Katahj Copley (b. 1998) had his first composition performed as an undergraduate at the University of West Georgia in 2017. Since then, he has written an astounding amount of music, more than 100 pieces, many of which have been performed by ensembles in all corners of the United States and the world. He completed graduate studies in composition with Omar Thomas at the University of Texas at Austin, and is now pursuing further study at Michigan State University. He is featured at his own website, the Wind Repertory Project, …And We Were Heard, and the Millennium Composers Initiative. He also maintains a presence on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Copley wrote Western Pines (Orange Pines) in 2022, and it was premiered on November 11 of that year by the Washington and Lee University Wind Ensemble led by Chris Dobbins, who also commissioned the piece. Copley has this to say about it, from his website:
Western Pines is the first movement of the Cardinal Pines Suite, a dynamic musical composition for wind band inspired by the vast and imaginative landscapes of the Americas from the view of different Pines. Each movement in the suite is based on a different color that represents the unique characteristics of the Western landscape.
In Western Pines, the color orange represents the energy and vibrancy of the Western landscape. The piece begins with a bold and exciting burst of sound, evoking the thrill and excitement of exploring the vast open spaces of the West. The music features a driving rhythm that propels it forward, as well as soaring melodies that evoke the height and majesty of the mountains and the wide expanse of the plains.
As the music progresses, listeners may imagine themselves on a journey through the Western landscape, experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of the mountains and the energy of the lands. Western Pines captures the essence of the Western landscape, and is sure to leave audiences feeling inspired and uplifted.
Here is the premiere performance:
For more on Western Pines, visit Copley’s website, Murphy Music Press, the Wind Repertory Project, Theodore Front Musical Literature, and J. W. Pepper.