Solo Tuba, Spoken Word Ashley Killam Solo Tuba, Spoken Word Ashley Killam

Gateways, for solo tuba and spoken word

Instrumentation: solo tuba and spoken word

Year Composed: 2022


Premiered in June 2022 at the International Women’s Brass Conference

Program Notes:

The first work in my Visions Series of autobiographical pieces for tuba and spoken word, Gateways, describes the difficulties those with marginalized identities face when trying to succeed in the field by trying to get past gatekeepers. While it may seem that the path is straightforward for everyone, systemic issues lead to disadvantages for those outside of the majority. After trying so hard to play the game and failing, the character is burned out and decides to team up with others rejected by the system to form their own “gates.”

Due to the autobiographical nature of this work, it is not available for purchase. If you are interested in commissioning a similar work, please reach out to me.

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Solo Tuba, Spoken Word Ashley Killam Solo Tuba, Spoken Word Ashley Killam

Foundations, for solo tuba and spoken word

Instrumentation: solo tuba and spoken word

Year Composed: 2023


Premiered in June 2023 at the International Women’s Brass Conference

Program Notes:

Foundations is about those who came before me to lay the groundwork for where I am today. Reflecting through my lineage as a granddaughter of Haitian and Antiguan immigrants, I honor the sacrifices and hardships they endured to allow me to have the life I have today. “My house wasn’t built in a day,” and while it seems as if things are easy, that is rooted in hundreds of years of decisions. 

Due to the autobiographical nature of this work, it is not available for purchase. If you are interested in commissioning a similar work, please reach out to me.

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Solo Tuba, Spoken Word Ashley Killam Solo Tuba, Spoken Word Ashley Killam

Reflections, for solo tuba and spoken word

Instrumentation: solo tuba and spoken word

Year Composed: 2023


Premiered in June 2023 at the International Tuba-Euphonium Conference

Program Notes:

Reflections describes the way I have grown over time. It follows me, staring at my reflection in the mirror, looking beyond the surface level to see what has brought me to this moment. It has me to reflect on how experiences from early childhood to today shaped me into the woman I am. 

Due to the autobiographical nature of this work, it is not available for purchase. If you are interested in commissioning a similar work, please reach out to me.

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