'The Battle of Westport: Along Union Lines' A chamber work with electronics and narration in eight movements

The Battle of Westport: Along Union Lines is an eight-movement chamber piece for 12 instruments (3 woodwinds, 3 brass, 1 percussion, string quintet), electronics and narration. Live audio has been captured at eight of the primary battle lines. These recordings will be played simultaneously with the composed music as it is being performed. The pre-recorded audio will be heard through a public address system. The intention is to bring the listener closer to the battle lines as they exist in modern day. Each movement begins with the pre-recorded audio. A narrated introduction to each movement commences as the pre-recorded audio fades in. The composed music begins upon completion of the narration. An excess amount of pre-recorded audio exists for each of the eight movements to allow for flexibility of tempo on behalf of the conductor, ensemble and narrator. The narrated text serves as a summary of the three-day engagement. The composed music draws direct inspiration and guidance from a variety of associations with the battle. The main goal of The Battle of Westport: Along Union Lines is to help educate the public about the horrors of the American Civil War.