Musical Composition
I have been composing since a young man. Ideas for traditional songs would flow through my mind, yet I was a bit afraid to share what I heard. It was the encouragement of my fellow singers and elders that brought them out. Today I compose for a variety of venues and enjoy the collaborative elements of artistic & multimedia production.
Composer/Performer, The Symphony Seattle, Co-wrote and performed in opening movement of Matt Messina’s new symphony, Benaroya Hall, Seattle, WA. Nov, 2006.
Composer/Performer, with Oregon Symphony Cellist, Steve Price, original traditional songs, August 2001.
Composer/Performer Kinji’s Suite, with Third Angle String Quartet of the Oregon Symphony,November 1999.
Commissioned Works
NIEA Song; commissioned by Ryan Wilson, National Indian Education Association President, 2005.
Native Wellness Institute Song; commissioned by Jillene Joseph, Executive Director, Native Wellness Institute. 2004.
Mayor’s Honor Song, commissioned by Michelle Sanidad, CEO, United Indians of All Tribes, Seattle, WA. 2002 Award-winning video here.
Gathering of Nations Song; commissioned by Derrick Matthews, Gathering of Nations, Inc.
Theatre
Composer, Ghosts of Celilo, by Marv Ross, Portland, OR., World Premiere, September 2007.
Composer/Musician, Celilo! Involving history and music of the fishing people of the Columbia River. Produced by Ross Productions; owner, Marvin Ross of Quarterflash fame, May 1998.
Composer/Musician, Bridge of the Gods, Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre, Portland, OR, August 1997
Composer, Back to the Blanket by Gary Hill. Directed by Roberta Levitow, Denver Center Theatre Company, Denver, CO. 1991
Composer, Independence of Eddie Rose by Bill Yellow Robe. Directed by Tim Bond, Group Theatre Company, Seattle WA. 1990
Musical Director, American Indian Dance Theatre Company, New York City. Responsible for direction and performance of traditional music for dance production. Also was company lead singer and soloist. Toured Japan, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, and 2 US tours of the West and East Coasts. 1987-89
Musical Director; Oregon Trail Pageant. Responsible for composition and arrangement of music for theatrical production. Advising producers on proper cultural protocol and traditions to enhance the collaborative process. Oregon City, OR. Summer 1998.
Film & Video
Vocalist, Expiration Date, directed by Rick Stevenson, music by BC Smith, 2006
Vocalist on Showtime Movie “Shiprock”, directed by Chris Eyre, music by BC Smith, February 2003
Composer/Musician, Oregon Native American Business Entrepreneurial Network Video, November 1997.
Composer/Musician, University of Oklahoma Native American Health Promotion Aerobics Fitness Video & Music, June 1997.
Marketing
Composer/Musician, Spirit Mountain Spirit Mountain Casino, Coastal Cleanup TV Ad, Grande Ronde Tribe, Oregon, October 1999
Composer/Musician, Spirit Mountain Spirit Mountain Casino, Steelhead TV Ad, March 1999
Composer/Musician, Spirit Mountain Spirit Mountain Casino TV Ad, February, 1997