Nittany Ballad was written for the Penn State Tuba Euphonium Ensemble in 2014. At that time, I was heavily influenced by vocal groups like the Hi-Lo’s and the Singer’s Unlimited. I wanted to create something similar for tubas and euphoniums. The result is a piece with close harmonies and individualistic melodies that coalesce into a unique texture that harkens back to those vocal groups. I’m reminded of all the beautiful nature surrounding Penn State’s campus. To me, this music represents those serene streams, rocky hiking trails, and grand vistas atop Mt. Nittany.

Nittany Ballad was premiered at the 2014 International Tuba Euphonium Conference in Bloomington, Indiana at Indiana University.