Music
Music has always been a part of my life. At three, I was attempting to write music with my first piano composition Swaying Trees. My mom still has that composition with her keepsakes. At age 10, I started playing flute with the 5th Grade band. An active member in my middle school and high school bands, I kept busy during marching season and eagerly awaited concert season every year. I was truely a band geek.
Music didn’t get serious until I majored in flute performance. During my second year (1996) while working on my degree at Clayton State University, I discovered how fun composing and arranging could be and decided to also work on my composition degree. My favorite class was orchestration with Dr. Mary Badarak. I enjoyed taking those classes in school and practiced writing all the time. My specialty genres range from Baroque to Contemporary.
In 2004, I earned my M.A. in Composition at Middle Tennessee State University (also was an adjunct professor in of music in 2006-2007) and write music whenever I can. I have been lucky enough to have my church, Belle Aire Baptist, approach me on several occasions for commissions including other small jobs.
Music Selections
This is a partial portfolio of Kristy Sullivan. Music is in streaming MP3 format. Click on music type to see individual works.
Fanfare for the Uncommon Guy
This one movement work demonstrates the use of new techniques (valve slapping) and muting.
Trumpet (Piccolo or Bb) – © 2003
Recording
- Fanfare for the Uncommon Guy [2:38]
Theme and Variations for Clarinet Solo
This unique theme and variations was written so that the variations work backwards to the theme. Variation 5 is strictly 12-tone (serialism) and tonality is gradually worked in to the Theme which is presented last.
Bb Clarinet – © 2002
Recording
- Variation 5 [1:36]
- Variation 4 [1:28]
- Variation 3 [0:56]
- Variation 2 [1:30]
- Variation 1 [1:27]
- Theme [1:14]
Little Waltz for 4 Hand Piano
Binary form, each section contrasts from one another. Written for one piano and two players. Premiered on Junior Composition Recital 1999.
Single Piano, 2 performers – © 1999
Recording
- Full Movement [1:45]
First Sonata for Flute and Piano
This three movement sonata starts off with a fast tempo and lots of difficult passages. There is an emphasis on rhythm and chords with added notes. The second movement is steady, flowing, with beautiful lyrical lines. The final movement places heavy emphasis on rhythm with a lyrical section.
Flute, Piano – © 2004
Recording
- I. With Energy [5:30]
- II. Andante [4:41]
- III. With Intensity [6:12]
Poem for Flute and Guitar
Contains several sections of contrasting tempos and style. It was premiered March 28, 2000 in Spivey Hall on Kristy’s Senior Composition Recital.
Flute, Guitar – © 1999
Recording
- Full Movement [10:37]
Canine Quintet
Collection of pieces for brass quintet. Each instrument represents a different breed of dog. The trumpets are Chihuahuas, the horn is the Great Dane, the trombone is the Basset Hound, and the Tuba is the Saint Bernard.
Brass Quintet (2 Trumpets, Horn, Trombone, Tuba) – © 2003
Recording
- I. Duke the Great Dane [4:11]
- II. Bubba the Bassett Hound [3:23]
- III. Bear the Saint Bernard [3:17]
- IV. Chili and Chip the Chihuahuas [1:55]
Percussion Sextet No. 1
This work is written for six percussionists (including piano). It is in rondo-style with three main themes. Theme A is written for pitched percussion and theme B contrasts with non-pitched percussion. Theme C combines both pitched and non-pitched percussion.
6 players (Piano, Timpani, Triangle, 5 wood blocks, Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tam-Tam, 4 Tom-toms, Glockenspiel, Snare Drum, Chimes, Castanets) – © 2003
Recording
- Full Movement [7:49]
String Quartet No. 2
One-movement string quartet piece emphasizes rhythm and fire. Cluster chords, accented off-beats, and many other elements are used. Kristy looks back on this piece and realize that it is one of her better works.
MP3 is the Georgian Chamber Players performing for their master class in April of 2000 at Spivey Hall, Morrow GA.
String Quartet (2 violins, Viola, Cello) – © 2000
Recording
- Full Movement [7:08]
The Weaselette Suite
This piece follows the story about a cartoon Weasel whose car breaks down on the way to college and how she left her phone, license, and money for the tow truck at home. Based on a true experience of Kristy.
Piccolo, Trombone, Marimba – © 1998
Recording
- I. The Beginning of a Day [2:00]
- II. An Episode with the Car [2:03]
- III. Mother Waltzes in to the Rescue [1:28]
- IV. Finally, the Weekend Begins [1:24]
For the Beauty
This is an arrangement/orchestration of the famous hymn, For the Beauty of the Earth by Conrad Kocher (1838). It is written the style of film music. It was premiered by the Belle Aire Orchestra on May 17, 2007. Flute solo by Kristy Sullivan. Trumpet solo by Benny Walker.
Full Orchestra – © 2007
Recording
- Full Movement [3:21]
In Triumph
Large percussion section, synthesizer voice to add depth to some of the chords. Simple binary piece. This piece was inspired by the Olympics in Sydney, Australia. MP3 is a recording made in Spivey Hall in Morrow, GA in Spring 2000.
Full Orchestra – © 2000
Recording
- Full Movement [7:23]
Our Great Savior
This orchestration is from a keyboard arrangement. Premiered on the “Instruments of Praise II” concert performed by the Belle Aire Orchestra on May 18, 2008.
Full Orchestra – © 2008
Recording
- Full Movement [4:27]
Christmas is for Children
This work was written for lyricist, Charles E. Carr, in celebration of his recently published book, "At the Door." This beautiful work was written for mezzo soprano (artist Christie Jennings) and piano accompaniment (Drew Gay).
Mezzo Soprano, Piano – © 2005
Recording
- Full Movement [2:08]
The Alice Suite
It contains poems of Lewis Carroll’s "Alice Through the Looking Glass" and "Alice in Wonderland." Written for Alto, Viola, and Piano accompaniment. Premiered on Kristy’s Senior Composition Recital March 28th, 2000.
Alto Voice, Viola, Piano – © 1999
Recording
- I. Alice Pleasance Liddell [4:35]
- II. Mad Hatter’s Lament [4:36]
- III. Jabberwocky [4:42]
