New Music Consortium
Troubles Of The World
for Solo Clarinet & Wind Symphony
+ Solo Hammond B3 Organ, Optional
Grade 4
Written for Dr. Doreen Ketchens, Solo Clarinet
I am so excited to share this opportunity with you! “Troubles of The World” was written in January 2025 for internationally renowned clarinetist, Dr. Doreen Ketchens, and received its world premiere on Wednesday, February 26th, at 7:30 p.m., at the 2025 American Bandmasters Association Convention. This work is now available as part of a commissioning consortium. We are looking for band directors & conductors and arts administrators interested in joining us in this effort.
about the music
"Troubles of The World"
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This work features elements that typically are not heard in traditional symphonic settings, including heavy stylings of Jazz and Gospel. There are both improvisatory & as well as extemporaneous gestures that are asked of the soloist and the players. The music is approximately 10 minutes in length, written with medium to advanced musicians in mind (Grade 4), making for an exciting solo concert work that remains accessible to a wide array of ensembles.
Internationally Acclaimed Clarinetist
Written for Dr. Doreen Ketchens
​Instrumentation​​
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1 Piccolo
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2 Flute 1
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2 Flute 2
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2 Oboes
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2-3 Clarinet 1
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2-3 Clarinet 2
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2-3 Clarinet 3
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Bass Clarinet
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Contrabass Clarinet (Optional)
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2 Bassoons
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1 Alto Saxophone 1
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1 Alto Saxophone 2
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Tenor Saxophone
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Baritone Saxophone (Optional)
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2-3 Trumpet 1
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2-3 Trumpet 2
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2-3 Trumpet 3
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2 F Horn 1
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2 F Horn 2
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1-2 Trombone 1
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1-2 Trombone 2
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1 Bass Trombone
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2 Euphoniums
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2 Tuba
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Timpani
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8 Percussion (including a section featuring optional drum set)
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1 Hammond B-3 Organ; or Programmable Keyboard (Optional)
​Details
Ensemble Type: Wind Symphony
Stylistic elements: features improvisatory elements on the part of the soloist; an intense and dramatic setting, rooted in jazz & Gospel sensibilities, within a traditionally symphonic framework; harmonically and technically intricate, with a heavy percussive emphasis.
Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
Difficulty: Level 4
about the Commission
Clarinetist Dr. Doreen Ketchens, the soloist for whom the work was written, will be given the right of first refusal for each performance of the work, until June 1, 2026, after which time, other clarinetists may feature on the work. *All performances of the work should therefore be performed with Dr. Ketchens as the exclusive featured soloist, unless granted permission by the composer, until that time.* Dr. Ketchens may be reached at https://www.doreensjazz.org/.
The commissioning cost per school is $500 (or $250 for student conductors), and will include a set of parts & score and exclusive performance rights until June 1, 2026. The final edition, when published, will list co-commissioners in the front matter of the score. Additionally, an official special edition of the clarinet part (Authorized by Dr. Ketchens, herself) will be released at a later date.
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Mr. James Seda has made the world premier, but all consortium performances will be considered premieres and should be indicated in programs and concert announcements. If you are interested in this commission, please fill out the registration form (link below), to reserve your spot in the consortium. The fee should be paid directly to William May (WARM Productions, LLC) via Check, or using the registration link, located below.
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*Please enter the Ensemble/Organization
name, when you make your purchase.*
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The entire fee ($500, or $250 for student conductors) should be paid at the time of registration, in order to secure your spot on this consortium. Please email confirmation of your interest to the composer at warmwelcome14@gmail.com.
Thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to working with you!
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Sincerely,
William A.R. May
Make Checks payable to:
WARM Productions, LLC
Mail Checks to:
WARM Productions, LLC - 3050 Brombley Drive, Conyers Ga. 30013
Registration Form
Registration Info
​Form: https://forms.gle/DvMwjbyP4BPSwnWA9
Payment: The buy-in fee for interested persons is $500 ($250 for students) to be paid in full prior to delivery of the final score and parts. The student fee will apply to any consortium member making progress towards an academic degree, certificate, or diploma, until June 1, 2026. Upon purchase, commissioners will be sent a receipt, and an invoice, along with the score and parts.
