Abstract 

Dr. Nathan Froebe will be presenting on three new musical compositions that were created during the summer for 2021. All three compositions were created for the instrumentation of two flutists with a pianist. Titled Essay Triptych, these three works were crafted using a common set of parameters, but are otherwise stand-alone pieces. As such, they can be performed together as a set, individually spread throughout a program, or as singular entities with the presence of every essay not being necessary. Crafted to mimic the process of written essays, each work is intentionally stripped of overt programmatic material, allowing the performers and audience to create their own imagery. The works also explore the usage of the C flute, piccolo, and alto flute in a variety of combinations.   

Dr. Froebe’s presentation will discuss the conception and creation of these new musical compositions, as well as their premiere performance. Additionally, the composer will discuss the personal growth outcomes of this project, as well as challenges posed during the creation of these works. Musical examples of each work will be provided, along with audio examples.   

Biographical Statement 

Nathan Froebe is a composer, music educator, and conductor. Froebe’s works vary greatly in style, and nearly all contain programmatic narratives with a heavy emphasis on creative orchestration and motivic manipulation. His recent works have explored issues such as: addiction and recovery (Addiction’s Actuality; trombone, piano and pre-recorded electronics), immigration/national identity (A Mighty Woman with a Torch; SATB choir, piano, trumpet, and snare drum), and the narratives of being LGBT in today’s society (In Paths Untrodden; two un-gendered voices and Pierrot ensemble, or two voices and piano).  

His works have been featured at various North American Saxophone Alliance conferences, at Society of Composers, Inc. Regional Conferences, the 2017 National Flute Association Conference, and the 2018 International Trombone Festival. Additionally, he has been featured as a composer and conductor with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Bands, as well as the UW-Madison Contemporary Chamber Ensemble. Recently, he was awarded the 2019 Hecksher Composition Prize for his work Un/Controlled, for solo alto saxophone. His work as a music educator in Florida recently earned him a quarter-finalist position for the 2020 Grammy Music Educator Award. For the summer of 2021, he was granted a residency at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.  

Froebe is currently a Visiting Professor of Music at Indiana University East where he teaches theory, composition, aural skills, and more. Froebe also holds memberships in ASCAP, the Society of Composers Inc., Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Kappa Psi (honorary).