Degree

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)

Department

School of Music

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

The goal of this project is to create a wind band transcription of the orchestral work “Let It Ring!” and chamber work “A Red, Red, Rose” by Brian Raphael Nabors. Nabors' music has been described as music that elicits joy and draws deeply from his roots in Birmingham, Alabama, and the rich cultural tapestry of Black musical traditions such as gospel, R&B/neo-soul, funk, and marching band culture. He describes himself as a “fuser of worlds” and “boundary destroyer,” intent on crafting a space where listeners can meet themselves, reflect on deeper questions of humanity, and feel grace.[1] His compositional voice blends traditional Southern soundscapes with contemporary classical idioms and rhythmic vitality, resulting in immersive sonic experiences that resonate with emotional strength and cultural authenticity.

The purpose of this project is to expand the wind band repertoire while introducing the medium to a composer who has not yet written for it. This project showcases Brian Nabors’ musical language and artistic voice the wind band setting to demonstrate the suitability of his compositional style for the ensemble. In doing so, it aims to encourage future collaborations between Nabors and the wind band medium as well as inspire similar engagement among composers with comparable artistic approaches.

[1] Nabors, Brian. “About | Brian Raphael Nabors.” Brian Raphael Nabors, 2025, www.briannabors.com/about.

Date

3-18-2026

Committee Chair

Talley, Damon

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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