Instrumentation: Saxophone Quartet (either SATB or AATB)

Duration: 10’45”

Purchase (SATB) – Murphy Music Press

Purchase (AATB) – Murphy Music Press

Purchase (SATB) – Digital Download

Purchase (AATB) – Digital Download

Program Notes:

Embark on a video game-inspired journey in ‘Level Up!’, a three-movement suite for saxophone quartet that channels the energy, wonder, and charm of video game storytelling. Each movement explores a different chapter of an imagined adventure, beginning with a heroic call to adventure, regrouping in a peaceful village, and culminating in a climactic final battle. Though the movements were originally conceived as standalone pieces and even written in reverse order, they now come together to form a cohesive musical narrative.

The suite opens with “Adventure Awaits” an homage to the iconic title themes that greet players upon booting up their console. A triumphant fanfare sets the stage before launching into a bold and rhythmically driven journey. Blending heroic themes with moments of danger and reflection, the music captures the excitement and anticipation of stepping into the unknown.

The second movement, “Moonlit Village” serves as a moment of respite, a musical pause in the heart of the quest. Inspired by the gentle and warm ambiance of cozy games, this piece evokes the comfort and quiet charm of a sleepy village at night. Lyrical lines and nostalgic harmonies create a bittersweet sense of comfort and community, with just enough introspection to hint at the challenges ahead.

The adventure comes to a climactic close with “Final Boss”, the work that started it all. This movement captures the intensity and thrill of encountering the final adversary standing between the player and victory – unpredictable, dark, and relentless. Different themes morph and battle for dominance, mirroring the chaos and glory of a bombastic final confrontation.

‘Level Up!’ is a love letter to video games and the music that defines them, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in a sonic quest full of adventure, imagination, and nostalgia.

Commissioned by:

Assembly Quartet (Consortium Director), Oakland University
Eric Aguilar, Rogers, AR
Azure Saxophone Quartet, Laredo, Texas
Badger Sax Quartet, Prescott High School
Cory Barnfield, Louisville, KY
Jarrett Barr, Nashville, TN
José Barrientos, Keller, TX
Blimp City Quartet, University of Akron
Ryan Bright, Knoxville, TN
Brothers and Others Quartet, Bloomfield Hills, MI
BrX Quartet, Fullerton CA
Duarte Bobone, Oakland University
Clocktower Quartet, Columbus State University
Paul Cotton, Los Angeles, CA
East Lansing High School Bands, East Lansing, MI
Eau Claire High School Bands, Eau Claire, MI
Elysium Quartet, Fresno State University
Eterna Quartet, McNeese State University
Kayleigh Francis, Prince George, BC, Canada
Sean Garde, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Gateway Quartet, Laredo-Martin High School
Gold Quartet, California High School
Golden Pride Bands, Washington, IN
Andrew Harrison, Sonoma State University
Stacia Howard, Kingsport, TN
Ryan Johnson, Middle Georgia State University
Lakeshore HS Saxophone Quartet, Stevensville, MI
Lana Law, New Zealand
Legacy Quartet, Columbus State University
Dr. Jeffrey Leung, Queen’s University
Noah Meece, Indiana State University
Montrose Area Bluestones, Montrose Schools
Mike Nguyen, University of Texas-Arlington
Douglas Owens, University of Tennessee-Martin
Jack Parker, University of Western Ontario
Periphas Saxophone Quartet, Freedom High School
Bryan Polacek, Skokie, IL
Project Fusion, Washington D.C.
Josh Roberts, Waukesha, WI
Saint Xavier University Quartet, Chicago, IL
Alex Singleton, Chattanooga State Community College
The Sinta Quartet
Mark Smith, Carrollton, TX
Solstice Quartet, Fullerton, California
SPSMB ’24 Saxes, St. Patrick’s School
TC4 Quartet, Los Angeles, CA
Arminda M Velasquez, Cedar Ridge High School
Violet Quartet, Tennessee Technological University
Tyrel Warner, Tooele Valley Wind Ensemble
Tina Wang, BC, Canada
Drew Whiting, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
UConn Quartet, University of Connecticut