The 2021 Midwest Clinic in Chicago featured 3 original works and 1 transcription by Mark Wolfram.

On Thursday, December 16th at 1:00pm Mark's "Extra! Extra! Read All About It!" (for Orchestra) was performed at the Midwest Clinic Orchestral New Music Reading Session conducted by Frank Lestina. Room W192

Frank Lestina

Later on Thursday, December 16th at 3:00pm the 3rd movement of Mark's transcription of Gunther Schuller's "Concertino for Jazz Quartet and Orchestra" was performed by Orbert Davis and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic featuring the University of Louisville Symphony Orchestra. Skyline Ballroom W375AB

Orbert Davis

VanderCook College of Music Symphonic Band

On Friday, December 17th at 11:30am Mark's "Syncopation in Blue" (for Concert Band) was premiered by the VanderCook College of Music Symphonic Band - conducted by Dr. Alex Kaminsky. Skyline Ballroom W375AB

Dr. Alex Kaminsky

Later on Friday, December 17th at 12:15pm Mark's "Four Fripperies for Band" was performed at the Midwest Clinic Band New Music Reading Session - played by the Illinois Air National Guard Band, conducted by Lt. Col. Bryan Miller. Room W185

All these selections are available online from SOUND STUDIO PUBLICATIONS - all orders from the beginning of the Midwest Clinic through January 31st, 2022 will receive a 20% discount on anything in our catalogue. Contact them via their email: info@soundstudiopublications.com.

While the pandemic of 2020/2021 caused in-person concerts to stop, Mark Wolfram kept on creating new band and orchestra music for when the live music started again. Here's a list of what he composed:

Paean (for Concert Band)
is an expression of praise and exultation expressed
by the various choirs of band instruments, growing
in intensity until the final triumphant chord!
 GRADE 4½-5  [duration 6:45]

Monkey Mind (for Concert Band)
is an original composition inspired by the Buddhist term meaning "unsettled; restless; capricious; whimsical; uncontrollable” - all adjectives that
describe this exciting, lively piece!!
GRADE 6  [duration 6:00] 

Four Fripperies for Band
Defined as a showy ornament in architecture, dress or language, a frippery is, in this case, just plain FUN! Enjoy 4 short contrasting musical movements: “Afternoon Jaunt”, “Ripples on a Shimmering Pond”, the cartoon-esque “Comings & Goings”, and “March Azure” (with unexpected melodic and harmonic shifts
between 6/8 and 2/4 march styles and a hint of jazz).
GRADE 4½-5  [duration 7:30]

Syncopation in Blue (for Concert Band)
employs all types of syncopation: on the beat, off the beat and unusual melodic rhythms - all couched in a "bluesy" tonality. While sounding light and fun, this piece challenges even the best ensemble's grasp of style, articulation, precision and phrasing. At home in either a serious or "pop" setting, this piece is sure to be a favorite of audiences and musicians alike!
GRADE 5  [duration 4:00]

Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
(for Orchestra)
Tuneful, Upbeat, Celebratory & Fun! (think Leroy Anderson) Perfect for a pops concert, summer in the park or a light moment on any program.
GRADE 4 [duration 5:00]

Piercing The Celluloid Veil
(for Concert Band)
combines traditional Hollywood timbres with contemporary compositional technique. Jon Burlingame of Variety writes, "'This is a soundtrack without a film, using the mind's eye as a projector." So, sit back - relax - and let your imagination
take you on a musical journey!
GRADE 6 [duration 6:55]

All of these selections are available from
Sound Studio Publications

"Pops on Parade" by Mark Wolfram is an original composition for orchestra. It was commissioned by Maestro László & Fran Veres to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Tucson Pops Orchestra. The premiere was on May 19, 2019 at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Tucson's Reid Park. "Pops on Parade" has everything a great march needs: a big Broadway-style opening, memorable melodies, interesting counterlines and an infectious beat leading to a grand ending - which will have your orchestra and your audience tapping their toes. With a duration of approximately 3:20 this is the perfect piece to fill that "march" slot in your program!

"Pops on Parade" (for Orchestra)
is available from
Sound Studio Publications.

"Extra! Extra! Read All About It!" by Mark Wolfram is an original composition for concert band. It was commissioned by Maestro Tedd Gullickson, his brothers Glenn and Roger, and the City of Lakes Community Band in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was premiered on May 14th, 2019. It's dedicated to Tedd's late mother, Syb Gullickson - a pioneering female newspaper woman.

Syblann "Syb" Gullickson applied in 1963 to be a bookkeeper at the Moorhead, Minnesota Red River Scene, a weekly newspaper only a decade old. However, they needed someone to write about weddings and events, so she became a writer and columnist, eventually becoming the women's editor. In March 1966, Gullickson began working at The Fargo-Moorhead Forum as a women's reporter. Twelve years later she was named editor of the women and family department (which would eventually be renamed the Lifestyles section of The Forum), a post she retained until she retired in 1995. During her 30 year tenure, she nurtured many young reporters who went on to have successful careers in journalism and communications. She also fought for equal pay for herself and her team, pushing the boundaries of her section to include more stories about social issues such as sex abuse, addiction and unwed mothers. In an environment known for high stress and intensity, Gullickson was a calm, steady leader whose professional demeanor is remembered to this day.

"Extra! Extra! Read All About It!"
(for Concert Band)
is available from
Sound Studio Publications.

"Gloria in Mundo Pax" is an original composition for concert band with harp and pianoforte (and optional organ) by Mark Wolfram. The work was commissioned by Dr. Earl C. Benson and the Medalist Concert Band of Bloomington, Minnesota to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ensemble. The soft premiere was on Friday, February 15th, 2019 at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Conference at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The hard premiere was on March 3rd, 2019 at the Schneider Theater in the Bloomington Center for the Arts in Bloomington, Minnesota.

While not a programmatic work, “Gloria in Mundo Pax” (translated from the Latin to "Hymn to World Peace") explores the struggle between harmony and dissonance, positive and negative, and good versus evil. Sometimes human strife dominates, leaving little room for harmony and peace - and at other times the

soothing, powerful balm of love and understanding prevail over the din of troubled times. As in life, the musical discord of this work is potent and persistent. Ultimately, however, the piece progresses to a place of triumphant, joyous harmony. The composer describes this work as "an allegory for our times in which we must strive to create and maintain a better world for all."

Mark Wolfram and his siblings Timothy (trombone) and Christine (French horn) were all charter members of the Medalist Band - and their parents, Millard & Marian Wolfram, were original board members of the group.

"Gloria in Mundo Pax" (for Concert Band) is available from
Sound Studio Publications.

Sound Studio Publications Booth @ MMEA - Feb. 2019

Mark Wolfram's "Reverie" (for Concert Band) was premiered by Maestro László Veres and the Arizona Symphonic Winds of Tucson on November 11, 2018 at the Foothills High School auditorium in Tucson, Arizona.

"Reverie" (for Concert Band) is a relaxing daydream where simple melodies and rich tonalities evolve harmoniously. A solo trumpet is featured prominently in the work, as well as several step-out solos by Flute, Oboe, Euphonium, Clarinet, French Horn and more. This soothing musical journey allows the audience to relax and find respite in their heads and hearts.

"Reverie" (for Concert Band) is available from
Sound Studio Publications.

Mark Wolfram's "Labyrinth" (for Concert Band) was premiered by Marcellus Brown and the Boise State University Symphonic Winds on April 15, 2018 at the Morrison Center in Boise, Idaho.

"Labyrinth" (for Concert Band) was inspired by both the fact and lore associated with mazes and puzzles of all kinds.  Labyrinths have existed since prehistoric times. Some labyrinths are "unicursal", meaning that they have a single path leading to a center, often embodying a journey - both a physical journey of walking the path - and a lifelong spiritual journey; a hard path to God, with the entrance being birth and the center being God.  Complex labyrinths are known as "multicursal" - with choices of path and direction - they are branching puzzles, using misdirection and several dead ends on the way to the center.

A meander (or meandrous) is a decorative border constructed from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif.  The word "meander" used as a verb recalls a twisting and turning path.  It has been said that a meander is the figure of a labyrinth in linear form.

Prehistoric labyrinths are believed to have served as traps for malevolent spirits - or as defined paths for early man's ritual dances.

In addition to attending rehearsals for "Labyrinth" Mark also did his presentation, "The Commercial Composer" to the BSU Composers Forum as well as giving several private lessons to student composers. He also attended several student recitals.

"Labyrinth" (for Concert Band) is available from Sound Studio Publications.

Mark Wolfram and Marcellus Brown

Composer Mark Wolfram presented one of the inaugural "S.H.O.P. Talks" at the 71st Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois on December 22, 2017. "S.H.O.P. Talks" are 20 minute presentations on specific topics meant to be "Short," "Helpful" and "On Point."

Entitled, "How and Why to Commission a New Work for Your Ensemble!" the presentation was well attended and well received. CLICK HERE to see an outline Mark's talk.

"March Malchus" is an original composition for concert band. Written in the traditional march style, this work was composed for esteemed music educator Budd Malchus, and premiered August 30, 2017 by the Arizona Symphonic Winds at the László Veres Amphitheater in Tucson, Arizona.

Available NOW from
Sound Studio Publications

Budd Malchus is a career Band Director who has had many of his concert band and clarinet choir arrangements performed throughout the United States. Upon graduation from the University of Miami (Florida) Frost School of Music, he taught for 4 years in the Pelham City Schools and Randolph County Schools in Georgia, followed by a 30-year tenure with the Olmsted City Schools in Ohio. He was a member of the Cleveland Instrumental Contest Association, the Ohio Music Education Association, and an elected member of the American School Bandmasters Association. He also served on the Executive Board of the North Olmsted Education Association. Mr. Malchus relocated to Tucson, Arizona, working an additional 9 years as a Band Director in the Amphitheater School District before retiring from teaching. He continues to perform with community music ensembles including the Arizona Symphonic Winds, Tucson Concert Band, Old Pueblo Brass Band, Tucson Clarinet Quartet, the Bouncing Czechs, and The Desert Aire Clarinet Quartet, which he also directs. This composition was commissioned by his wife, Eleanor, to celebrate his 80th birthday.

"March Malchus" is a GRADE 4 - 4½ concert band composition which includes memorable melodies, interesting counterlines and an infectious beat which will have your band and your audience tapping their toes. The work has a duration of approximately 3:45. This is the perfect piece to fill that "march" slot in your program!

Mark ended the Summer of 2017 by finishing Wrightwood Records' latest CD release entitled, "Safe Harbor" - a relaxing collection of soothing music featuring over 67 minutes of acoustic piano by composer Marilyn Harris, synths by composer Mark Wolfram and percussion by Homero Ceron. The music evokes the serenity of life on and around tranquil waters while retaining a quiet intimacy.

Mark co-composed, produced, recorded, sweetened with synths, mixed and mastered the project at Harris/Wolfram Studios. He also created the graphic look for the project.

The CD is perfect for relaxing and/or meditating and makes a perfect gift to yourself or others any time of year. Musical samples can be heard and orders can be placed on the Wrightwood Records website. Shipping within 24 hours. Check it out by clicking on the CD cover to the right!

Marilyn Harris, Maestro László Veres & Mark Wolfram

The Tucson Pops Orchestra premiered Mark Wolfram and Marilyn Harris' "Colonial Scenes" for Orchestra at their May 28th, 2017 Memorial Day concert at the Demeester Performance Center at Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. Maestro László Veres and the orchestra played to an enthusiastic packed house and Mark's orchestral arrangement of the piece was extremely well received!

Sound Studio Publications has published "Colonial Scenes", based on musical themes originally composed for a series of radio plays entitled “Independence Now!” Highlighting life and the drama of those turbulent times, the music underscored the writings of John & Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and many other notable heroes of the American Revolution. Upon the completion of the radio project, Mark thought that some of the original themes (written in the style of the last half of the 18th century) would make a wonderful medley for orchestra. This arrangement combines 7 of those themes and fills them out beyond their original sparse orchestration.

"Colonial Scenes" for Orchestra
is available from
Sound Studio Publications

The Tucson Pops Orchestra and Maestro László Veres premiered Mark Wolfram's new original work for orchestra entitled, "The Tucson March", at their May 13th, 2017 concert at the Demeester Performance Center at Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. On May 28th they performed it again with Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild conducting the orchestra before an enthusiastic overflow crowd.

Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild and Mark Wolfram

"The Tucson March" is dedicated to Maestro László Veres, the Tucson Pops Orchestra and the City of Tucson, Arizona.

"The Tucson March" is a GRADE 5 orchestral work which is fun, light in nature and sounds a bit "southwestern" - but mostly it's a happy toe-tapping, whistle along good time - and a great way to honor a world-class city! The work has a duration of approximately 4:00.

"The Tucson March" for Orchestra
is available from
Sound Studio Publications

Mark Wolfram & Maestro László Veres

The Arizona Symphonic Winds premiered Mark Wolfram's new original work for concert band entitled, "The Tucson March", at their March 26th, 2017 concert at the Catalina Foothills High School auditorium in Tucson, Arizona.

The Arizona Symphonic Winds of Tucson

"The Tucson March" is dedicated to Maestro László Veres, the Arizona Symphonic Winds and the City of Tucson, Arizona.

"The Tucson March" is a GRADE 5 concert band work which is fun, light in nature and sounds a bit "southwestern" - but mostly it's a happy toe-tapping, whistle along good time! The work has a duration of approximately 4:00.

"The Tucson March" is available from
                    
                 Sound Studio Publications

Dr. David M. Booth led the Wright State University Wind Symphony in the premiere of Mark Wolfram's "Vertical Planes" on their February 2, 2017 concert at the Ohio Music Education Association annual conference in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dr. David Booth & composer Mark Wolfram

"Vertical Planes" is an original composition for brass quartet (B-flat trumpet, French horn, trombone & tuba) and large concert band. The work was commissioned by Dr. Booth and the Wright State University Wind Symphony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the university. The university applied brass faculty (Dr. Daniel Zehringer-trumpet, Prof. Jonas Thoms-horn, Dr. Gretchen McNamara-trombone, and Dr. Thomas Lukowicz-tuba) were the featured brass quartet.

Wright State University Wind Symphony

After travelling to Dayton, Ohio to hear the Wright State University Wind Symphony performing the "pre-premiere" of the work on January 31, 2017 Mark followed the band to Cleveland for the premiere performance at OMEA.

“Vertical Planes” is an opportunity for the applied brass faculty (and/or outstanding applied brass students) to be featured with a university wind symphony, community band or superior high school band. The work gives the brass quartet an opportunity to display technical prowess, small ensemble “tightness” and impeccable pitch - all housed in a vehicle which gives each member of the quartet plenty of step-out solo lines and affords the applied brass faculty an opportunity to recruit by example.

"Vertical Planes" is a GRADE 5/6 concert band composition which highlights angular melodies, colorful sonorities, heterophony, time signature changes, tertian, quartal and serial composition in an exciting blend which is both intellectually satisfying and aesthetically pleasing. The work has a duration of approximately 10:20.

"Vertical Planes" is available from                    
                     Sound Studio Publications.

Mark Wolfram & Maestro László Veres

The Arizona Symphonic Winds premiered Mark Wolfram and Marilyn Harris' "Colonial Scenes" at their November 6th, 2016 Veteran's Day concert at the Catalina Foothills High School auditorium in Tucson, Arizona. Maestro László Veres and the band played to an enthusiastic packed house and Mark's concert band arrangement of the piece was extremely well received!

Sound Studio Publications has published "Colonial Scenes", based on musical themes originally composed for a series of radio plays entitled “Independence Now!” Highlighting life and the drama of those turbulent times, the music underscored the writings of John & Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and many other notable heroes of the American Revolution. Upon the completion of the radio project, Mark thought that some of the original themes (written in the style of the last half of the 18th century) would make a wonderful medley for concert band. This arrangement combines 7 of those themes and fills them out beyond their original sparse orchestration.

While each is distinctly their own flavor, the themes used in this work flow smoothly from one to another, dramatically evoking that tumultuous chapter in our nation’s history. From the crisp salute of fife & drums to the emotional letters born of separation and longing, the period-styled music highlights the many moods of the time, including the tension before battle and the march to war that culminated in the birth of the United States of America.

Somewhat programmatic, "Colonial Scenes" is a GRADE 4 concert band work which would fit aptly in
any national holiday program, such as Memorial Day, Presidents Day, Veterans Day or the 4th of July.
It features the themes of "The Piper's Pride", "Reading
By Candlelight", "Fox Hunt", "Minuet", "On Tenterhooks", "The March to War" and "Sons of Liberty". The work has a duration of approximately 8:45.

The Ironwood Clarinet Trio premiered a new clarinet trio with piano accompaniment version of Mark Wolfram's "Spectral Shifts" on Friday, August 5th, 2016 at the International Clarinet Association's ClarinetFest 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas.

The trio (featuring Jana Starling on E-flat clarinet, Leslie Moreau on B-flat clarinet and Anne Watson on B-flat bass clarinet) was accompanied by their regular pianist Gail Novak. The group has recently recorded the 15-minute work on their new CD - available in late Spring 2017 from Potenza Music.

A large and enthusiastic audience - as well as several of the performed composers (including Mark) - attended the 2-hour morning concert of clarinet trios and quartets at the Swarthout Recital Hall on the campus of the University of Kansas.

ClarinetFest is an annual event sponsored by the ICA, with concerts, recitals, workshops, special guest artists, exhibits of all things clarinet and participants coming from all over the world.

"Spectral Shifts" (for Clarinet Trio & Pianoforte)
is available from Sound Studio Publications.

L to R: Anne Watson, Mark Wolfram, Leslie Moreau &
Jana Starling at ClarinetFest 2016 in Lawrence, Kansas

Dr. Rodney Dorsey & Mark Wolfram

"Residual Tension" is available from                    
                     Sound Studio Publications.

Dr. Rodney Dorsey led the University of Oregon Wind Ensemble in the premiere of Mark's "Residual Tension" on their May 1, 2016 concert at the Beall Concert Hall in Eugene, Oregon.

The title of the work refers to the leftover energy once a force has been released. Tension and release surround us and permeate our lives on a daily basis. The piece demonstrates residual tension by employing several devices: dissonace resolving to consonance - heavy complex textures to simple lines - dynamic rhythmic figures to sustained chords... these are but a few of the many examples of tension and release in the score.

In addition to visiting the campus, enjoying 3 different concerts and helping with the Wind Ensemble's dress rehearsal, Mark gave his "The Professional Composer-Arranger" presentation to the Graduate Wind Band Repertoire class - as well as sharing several original band works (new and old) with them which he wrote.

Dr. Dorsey & The University of Oregon Wind Ensemble

The Arizona Symphonic Winds celebrated their 30th anniversary with a gala concert on March 20, 2016 at the Catalina Foothills High School auditorium in Tucson, Arizona. The concert featured the premiere of Mark Wolfram's "Sonoran Celebration," a piece commissioned by and dedicated to Maestro László Veres and the Arizona Symphonic Winds to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary. A large crowd enjoyed the premiere as well as a spirited performance of Mark's "March László" - also written for Maestro Veres and the band.

"Sonoran Celebration" is available from                    
                     Sound Studio Publications.

Mark Wolfram & Maestro László Veres

Sound Studio Publications has published a never-before available transcription for band (by Mark Wolfram) of French composer Jacques Ibert's chamber orchestra classic, "Divertissement."

"Divertissement" was composed in 1929 as incidental music for a stage presentation of Ernst Labiche's "The Italian Straw Hat," a comical romp about a nervous bridegroom, his hungry horse (who eats part of the straw hat) and a philandering wife - whose honor the bridegroom attempts to protect with misdirection and disguises - in a series of screwball vignettes. The music, peppered throughout the play, relates to the various people with whom the woman's straw hat comes in contact.

"Divertissement" is a GRADE 6 concert band transcription which highlights jaunty melodies, colorful sonorities, tongue-in-cheek quotes, time signature changes and raucous ensemble passages designed to bring down the house. The work is composed in 6 short movements and has a duration of approximately 15:00. This is a limited edition - order your copy today!