Kansas composer, William
Funk, is a recently retired adjunct faculty member at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas. In addition to his composition work, he is a free-lance trumpeter in the Kansas City area.
William Funk Music
The Music of William F. Funk
Addiction (Alto/Mezzo-soprano and Cello)
Description:
· The text is taken from a poem of the same title by Durwood fellowship recipient and award-winning University of Missouri-Kansas City graduate poet Janet Conner, and deals with the anguish of having an addicted person in one's life. Long phrases and touching dissonances predominate. Duration of 5 minutes.
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format – requires free Adobe Reader software) 
Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Ann's Villanelle (String
Quartet) Description: · A powerful,
emotional, mysterious work incorporating solos, duets, and trios
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Concert Piece for Strings (String Orchestra) Description: · An expressive and
quiet opening leads to a series of accelerations and progressively more active
rhythms that culminates with new material in an emotional, somber ending. The work is not demanding technically, but
the difficulty lies in maintaining intensity for its duration of 18 minutes. Performance Information: · October 16, 2005
(Premiere),
· February 19,
2006, College of St. Benedict-St. John's University Orchestra, Dr. David Arnott, Director Click here to view a sample of the score (PDF
Format) Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Concert Piece for Solo Winds and Marimba (Small Wind Ensemble) Description: · 13 wind
instruments one-on-a-part (fl,ob,cl,bcl,bsn,ssax,asax,tsax,tpt,hn,trb,euph,tub)
and marimba with solistic passages for all in a
dance-like style and tempo with a duration of about 10 minutes. Please note: the piece is not a marimba solo with wind accompaniment. The marimba is just one of the voices in the ensemble, no more no less. Performance Information: · November 30,
2006 (Premiere),
· December 12, 2006,
· January 29, 2008,
· February 15, 2009,
Click here to view a sample of the score (PDF
Format) Click here to listen to an MP3 recording of the Furman University Chamber Winds live performance Concupiscence (Mezzo-soprano, Soprano Sax, Flugelhorn, and Viola) Description: · Concupiscence is a lively and lusty (that's what concupiscence means) 3 movement work for mezzo, soprano sax, flugelhorn, and viola. Each of the 3 movements deals with a woman's feelings regarding failed relationships in the past and her anger (or wistfulness) in recalling them. The piece has a total duration of about 10 minutes and employs unusual harmonies along with angular lines for all instruments, including the mezzo. The mezzo range is G#, 4th space bass clef, to A on top of treble clef. The instrument writing is approximately college level for each. Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Contrasts for Brass Choir (3 tpt, 3hn, 3trb, Euph,
Tuba) Description: · Expressive
French Horn and Flugelhorn solos follow a fast-moving
contrapuntal opening section. All voices
contain angular melodies within complex harmonies. The work has a duration of about 7 minutes. Performance Information: · November 12,
2006 (Premiere),
· April 8,
2008,
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an MP3 recording of the Crane Brass Ensemble premiere performance Decima (Voices & Woodwinds) Description: · Decima is based on a text by the 17th century Mexican poet Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. The work is scored for 10 vocalists (ssaaatttbb) and 10 woodwinds (fl, alto fl, Eb clar, Bb clar, bass clar, sop sax, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, and bassoon). A rhumba-like flavor and associated rhythmic complexities are present throughout the piece, which has a duration of around 8-9 minutes. Performance Information: · November 4, 2007
(Premiere),
Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Dialogue Made Easier (Solo Trumpet and Marimba) Description: · A very difficult
work for both performers that features a slow, expressive marimba solo
sandwiched between fast conversational material at the beginning and end with a duration of about 6 minutes. Performance Information: · December 10,
2006 (Premiere) Aaron Romm, Trumpet and Kenny
Hildebrandt, Marimba;
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording The Drum (SATB Choir
and Snare Drum) Description: · The text is taken
from an 18th century English poem by John Scott of Amwell and deals with an anti-war motif. The
piece is dissonant throughout and thus requires educated voices. The work has a duration of about 3 minutes. Performance Information: · October 19, 2004
(Premiere),
· April 3, 2006,
The Pembroke Singers of the
· April 22, 2007,
· April 26, 2011,
Click here to
view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an MP3 recording of the Baker University Chamber Choir performance Click here to view a video of the Baker University Chamber Choir performance. Duo (Violin and Clarinet) Description: · A quirky, fun, accessible duet that trades melodic and contrapuntal material throughout. It makes an interesting change of pace for the usual violin or clarinet recital with a duration of about 5 minutes. Performance Information: · October 21, 2008
(Premiere), Baker University,
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Duo II (Violin and Clarinet) Description: · Duo II is an intriguing conversation between clarinet and violin that incorporates klezmer-like material for both instruments throughout. Solo cadenzas include improvisatory ornamental suggestions to emulate klezmer effects, and the final section is reminiscent of a gradually accelerating hora-like dance. The piece is of graduate level difficulty with the violinist needing to execute some quick double stops and the clarinetist needing to employ flutter-tonguing and bending of some notes. The work alternates between slow, moderate, and fast sections and has a duration of about 8 minutes. Performance Information: · November 12, 2009
(Premiere), Baker University Artists and Lecture Series,
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an MP3 recording of the premiere performance Eight Poems (Violin, Viola, and Cello) Description: · Eight Poems, for violin, viola, and cello is dedicated to Fontana, a Kansas City string trio. The work has a duration of 8-9 minutes, is of graduate level difficulty, and is technically demanding. There are 3 contrasting sections that range from aggressive to sorrowful to whimsical and soloistic passages exist for each performer. Performance Information: · January 28, 2009
(Premiere),
· October 30, 2009, Mannes College Concert Hall, New York, New York; Lunatics at Large Contemporary Music Ensemble (Erik Carlson, violin; Jen Herman, viola; Andrea Lee, cello)
· March 7, 2011, Ruel Joyce Recital Series, Polsky Theater, Johnson County Community College,
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of the Fontana premiere performance Click here to view a video of the Fontana premiere performance. Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of the October 30, 2009 performance by the Lunatics at Large in New York Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of the March 7, 2011 performance by Fontana in Kansas City Equi-Delta (Saxophone, Trumpet, and Cello) Description: · Equi-Delta is a short (5 minutes) contrapuntal, jazzy trio that explores the colors available in the various combinations of alto or soprano sax, cup mute trumpet or flugelhorn, and arco or pizzicato cello. As the title suggests, each member of the triangle has an equal share in the material. Thematic imitations and metric modulations provide added interest for the performers and audience members alike. · April 25, 2012
(Premiere), Southwest Oklahoma State University - Dr. Keith Talley, Alto/Soprano Sax; Dr. James South, Trumpet/Flugelhorn; and Kathy Dobrinski, Cello Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of the premiere performance Posaune Pantoum for Trombone Quartet Description: · Posaune Pantoum is both a rousing and sensitive quartet featuring all 4 players in soloistic passages. From bombastic to delicate and back, the piece weaves an interesting thread through several tempos, styles, and time signatures, all the while reminding the listener of the thematic material. Ranges are moderate, but a few rhythmic difficulties exist. Duration of 9 minutes · March 6, 2012
(Premiere), Swarthout Recital Hall, Lawrence, Kansas - University of Kansas Trombone Quartet I - Brian Scarborough, David Ferneau, Andy Newbegin, Eric Oleksiak (bass) Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of the premiere performance by the University of Kansas Trombone Quartet Reality Check (Solo Mezzo-soprano, unaccompanied) Description: · Reality Check is a haunting melody for mezzo alone. The text deals with the thoughts of a woman who's unsure about a having a child. She listens to the cries of a baby living upstairs. The piece is very sad and tender. It lasts about 3 minutes and the mezzo range is G#, 4th space bass clef, to G on top of treble clef. Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to an MP3 recording of the melody line as played on trumpet by the composer. Remembering the Guthrie (a Fanfare for 5 Trumpets) Description: · The work is a very short (45 seconds) fanfare for 5 trumpets that was written for the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare competition. There is quite a bit of dissonance and independent movement in the voices, but the piece is accessible for most college players. · April 15, 2011
(Premiere), University of Evansville Trumpet Ensemble, Wheeler Concert Hall, Evansville, Indiana (Trumpets - Dalton Bailey, Nathan Winstead, Nick Seibert, Dalton Snyder, Chelsea Masolak, Ian Lynch, Jonathan Vailes, and Michelle Nuti) - Dr. Timothy Zifer, Director Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of the premiere performance by the University of Evansville Trumpet Ensemble Saxophone Sonnet (Saxophone Quartet) Description: · All voices must
double on Alto Sax in a plaintive middle section. Dance-like motives are highlighted in the entire
work, which closes with a frenzied tutti passage. The work has a
duration of about 7 minutes. Performance Information: · October 18, 2006
(Premiere), Contreras Saxophone Quartet of the
· February 25, 2008 and April 5, 2008,
· April 3, 2009,
Click
here to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of a performance by The 3 1/2 Saxophone Quartet of Western Michigan University Click here to listen to an mp3 recording of a performance by The Four Saxmen of the Apocalypse of Texas State University Six Duets for Trumpet Description: · A collection of 6 duets, each in a different style (including swing), featuring rhythmic and contrapuntal challenges for both players. The pieces include short passages containing extended techniques, such as, flutter-tongue, wah-wah, pedal Eb, and fall-offs. Each piece has a duration of about 2 minutes, and each makes good trumpet lesson study material, or perfect change-of-pace content for a student recital. The entire collection is accessible to most college players. Click here
to view a sample of each duet (PDF Format) String Haiku (String
Quartet) Description: · 17 syllable
haiku form is represented in the overall architecture of the work as well as
within the tonal and rhythmic structures. Lyrical and energetic sections are contrasted throughout with a duration of about 8 minutes. Performance Information: · March 30, 2005
(Premiere), Gladden Quartet,
Click
here to view a sample of the score (PDF Format) Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Trettanrune (String Orchestra) Description: · As the title suggests, Trettanrune is a piece filled with thirteens. There are lengthy, exposed solos for viola, cello, and double bass. The solo parts are graduate-level in difficulty but the section string parts are a notch or two below. Here and there you'll find quotes from the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor and the Les Preludes of Liszt, because those works also appeared on the initial program that premiered Trettanrune. The work closes with raucous, rap-like riffs that are a lot of fun for the players. It's a very contemporary yet accessible piece for the modern string orchestra. Performance Information: · April 16, 2011
(Premiere), Folly Theater, Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City Civic Orchestra, Dr. Christopher Kelts, Conductor Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to a Sibelius generated MP3 recording Trio (Trumpet, Horn, and Trombone) Description: · A "plug and play" type of work written especially for use on programs that may have time limitations. There are five short movements of which any or all may be performed. Three of the movements are solos for piccolo trumpet, horn, and trombone, featuring each instrument in a soloistic fashion. (The trumpet part also requires Bb trumpet and flugelhorn.) In addition, the piece contains jazz elements and a couple of humorous quotes to further pique audience interest. The entire work is of college-level music major difficulty. Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Villanelle for Woodwind Quintet (Woodwind
Quintet) Description: · A jaunty, challenging for all, yet fun college-level work with mini-cadenzas for each voice along with a variety of combinations of solos, duets, and trios embedded within the villanelle form. Duration is
just short of 11 minutes. Performance Information: · May 9, 2008
(Premiere), University of
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to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
Click here to listen to a computer generated MP3 recording Wind Haiku (Woodwind
Quintet) Description: · Technically
demanding for all instruments, complex rhythms and meters throughout.
Click here
to view a sample of the score (PDF Format)
The duets are priced at $9.00 and are only available through OlatheBand at www.olatheband.com. To obtain a copy please call them at 913-764-4159 or e-mail Mike Rankin at mike@olatheband.com. Any orders sent to me will be forwarded on to Mike.
"Dear Mr. Funk: I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed having your Six Duets in my studio. We use them as sight reading material between teacher and student, but also just programmed one on a senior recital along with two other duets - one by Allen Vizzutti and another by David Sampson. They were very well-received."
and Dr. John Cord, Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Texas A&M University-Kingsville states:
“I have enjoyed working with these duets both with colleagues as well as with my students. They are a terrific resource for improving the ear, ability to perform compound rhythms, and musicality all at once. The duets have substantial contrast and can be used to reinforce sight-reading as well as challenges to the trumpet technique. I would recommend this collection to any teacher both as a tremendous teaching aid, as well as potential performance pieces.”
and Dr. John Irish, Professor of Trumpet at Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas writes:
"William Funk’s Six Duets will serve a valuable function in any studio. They are a good introduction to sounds, styles, and techniques of modern music. In my studio, I play with the students and help guide them through the many engaging rhythms, intervals, phrasing, and meters. With these duets, learning new techniques and a new genre of music can be fun. Well recommended!"
"Outstanding duets. He targeted all the areas of the trumpet we need to work on in a challenging yet idiomatic way. These six duets cover everything from multiple tonging to plunger use and lyricism to frequently occurring time changes. These duets will keep even the most advanced student and professional on his/her toes! Challenging duets composed by someone who understands the trumpet!"