The Autonomy of Machines

          The Autonomy of Machines began as an experiment in minimalist trumpet writing while I was at Brevard Music Center this past summer. I wanted a single line to grow more complex, from monophony to polyphony. Splitting up one line between multiple players solves the problem of endurance (which can be an issue for trumpet players), but poses the challenge of two or more players attempting to sound identical in order to make the musical line fluid. The title of the piece was inspired by the juxtaposition of mechanical, rhythmically precise lines with sustained, flowing melodies. To me, the mechanical nature of the beginning of the piece blooms into a living being as the music progresses. The Autonomy of Machines was commissioned by Prof. Ray Sasaki for the University of Texas at Austin trumpet studio.

          The piece was performed by the University of Texas at Austin trumpet ensemble in the semi-finals and finals of the 2016 National Trumpet Competition in Columbus, Georgia. The group ended up winning 2nd place in the large ensemble division.