Ares is Here

Posted by carlly on May 23, 2012
Posted in: Music. Leave a Comment

Greetings

I’ve finally finished my newest piece, “Ares“, for symphonic band. For those of you that don’t know who Ares was (do you really not know who Ares was?), he was the Greek god of war in Greek mythology. Not this god of war. (Although, Kratos is incredibly badass.) I’d originally wanted this piece to be a twelve-tone moto perpetuo that dealt with my nightly struggles with insomnia. That didn’t really work. Obviously. I’d have to study more twelve-tone music before I even attempt to write a piece like that again.

I’ve always wanted to write music that was incredibly savage and engaging. Dissonant chords and bombastic percussion galore! When I finally settled on the idea of Ares being the inspiration of this piece, I knew I was in for a challenge. Not only did I have to push myself to write material that was more dissonant than I usually write, but I also had to write a piece that would challenge every single instrument. Since  I’ve grown more in love with film and video game music — after so many people have told me my music sounds like it belongs in movies– I knew I wanted to go a bit cinematic with this piece. I think it relates more to the genre of trailer music. By the way, the soundtracks to all of the God of War games greatly inspired the direction in which I wanted to take this piece. Especially this track from “God of War 2“, although it isn’t on the official soundtrack. Some inspiration from Two Steps From Hell also helped.

Structurally, the piece is your standard ternary form. INTRO-A-B-A-CODA. For those of you familiar with my piece “Dionysian Mysteries“, you’ll notice fragments of that piece in B. This piece also changes meters during its entire duration. Alternating between 7/8, 2/4, 3/4 and a few bars of 5/8, 5/4, 3/8, and 6/4 thrown in for variety. It doesn’t stay in one meter for more than one measure. That was a fun challenge seeing as most of my pieces tend to stay in one meter for a long time and then they might change to a different meter sometime later.

There is no set premiere. I can’t wait to hear this piece live. I know I say that with all of my pieces, but since this is new, I especially mean it! MIDI never really does my pieces justice (especially with my style of writing). If you want to call what I compose an actual “style”.

Now, go give the piece a listen/look. If you aren’t a fan of mixed meter, high-energy, dissonant music, I suggest you listen to “Ares” a million more times until you are! Now, it’s time for me to take a break from music before I start back up in the Fall.

Peace,

C.L. Winston

Dionysian Mysteries Video

Posted by carlly on May 14, 2012
Posted in: Music. Leave a Comment

Greetings,

I don’t really have much to say. I’m still working on “Ares“. I’ll try to have that for you guys within the next two weeks. I’ve been incredibly busy getting things done as far as deadlines. Until I release “Ares”, please enjoy this video of the world premiere of “Dionysian Mysteries” by the SUNY Orange Symphonic Band this past Saturday. Enjoy!

“Dionysian Mysteries” Narration Recorded!

Posted by carlly on April 5, 2012
Posted in: Music. Leave a Comment

Greetings,

As I struggle to complete the orchestration of my newest wind ensemble piece, “Ares“, I’ll update you guys on an event that I haven’t really mentioned in many of posts. I’m of course referring to the world premiere of “Dionysian Mysteries” by the SUNY Orange Symphonic Band. That takes place on Saturday, May 12th. I plan on being in attendance at the concert, but I guess we will see how things play themselves out. This post isn’t really about promoting the concert. It is actually to share an awesome image with you guys. As you know, “Dionysian Mysteries” contains a short narration at the beginning of the piece. This past Monday, Kevin Scott and Christine Chase Sacchi recorded the narration in an actual studio. Don’t believe me? Check this picture out!

“Lifestyles: The Sims 3 Machinima”

Posted by carlly on March 14, 2012
Posted in: Other Project. Tagged: , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Greetings,

Aside from posting those few chapters of my terrible “Resident Evil” fan fiction, I don’t usually post other projects that I am a part of. Well, I guess this will start being a regular thing. Before I present the project, let me give you a little background. I’ve always been very interested in voice acting. Whether it be for television, movies or whatever else requires one to make silly voices for animated characters. I’ve been voice acting in various online projects off and on for about 6 years now. Many of those projects have either died or haven’t really gotten anywhere. Haha.

At any rate, the reason I am telling you all this is because a new series I lend my awful voice to will be releasing its first episode soon. I was asked to see if I could come up with the voice for one of the characters of the series back in January. Luckily, the creator of the series, Tara Hildebrand, loved the voice I came up with and I was asked to be a part of the project. Now, the teaser trailer for the series has been released today. I provide the voice of the character sitting on the couch at the beginning of the trailer. His name is Cameron Hills. He doesn’t really speak during the trailer, but I can assure you I have lines in the actual series. Haha. You’ll even see the character play some piano in the trailer. Better than me it seems. Haha. Well, enough with my blabbering. Here is the trailer for the upcoming Sims 3 series, “Lifestyles”.

Peace,

C.L. Winston

P.S. I’m still working on this wind ensemble piece that can work as a companion piece to “Dionysian Mysteries“. Hopefully, in my next post, I will give you guys more information. Until then, enjoy that trailer.

Quick Update (Part 2)

Posted by carlly on February 11, 2012
Posted in: Music. Leave a Comment

Greetings,

I won’t be posting any more chapters of “Resident Evil: Requisition” on my website from now on. I’m trying to keep this site strickly about music and other projects I am currently working on. If you want to continue reading the story (there really isn’t much left), you can view the other chapters HERE. My apologies to those of you that actually wanted to continue reading the story.

In music related news, I’m in talks for organizing a consortium for my Soprano Saxophone concertino (I’m thinking about changing the solo instrument to Oboe). I’ll release more information about that as the details are finalized. Email me if you would like to be a part of the consortium. The piece won’t be premiered for another year. Currently, I’m working on a piece that may be even more difficult than “Nibiru, the Bringer of Doom“. As soon as I finish this piece, I’ll have a little MIDI audio excerpt up for you guys. Stay tuned here for more news regarding myself or things that interest me.

Peace,

C.L. Winston

Resident Evil: Requisition – Chapter 2

Posted by carlly on February 3, 2012
Posted in: Music. Tagged: , . Leave a Comment

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 10: 20 P.M.
Alley

Through the door Philip saw a guy about the same age as him. His hair was a straight brown and his eyes were blue. He wore a black tan top shirt with a cap. His pants were also jet black and had denim fabric. His name was Ben Caldwell and he was one of many of the new S.T.A.R.S. members being recruited. Ben had an enhanced version of Philip’s Beretta which Ben’s is called a Beretta 92FS 9mm-SD.
“What’s up, need a welcoming committee?” Ben asked.
“Sure do,” remarked Philip.
Philip ran out the back door with Ben and what do you know, they saw a horde of flesh eating zombies. The zombies were closing in and staring at the two men’s peach skin.
“Where’s your car?” Ben asked.
“In the front of the diner,” Philip requested.
“Mine is down this alley, let’s just hope we make it in one piece,” hesitated Ben.
He continued.
“How many bullets can your Beretta hold?
“45 tops,” Philip told him.
“I can hold up to 55, so we’re cool,” said Ben.
Philip and Ben ran down the alley passing the zombies. The zombies attempted to grab our heroes but had no luck. Ben was ahead of Philip and was showing a great effort of leadership. Philip kept looking back at the flesh eaters as they were trying to get them.
“Why are you side tracing,” Ben yelled.
Ben then hit up against a trash can and knocked it over. Behind that trash can was a hobo zombie, sleeping but he was awakened by the sudden bump of Ben against his home. The zombie rose up and looked at Philip who was falling behind.
“What the?” Philip hesitated as the zombie walked towards him.
The zombie moaned and smelled of decay and dead animal. Philip didn’t back up because he knew that if he took even further steps the zombies behind him were sure to have a great meal. So with no other option, Philip aimed his Beretta 92FS at the ugly hobo zombie and shot him between the eyes. The zombie fell over and didn’t move again. Other zombies behind Philip stopped as they saw the head lights of Ben’s car. It was a black Raccoon City Police Department car. Ben ran over the dead hobo zombie and stopped in front of Philip.
“Are you getting in or not?” Ben yelled.
Philip ran around to the passenger side of the car and got in. Ben stepped on the gas real hard and rammed right into the zombies in the alley. Their body parts flew on the car and blood was smeared on the tires, windshield, and the hood. Ben turned on the wipers as he got out onto the main road.
“What the hell is going on here?” Philip asked.
“Well have you ever heard of Umbrella?” Ben asked.
“Yea I’ve heard of it,” Philip remarked.
“Well you know about the strange occurrences?” Ben suggested.
“Yea,” Philip remarked again.
“Well umbrella has unleashed both the T- Virus, and G-Virus onto Raccoon City. I am the only S.T.A.R.S. member alive… I think. Well it seems that umbrella has yet unleashed another virus called the U- Virus or the Unknown because no one is sure of what the virus is capable of doing to anyone,” Ben lectured.
“Whoa, and I thought humans were the only ones infected,” Philip said.
“What! You’re not a resident of Raccoon City?” Ben asked.
“Me no. I just came here because my car was running out of gas,” Philip told Ben.
Ben drove the car down the streets and looked out to see if there were any zombies.
“Well as long as we stick together, you and I will be alright,” Ben said with the up most confidence.

Resident Evil: Requisition – Chapter 1

Posted by carlly on January 28, 2012
Posted in: Music. Tagged: . Leave a Comment

My apologies for being so late with this thing, but here it is. I promise I will post Chapter 2 as scheduled next Friday.

 

Tuesday, August 8, 2006, 9:59 P.M.
Raccoon City

The night had an eerie feel to it. There seemed as though there was nothing in the unilluminated city. The streets had nothing but the fly by of newspapers that read “THE NIGHTMARE HAS ENDED.” On a highway in the outskirts of the cuty was a person in a white Dodge Convertible, exiting at the sign that read “WELCOME TO RA—– CITY.” The two “c’s, two “o’s,” and the “n” were all missing from the sign. The car passed many of the apartments established on the sidewalks of the ghost town. Cardboard boxes zipped pass as the car sped pass then. The driver stopped at a local gas station to fill up his car. As he got out of the car, the man was white with straight black hair. His eyes were a deep blue color and he wore a jacket with a skull on the back. His pants were blue jeans with denim features. The man’s name was Philip Allen and he was on a vacation. He walked into the gas station’s diner and looked around inside.
“Hello, is anybody here?” Philip asked.
There was no response. Utter silence was occupied within the room. The only sound was that of the rats roaming about in the floor in search for food. Philip looked around the diner and saw nothing. Not even customers. He sat there alone with his head down and his fist balled up on the counter-top. Nothing seemed to be piecing together in his mind, just questions to what the hell was going on. He turned towards the kitchen and saw a television perched on a stand ledged in the wall. He walked up to the television and pressed the power button. The news was on. There was a news broadcasting woman on the air giving out some information. Philip was amazed.
“Here in our beloved city of Raccoon City, the streets seem to have been very quiet since exactly 9:59 P.M. When the clock had struck 10 o’ clock, our chopper man Dave Chandler had reported to see several individuals walking towards the way of a diner/gas station,” the broadcaster said hesitantly. She continued. “Although we have no real visual of what these people look like, we are clear that they are residents of Raccoon City.”
Philip turned off the television and sat down again. He put his hands behind his head and began to get comfortable. He sighed and continuously blew at the bangs over his forehead. Philip jumped as the diner’s door rang. He looked over at the door and saw a man with his head leaned over.
“Hey buddy,” Philip greeted towards the man.
The strange man walked towards the counter next to Philip. He checked the mini fridge next to him and took out a bottle of milk. The man opened the bottle and began to drink the milk. He seemed very clumsy because of how the milk was dripping onto the floor.
“Hey dude you okay?” Philip asked the man patting him on the shoulder.
The man lifted his head up and stared deep at Philip. Philip was scared stiff as he looked at the man. The man had milk white eyes; he was missing the right side of his cheeks so his teeth were showing. He moaned with hunger and looked at Philip as he began to back away.
“What the hell are you?” Philip asked.
The zombie walked closer to Philip with his arms to his side. Philip began reaching in his pocket. The zombie was getting even closer and Philip was getting even more scared. Philip took out his Beretta 92FS and aimed at the zombie’s head.
“Don’t step any closer,” Philip remarker.
The zombie kept coming towards him with hunger and disappointment. Philip became angry and aimed the gun again at the zombie.
“Goodbye,” Philip snickered.
The zombie was shocked and then shot in the head. The zombie fell over with a thud; as that wasn’t the only thud made. Outside the diner a swarm of zombies were gathered banging on the door rapidly. It seems that their hunger has led them to Philip. Philip loads his gun and hears the back door open.

Quick Update (Part 1)

Posted by carlly on January 21, 2012
Posted in: Music. Leave a Comment

Greetings,

There will be no posting of my never-to-be-published novel on the site. My original draft is not in a readable condition. So, I won’t be able to post anything from it. I know some of you are a bit disappointed because you wanted to make fun of me, but I assure you I won’t leave you hanging. I will instead post a chapter of my Resident Evil fanfic that I wrote more than 8 years ago starting Friday, January 27th. I’m sure you guys will enjoy that especially since Resident Evil 6 has just been announced!

Peace,

C.L. Winston

From Concerto to Concertino

Posted by carlly on January 17, 2012
Posted in: Music. Tagged: , , , , , . Leave a Comment

Greetings,

So, my highly discussed Soprano Saxophone Concerto has been reduced to a concertino. It saddens me to do so, but it was bound to happen. As I was forming the ideas for this piece, I was struggling with coming up with material over the span of three movements. Instead, I opted to composing a Concertino for Soprano Saxophone. It will be a little easier to write…maybe even easier for band directors to program. I honestly thought about just scrapping the whole piece, but I think I’ve made the right decision as to making it a concertino. Now if only I could think of the subject matter. Hmm… Anyway, as you also may have noticed, I have gotten rid of the consortium for this work. That was actually a painless decision because I knew I wanted to get as many performances of this piece as I possibly could. So, my plan is to still finish this piece in May, but I guess we will see about that.

In regards to my never to be published novel, my deepest apologies for not posting it last Friday or this past weekend. I couldn’t access the site over the weekend because of prior engagements. I will definitely post the first chapter this Friday, January 20th! So, stay tuned for that. Now, I have cracking on this concertino!

Peace,

C.L. Winston

Domain Names and Novel Announcements

Posted by carlly on January 10, 2012
Posted in: Music. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Greetings,

If you haven’t already noticed, I officially have a domain name for my website! Sure the site is still the same, but the name has changed. For those of you that still have the old address, it will still direct you here. Just be sure to change it to carltonwinston.com. I’ve been waiting years to do this and it has finally happened. Also, be sure to check out the consortium information page HERE for more information on my first concerto for soprano saxophone and wind ensemble if you haven’t already. Get in on this exciting project and be one of the first bands to perform this invigorating work. By the way, don’t forget that I will be posting the first chapter of a novel I had written about 7 years ago right here on my website. Since it will never ever be published, I figured it would be appropriate to share how terrible a writer I was at one point. I will be posting one chapter every Friday after that as well. So, you can bring a great end to your hectic week by laughing your ass off at my expense. Be sure to stay tuned here for more information on my music or other things related to me.

Peace,

C.L. Winston