I am really happy with how my piece is going so far...it was received well today in class, and I was given a lot of helpful suggestions and ideas as well as great comments besides.

1. The textures are good, in terms of the brass quintet, and the 4-voice texture. Going back and forth between the two is working well. (As I get further into the piece, there will be more instances where all parts will come together.) Also, Dr. Ross mentioned about playing with harder and softer textures of the instruments themselves - I will look more into this as well.

2. Consider the possibility of using mutes - this wasn't one my initial thoughts. I don't know why, but when it was brought up today in class, it was sort of a "yeah, how did I forget about those????" kind of reaction. I will spend some time with brass players and become more familiar with the sounds from the individual mutes.

3. The opening soprano line needs something between the phrases. I'm a little stuck...my initial thought was to only have a single voice at the beginning - a very thin texture. I know for sure that I want to save the entry of the brass directly after the horn plays the last part of the second phrase from the soprano opening. I like the ambiguity and openness of this line. I'm not completely opposed to the idea of having another entry from the alto line (as suggested by Megan) but first I think I'll play with a little less of a break between the phrases - maybe that will help. I want to keep the opening as simplistic, yet as effective, as possible. I think the silence keeps the listener's attention and makes them wonder where the piece is going. I'll do some further experimenting with it and see what happens!

4. Something else related to the opening soprano line - the absence of a meter may not be necessary. By writing "freely", even in measured time, it should still give the effect I'm looking for.

Looks ok so far - I'm pleased with it!
Have a good weekend everyone!
-Jenn