West Michigan Flute Association
Composer Collaboration
WMFA confidently champions the creation of innovative works for flute orchestra through our composer commissions and collaborations.
Past Commissions List
WMFA proudly supports the creation of innovative new works for flute through dedicated composer commissions and enriching collaborations. Our commitment to fostering newly composed music for flute choir is reflected in a diverse array of projects that explore varied styles and techniques. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of our past commissions, which showcases the remarkable talents of distinguished composers and highlights the unique contributions each piece brings to the flute repertoire.
Painting by Phoenix Sooy
WMFA Commissions:
David Wells, Tag 1997
David Wells, Caterpillar, 2004
Darlene Dugan, Reflections on Bonnie Doon, 2005
Valerie Coleman, Pontchartrain, 2011
Jenni Brandon, America Belongs to Us, 2015
Theo Ndawillie II, Not The End, 2017, World Premiere
GLF
Theo Ndawillie II, A Hoax, 2018
Emily Brown, Entanglements, 2018
Jonathan Cohen, Blueshift Red, 2019
Kelly Via, Meditation on Abide with Me, 2021 commissioned with a grant from the Timothy J. Pennings Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, 2021
Catherine McMichael, The Beacon, 2024- World Premiere May 05, 2024 West Michigan Flute Orchestra presents, “The Beacon” by Catherine McMichael, directed by Julie Sooy
David Wells, Triptych for 10 Voice Flute Choir, To Honor the Memory of Emily Brown, 2024
David Wells, Sicilienne for Cheryl, 2007 NFA Convention performance 2015
Darlene Dugan, Flint Hills Memories 2008 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Kelly Via, ‘Cross the Wide Missouri 2008 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Matt H. Doran, Variations and Scherzo 2010 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Richard Cerchia, Titania’s Dreams, 1999 On MichiganFluteLegends, Audio CD
David L. Wells, Ballgames, 2000 On MichiganFluteLegends, Audio CD
Catherine McMichael, Legend of Sleeping Bear, 2003 On MichiganFluteLegends, Audio CD
Kelly Via, Remembrances, 2011
Ken Kreuzer, Crossroads 2012 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Kathleen Mayne, Royal Concerto for Flute Quartet and Flute Orchestra, 2013 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
David Wells, Rondo for Otto & Marie, for Flutes and Alphorns, by David L. Wells, 2013
David Wells, Dugie’s Rag, 2016
Mayne, Mountain Grandeur, 2019
WMFA Commissions:
David Wells, Tag 1997
Richard Cerchia, Titania’s Dreams, 1999 On MichiganFluteLegends, Audio CD
David L. Wells, Ballgames, 2000 On MichiganFluteLegends, Audio CD
Catherine McMichael, Legend of Sleeping Bear, 2003 On MichiganFluteLegends, Audio CD
David Wells, Caterpillar, 2004
Darlene Dugan, Reflections on Bonnie Doon, 2005
David Wells, Sicilienne for Cheryl, 2007 NFA Convention performance 2015
Darlene Dugan, Flint Hills Memories 2008 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Kelly Via, ‘Cross the Wide Missouri 2008 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Matt H. Doran, Variations and Scherzo 2010 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Valerie Coleman, Pontchartrain, 2011
Kelly Via, Remembrances, 2011
Ken Kreuzer, Crossroads 2012 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
Kathleen Mayne, Royal Concerto for Flute Quartet and Flute Orchestra, 2013 ‘Cross the Wide Missouri, Audio CD
David Wells, Rondo for Otto & Marie, for Flutes and Alphorns, by David L. Wells, 2013
Jenni Brandon, America Belongs to Us, 2015
David Wells, Dugie’s Rag, 2016
Theo Ndawillie II, Not The End, 2017, World Premiere
Theo Ndawillie II, A Hoax, 2018
GLF
Emily Brown, Entanglements, 2018
Jonathan Cohen, Blueshift Red, 2019
Mayne, Mountain Grandeur, 2019
Kelly Via, Meditation on Abide with Me, 2021 commissioned with a grant from the Timothy J. Pennings Advised Fund of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, 2021
Catherine McMichael, The Beacon, 2024- World Premiere May 05, 2024 West Michigan Flute Orchestra presents, “The Beacon” by Catherine McMichael, directed by Julie Sooy
David Wells, Triptych for 10 Voice Flute Choir, To Honor the Memory of Emily Brown, 2024
Interested in writing for WMFA
Collaboration with composers lies at the very heart of WMFA’s identity, deeply anchored in Darlene Dugan’s pioneering vision of a grand flute orchestra. This ensemble is celebrated for its profound tonal richness, vibrant sonority, and exceptional technical prowess, all of which together provide an expressive canvas for composers’ imaginations and creativity to flourish.
We invite you to submit your own work or proposal for consideration, providing specific guidelines and timelines to ensure clarity throughout the process. We are excited to review your creative ideas and look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you!
New Commission in Memory of our Friend and Director, Julie Sooy
Jenni Brandon is composing a new work in honor and memory of our beloved friend and director, Julie Sooy. We plan to premiere this commission at the 2027 NFA Flute Convention, commemorating the ten-year anniversary of Julie conducting another Brandon collaboration. Entitled “Coming Home,” the composition will capture Julie’s personality, heart, and musical artistry.
