Arranging & Composing

Aaron has been arranging and composing for steel band for a number of years. Below are some of his more recent works, these works are available for purchase through MauMau Music. To hear a recording click on the title of the piece. Aaron also publishes arrangements of American pop music, and island classics through Alfred Publishing.

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“Elsewhere” was written after watching a documentary entitled "The Institute." The movie detailed the accounts of a large scale public arts project that took place in San Francisco, California. It centered around the Jejune Institute and a lost young woman named Eva, who makes reference to elsewhere a place that was reached through meditation and is said to be neither here nor there. This piece for solo double second pans utilizes minimalist techniques with a calming melody to put the listener in a meditative state to help them find their own elsewhere."Elsewhere" for solo double second or vibraphone, can be played with optional phaser and delay. The piece begins with both effects on and the player is instructed throughout the work when they should be turned on and off.  Delay instructions and settings are on the cover page. Double Second range F#3-B5

Difficulty: Medium/Hard (great for high school & college players)
Instrumentation: solo double second or vibraphone, four mallets

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“Dreams of You” Written by Aaron in an effort to explore complex harmonies, mixed with the beautiful melody and light samba feel, to allow for your band to show off its musicality. “Dreams Of You” is dedicated to Aaron’s wife Janet Brehm Ziegler. Thank you to Dr. Lucas Bernier and the University of Mary Steelband for premiering this piece and providing the recording. 

Difficulty: Hard (great for high school and college bands)
Instrumentation: tenor/double tenor/double seconds/cello/bass/drum set

“Baccahnallin’” Bacchanallin’ (partying) originates from the name of the Roman God Bacchus, the god of the grape harvest and winemaking. This tune is a reflection of the partying atmosphere surrounding the annual Carvinal season in Trinidad and Tobago. Bacchanallin’ was composed by Aaron Ziegler with the intent of creating a tune appropriate for younger students to play but fun and exciting for bands of all levels. There is also an optional 16 measure lead soli with the chord changes provided to allow the performers an opportunity to improvise. Thank You to Iowa Percussion for providing the sample recording. Lead: Christine Augspurger and David Solomon, Double Tenor: Aaron Ziegler, Double Seconds: Casey Mattes, Cello: Oliver Molina, Bass: Andrew Thierauf, and Drums: Devon Curry

Difficulty: Easy (great for junior high and high school bands)
Instrumentation: tenor/double tenor/double seconds/cello/bass/drum set

“Canboulay” was influenced by the Canboulay Riots of 1881 where the kalinda bands joined forces against Captain Baker and the police. This riot has become a symbol of resistance and rebellion against authority in Trinidad and Tobago. Canboulay was written for Rob Desmond, the percussion director of Toledo School for the Arts, and his students, the members of Glass City Steel.

Difficulty: Hard (great for high school & college steel bands)
Instrumentation: tenor/double tenor/double seconds/cello/bass/drum set