“Caleb is an absolute joy to work with! They take time to understand the needs of my band, our strengths and our weaknesses, and create pieces of music that are perfectly aligned to our ambitions and goals. Their style of writing is modern and artistically interesting. My students always look forward to pieces written by Caleb!”
— Amber N., Music Educator
“As an assistant, Caleb has always been reliable, often going above and beyond the ask to make sure the project is as good as possible. Their communication is excellent, and I am at ease when on a project knowing things will get done on time if not early. While their assistant skills are admirable, their skills as a composer are where they truly shine. I feel I can throw any challenge their way knowing that the result will incredible, and usually better than I could have hoped for. Their work pushes me to better my own and has helped me grow as a musician.”
“Getting to know and collaborate with Caleb has been an amazing experience. They pair high-caliber musicianship with genuinely expert and compassionate leadership, a rare combination. On the podium, Caleb demonstrates the highest level of competence: every gesture and instruction is rooted in a deep understanding of the score and an evident passion for the composition itself. Just as importantly, their approach to bringing music to life carries the utmost care and respect for the experience of the musicians in the room. I've had the privilege of working with Caleb from several vantage points: as Artistic Director of the Rainbow City Concert Band, where they served as our assistant conductor; as their Organizational Lead of Rainbow City Performing Arts; and even as a sousaphone player under their direction in Reign City Riot. From every angle, the quality of their work and their character as a colleague shine through. In fact, my very first meeting with Caleb came while they were in the early sketch phases of their commission "Connections." Watching that piece take shape was remarkable: they were a deliberate investigator and a caring interviewer, sitting down with past Rainbow City leaders, myself include, and expertly weaving our stories into a sonic tapestry of intergenerational relationship and respect for our organization's history.”
— Tim Norris, Artistic Director & Music Educator
“Performing Caleb’s Connections with the Queer Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band was such a beautiful and deeply personal experience. From the very first rehearsal, I could see our musicians connecting with the piece, and it was incredibly special watching that connection grow week after week. By the time we performed it, the emotional journey belonged just as much to the musicians on stage as it did to the audience listening. I absolutely loved exploring all the different colours Caleb created within the band. Gorgeous soaring melodies give way to whimsical, rhythmically energetic moments and then suddenly become incredibly intimate and vulnerable. One of my favorite elements is the simplicity of the collective human voice floating over a beautifully thin harmonic bed in the piano. Caleb’s orchestration allows different instruments and sections to step forward and carry the story, while still leaving space for moments that are small, delicate, and vulnerable. What an absolute joy it was to bring Caleb’s music to life!”
— Henco Espag, Artistic Director, Queer Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble
