First there was light And then, therefore, came shadow. One could not be without the other. Between light and darkness, there are shades of color! Vibrant hues and all the beauty Of the world around us. There must be contrast. There must be tension. For, without these, there can be no repose. Between the light And darkest shadow Is where you find the beauty of the world.

"Inexorable"

I always felt that Rumpelstiltskin was treated unfairly, and also wondered what befell the poor creature after the famous story. "Rumpelstiltskin in Exile" is my attempt to musically express the next, untold, chapter in his tale.

"Summer Skies"

"Light of a Winter Flame" is a fun secular piece for your next winter concert!

We all sometimes just need to close our eyes and retreat to our "Happy Place". Put aside your worries and concerns with this work by Brian D. Sleeper.

"From the Darkness Within"

"The Jungles of Magunóra" is a work intended to paint a vivid picture of an imaginary jungle. The piece explores a variety of moods ranging from mystery to danger and awe-inspiring majesty!

"Of Integrity and Perseverance" is a musical representation of two pillars in many character education initiatives occurring in U.S. schools nationwide.

"Synapse" is a fast and energetic work for medium-level concert band. It is an attempt to musically depict the seemingly chaotic work of the brain in simultaneously sorting, cataloging and retrieving information in the blink of an eye.

I do most of my composing at the local storefront of a national coffee company, and thought it would be appropriate to write a tune about the beverage. (or at least the chemical found within!). "Caffeinated: Dark Roast" is the result.

"Puzzling Pieces" is a musical exploration of autism and autistic symptoms. The entire piece is based on a 4-note motif frequently played by my 7-year-old autistic friend upon any piano on which he can lay his hands. Traveling through many moods, and encountering the occasional odd or humorous moment, this work is my attempt at expressing both the struggle and beauty of autism.

"Nexus": 1. a connection, tie, or link between individuals of a group, members of a series, etc. 2. a center or focal point

"Brigands of the High Seas"

"Hero from an Age Unremembered" was the winner of the South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble 2011 American Composers Contest. It is a musical representation of the literary device known as "The Hero's Journey." This 7.5-minute composition takes our hero away from home into the outside world. After many ordeals and trials, the protagonist returns to a home that has changed, or is it our hero who is no longer the same?