Rubrical Expressions will be a multi-movement work for wind ensemble and organ loosely based on a mass setting. The difficulty level will range from grade 3-5 with an organ part that could be easily adapted for most concert-hall-sized instruments. The difficulty of each movement will vary, allowing conductors to pick the movement(s) that best fit their ensemble. The buy-in for the consortium is $250. The deadline to join has been extended to October 1st. Consortium members will receive their name and institution listed on the inside of the score, a physical score, a PDF of the score and parts, and performance exclusivity of twelve months from the world premiere date in Spring 2025. The music will be shared with all consortium members once completed, by January 1, 2025. A physical score will be delivered following that.

The instrumentation will be: Flute 1-2, Oboe 1 (2 cued elsewhere), Clarinet 1-3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon 1-2 (cued elsewhere), Alto Saxophone 1-2, Tenor Saxophone (opt.), Baritone Saxophone, Trumpets 1-3, Horns 1-2 (3 & 4 opt.), Trombone 1-2, Bass Trombone (opt.), Euphonium, Tuba, String Bass (opt.) up to but not exceeding 4 percussionists, pipe organ

There are multiple options for payment. We can arrange for payment before the end of your current fiscal year if you like OR you can pay in the new fiscal year. We can personalize a payment plan based on your needs. If the consortium fee prohibits you from participating, please contact us to discuss an alternate fee.

A sample of Graeme’s wind band writing and organ music can be found on this website. His output is varied, so a few representative works in the style of the planned Rubrical Expressions are included here on this page.

A bit about Graeme Shields: 

Graeme is currently the Director of Music and Worship at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale, IL where he regularly composes organ voluntaries, anthems, mass settings, and psalm settings to be played by the church’s ensembles and musicians. He is also the president and co-founder of the 501(c)3 organization Vital Organ Project which centers around the performance and education around new music for the pipe organ. Since 2017, it has been the catalyst for 25 world premieres and over 30 concert events across North America.

Graeme’s music has been performed across the United States, Canada, Finland, Costa Rica, and Russia. His music has been recognized by the Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival and the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra.

More information about Graeme and his music can be found here and on the Vital Organ Project webpage:

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To join the consortium, complete the form and pay the consortium fee by clicking the button below. Questions about the piece or the process? Get in touch here.