.
Daugherty wrote Alligator Alley in 2003 on a commission from the American Composers Forum for their educational BandQuest series. He wrote it as a bassoon feature for his daughter, who was then in middle school. It has quickly gained popularity as both a bassoon feature and Daugherty’s only work accessible to younger bands.
Official BandQuest program note.
The North Texas Wind Symphony plays Alligator Alley:
BONUS: an interview with Michael Daugherty about all aspects of music. This is just part one – if you like it, check out the rest!
This was a Senior Choice picked by bassoonist Eric Hirsch ’09.