Tailspin

ensemble any unaccompanied saxophone
written fall 2026
duration 4 minutes

Commissioned by a consortium of saxophonists led by Dr. Jacob Bickham and Dawson Coleman

program notes

Tailspin, true to its name, was inspired by the image of an aircraft comically and explosively spiraling back to earth. Virtuosic, mercurial, and rather silly, the piece evokes a cartoon-like energy in its whirling progressions and zany antics. Many thanks to all the saxophonists who signed on to the consortium.