Kevin Poelking
Composer, conductor, and educator
"...not only is Kevin an already seasoned composer, but he is a marvelous conductor."
— Carter Pann, Pulitzer-Prize Finalist
Full Band/ Large Ensemble
Works for Winds
Concert Band
(2020)
Concert Band (4 percussion or more)
Duration: ca. 7' 30"
Written to celebrate getting to the other side of the 2020 pandemic and back to making music.
An attainable, Grade 4 piece with plenty of doublings. Ideal for conductors looking to give the woodwinds a "technical" break while leaning on the brass section. Opportunities for expressive playing, color, and rhythmic precision.
Commissioned by the Elon University "Phoenix Winds" and Dr. Jonathan Poquette
Wind Symphony
(2019)
Wind Symphony (7 percussion + piano)
Duration: ca. 8'40"
A journey highlighting the positive impact of others and how they can change us for the better.
A challenging work for universities and strong high school ensembles. Dense percussion writing and heavily involved winds.
Premiered by Colorado State University in 2019 under the baton of Sheridan Monroe Loyd.
Winner: 2019 Dallas Winds Fanfare Competition
Brass and Percussion
(2018)
6 Trumpets - 4 Horns - 3 Trombones - 2 Euphoniums - 2 Tubas* - 3 Percussion + Timpani
Duration: ca. 3'
*Tuba 1 part can be played by bass trombone
A celebratory fanfare for strong players, including parts specifically for euphonium ensemble members.
Premiered by the Dallas Winds in 2019 under the baton of Matteo Dal Maso who describes the piece as "...an epic composition of joy."
Concert Band
(2014)
Concert Band (4 percussion)
Duration: ca. 7'
Music based on a simple motif that is varied and developed throughout the work.
Solo/ Small Chamber Groups
Chamber brass and percussion
(2019)
10 players: 2 Trumpets - 2 Horns - 2 Trombones - 1 Euphonium - 1 Tuba - 2 Percussion
Duration: ca. 5'
A vibrant, rhythmic work with multiple meter changes.
Recent performances include the University of Michigan and University of Hawaii. Premiered by Carson-Newman University and Dr. Jayme Taylor
Chamber winds and percussion
(2018)
13 players: Piccolo - Flute - 2 Bb Clarinets - Bass Clarinet - Contrabass Clarinet* -
Sop. Sax - Alto Sax - Tenor Sax - Bari Sax - 3 Percussion
*Part available for tuba or string bass
Duration: ca. 8'
Expressive soloist playing combined with passages full of aggressive rhythms, timbres, and unique colors through instrumentation and orchestration.
One of the most popular works, this piece has recently been performed by Virginia Tech (Derek Shapiro), CU-Boulder (Matt Dockendorff), The College of New Jersey (Eric LaPrade) and Denver University (Joe Martin), among many others.
Winner: "Highest Achievement in the Visual and Performing Arts" CSU 2018 Graduate Showcase
Chamber brass and piano
(2014, arr. 2018)
2 Trumpets - 2 Horns - 3 Trombones - 1 Euphonium - 1 Tuba - Piano
Duration: ca. 5' 30"
Lyrical choral work adapted for brass ensemble and piano. Fresh harmonies and opportunities for expressive phrasing.
Orchestral brass and percussion
(2014, arr. 2018)
3 Trumpets - 4 Horns - 3 Trombones - 1 Tuba - 2 Percussion + Timpani
Duration: ca. 3'
A more "traditional" and attainable fanfare. Heroic in nature, this fanfare has been played throughout the United States and has received performances in Italy, Spain, and France.
String Orchestra (Full ensemble and chamber strings)
(2019)
Full string orchestra (Violin 1,2 - Viola - Cello - Bass) and an arrangement for chamber strings (as few as 9 players)
Duration: ca. 5'
Music inspired by nature, this work follows the journey of water starting from a single drip...
With rapidly shifting styles, this work uses motifs, "scratch tones," vocal techniques to create a unique and exciting work appropriate for professional and academic ensembles alike.
This piece was commissioned by the Cherry Creek School District Honor Orchestra and was recently performed by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra in a professional studio recording session.
Young string orchestra (with optional piano and percussion)
(2019)
Full string orchestra (Violin 1,2 - Viola - Cello - Bass) with optional piano and percussion
Duration: ca. 3'
A grade 1.5 work for strings
This piece is accessible to very young orchestras, while having enough musical substance to be played by older ensembles looking to concentrate on more advanced elements like phrasing and consistency in a variety of bow strokes. This makes it a convincing choice for cluster concerts. The addition of percussion parts that allow for creativity from the players offers a unique opportunity for these musicians.
Winner: 2020 Minot Symphony Orchestra Young Composer Competition
Symphony Orchestra
(2017)
3.2*.3.2 - 4.2.3.1 - 2 Perc + Timpani, Harp*, Piano - Strings
Duration: ca. 8'
*doubled or cued in other parts
Short orchestral work written with multiple cues to facilitate a successful performance by ensembles with varied instrumentation. This work begins with a serene introduction inspired by the sounds of nature, hence the title which translates from Latin to "earth at night".
There and Back (coming soon!)
for solo bassoon and piano
(2019)
Duration: ca. 8'
Vibrant, virtuosic music showcasing the bassoonists' technical command and expressive, lyrical playing
Commissioned by Laura Bennett Cameron, Principal Bassoon- Dallas Winds, Faculty- UT-Arlington
Accepted to the 2020 International Double Reed Society Conference
for trumpet, percussion, and piano
(2019)
Duration: ca. 10' - 3 movements
Colorful work using percussion and simple extended piano techniques to highlight the trumpet soloist. Playable in its entirety or in individual movements.
Commissioned by Stanley Curtis, Former U.S. Navy Band, Faculty- Colorado State University
Winner: Vox-Novus 15 Minutes of Fame Call of Scores
String quartet
(2014)
Duration: ca. 1'
Short work full of energy and building tension through frantic rhythms and dissonant harmonies.
Winner: The Academy of Voices Call of Scores
for choir and piano
(2014)
Duration: ca. 5'
Music with fresh harmonies based on William Wordsworth's work Lucy and a quote attributed to Gustav Mahler.
for percussion ensemble
(2015)
7+ players: Mallets I and II (Glock, Xylo, Chimes) - Vibes I and II - Marimba I, II, and III
Duration: ca. 6'
A vibrant, rhythmic work with multiple meter changes. Adapted from a work for dance by student choreographer MaryLiz Taylor.
for 4+ percussionists
(2014)
4 or more players on standard wooden stools.
Duration: ca. 3'
A crowd-pleasing, easy to learn piece allowing for creativity from the musicians. Written for and premiered by the Emory University Percussion Ensemble.
for solo marimba
(2012)
4.3 octave (low A) marimba
Duration: ca. 5'
Expressive work focusing heavily on double lateral strokes.
5 percussionists
(2011)
Featured solo marimba (4.3 or 5 octave) - Vibraphone - Congas - Tambourine - Drums
Duration: ca. 7'
A unique work that highlights the marimba while also featuring each percussionist in their own feature.
The Chamber Winds Project
Contributing to the repertoire of conducted chamber wind and percussion works. More info about the project here.
Cited in the 2020 College Band Director National Association (CBDNA) COVID-19 Response Report as an important resource for new repertoire.
String and Symphony Orchestra
Works for Strings
Music for soloists and small chamber groups
Small Chamber Works
Works for Voice
Music for soloists and percussion ensemble
Works for Percussion
CONNECT
"To share and celebrate the intangible power of music and the community that it creates."
Connecting with musicians, directors, teachers, and students is the my primary goal.
Use the form below or email me for:
- Questions about commissioning a piece or starting a project together -
- Scheduling a guest appearance with you and your ensemble (virtual or in-person) -
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- Any other reason (no matter how small it may seem!) -
CONTACT
the composer
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ABOUT
With a growing number of premieres in the United States and Europe, Kevin Poelking is an emerging American composer.
His music has been performed by the Dallas Winds, multiple European groups, and ensembles at major American universities including The University of Michigan, Virginia Tech, CU- Boulder, Oregon State University, The University of Hawaii, and Colorado State University.
Poelking is a regularly commissioned composer in his home state of Colorado and beyond. He has been the recipient of numerous awards and winner of various competitions and call-for-scores.
Poelking is also an accomplished conductor. He has conducted and rehearsed opera, symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and wind bands, including the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own."
In his experience as a conductor (including a Master of Music in Wind Conducting with Dr. Rebecca Phillips) Poelking noticed the limited variety of instrumentation in the conducted chamber winds repertoire. This led to The Chamber Winds Project which was cited by CBDNA as an important resource for repertoire in 2020.
His composition teachers include award-winning composer Dr. James M. David and Pulitzer Prize-Nominated composer Dr. Carter Pann.
Poelking conducting the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" in Washington, D.C.
