Episode 8 - Jay Coles

Just 23 years old, the enormously talented Jay Coles has already published several works for band through Carl Fischer, C.L. Barnhouse, and C. Alan Publications and is the author of a new novel inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement titled Tyler Jones was Here and scheduled to be released in 2018 by Little Brown, Children's. Topics: Jay's musical background and his young career Using social media to create opportunity Jay's first big break with the Kirankai High School Wind Ensemble in Wakayamashi, Japan Diversity in the wind literature and thoughts about how to lift up the marginalized in the band community Finding publishers as a composer His forthcoming young adult novel and the differences between music publishing and book publishing His process for writing a piece of music​ Links: Ball State University Music Orchesis: Legends of Thailand Galactic Episode Michael Markowski: Saturn Returns Michael Daugherty: Raise the Roof Biography: Jay Coles (b. 1995) is a composer, conductor, and clinician residing in the wonderful and beautiful state of Indiana. He attends Ball State University, where he studies Music, Education and English, though he currently holds an A.S. Degree in Liberal Arts. Jay has come to be known as an emerging and distinguished young composer and is rapidly making his debut on many programs across the globe. Jay's first composition for wind ensemble, a self-published grade 5 piece entitled "Orchesis: Legends of Thailand," was premiered in Wakayama-Shi, Japan. The piece was performed by the Kinrinkai Junior and Senior High School Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Masago Hirokazu. ​ Jay's performance background is very eclectic. He's performed in numerous jazz ensembles, wind ensembles and pep bands, and currently, Jay plays bassoon and euphonium professionally. He is also the lead pianist and residential composer for his church, where he has arranged and composed many works for small choirs and chamber orchestras. He maintains a tight and busy schedule of composing and arranging, performing, and traveling. Additionally, Jay has composed numerous works for wind band for just about every level. Jay's music is published by Carl Fischer Music and Birch Island Co. as well as works that are self-published which can be found on his website. Jay accredits composers and mentors Brian Balmages, Larry Clark, Ryan Main, and Michael Markowski for their guidance and many lessons that continue to shape his music—all those lessons that motivate him to thrive as a composer.