Chris Hass: Vanquish for Trombone Octet

Vanquish depicts a battle scene through two contrasting styles. The first style is characterized by triumphant-sounding modal harmony and pulsating rhythmic energy, meant to portray the intensity of battle. The second style features a slower, more sentimental melody, which represents the reflection of what they might be fighting for. The two styles are first introduced in isolation, but later work together to lead to the climax of the piece: the victory of the battle. The piece ends with a final statement of the sentimental melody in a new key, representing the reality of achieving what they’ve always been fighting for. This piece was selected as the winner of the Third Coast Trombone Choir Call for Scores in 2014.

Chris Evan Hass (b. 1993) is a composer, arranger, and conductor hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Chris’ music has been performed across the United States and has received international recognition with performances throughout Asia and in Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland. His music has been performed by ensembles including the New York Philharmonic Principal Brass Quintet, the Sinta Saxophone Quartet, and the Third Coast Trombone Choir.
Chris has had pieces featured at new music festivals including Indiana State University’s Contemporary Music Festival, New Music Detroit’s Strange Beautiful Music Festival, and various Society for Composers Inc. conferences. He has also had performances at the Indonesia Orchestra and Ensemble Festival, Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, National Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and the US Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium.
Chris holds degrees in Composition from Central Michigan University (M.M.) and Western Michigan University (B.M.). His primary teachers include David Gillingham, Evan Ware, Christopher Biggs, and Lisa Coons. Chris currently resides in Jackson, MI, where he works as a freelance composer and teaches private lessons for low brass students at Northwest Public Schools.