- Quality Music for Education & Performance -
- Quality Music for Education & Performance -
Featured Pieces
Wind Ensemble & Optional Solo Electric Guitar
2024 | 3:00 | Edited in 2025
Level: Grade 5
Scoring: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, Eb Clarinet, 3 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpets, 4 Horns in F, 3 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal, Ratchet, Hi-Hat, Tam-tam, Crash Cymbal, Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Program Note: Chaotic Noise is a quick concert opener meant to excite the performers and audience from start to finish. Based on many different musical styles such as funk and jazz as well as cultural influences from Spain and the Middle East the audience will experience a whirlwind of sound from start to finish. Throughout Chaotic Noise you will hear various sound effects such as fluttering, flourishes, and trills, as well as some more unique sounds such as sirens and car horns. Try to see how many different sounds you can count!
2025 | 6:00
Level: Grade 4
Scoring: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, 3 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpets, 4 Horns in F, 3 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Marimba, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbal, Mark Tree, Chimes, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Drum-Kit
Program Note: "Blue Eyes" is a musical reflection on my childhood memories with my father. The piece captures the essence of those moments through a mix of musical textures and styles, each representing different facets of our shared experiences.
The opening soundscape sets a contemplative tone, enriched by warm brass lines that evoke a sense of nostalgia. A slower, lyrical fanfare follows, offering a melodic exploration of quiet, meaningful moments. The final section introduces a blend of styles, representing the dynamic and varied nature of life’s memories, before returning to the initial soundscape to bring the journey full circle.
This piece is both a tribute and a narrative, using music to celebrate the connection between past and present.
2024 | 11:00
Level: Grade 6
Scoring: Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Violoncello
Program Note: [REDACTED]
Wind Ensemble & Optional Solo Electric Guitar
2024 | 3:00 | Edited in 2025
Level: Grade 5
Scoring: Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, Eb Clarinet, 3 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpets, 4 Horns in F, 3 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Xylophone, Vibraphone, Suspended Cymbal, Ratchet, Hi-Hat, Tam-tam, Crash Cymbal, Snare Drum, Bass Drum
Program Note: Chaotic Noise is a quick concert opener meant to excite the performers and audience from start to finish. Based on many different musical styles such as funk and jazz as well as cultural influences from Spain and the Middle East the audience will experience a whirlwind of sound from start to finish. Throughout Chaotic Noise you will hear various sound effects such as fluttering, flourishes, and trills, as well as some more unique sounds such as sirens and car horns. Try to see how many different sounds you can count!
2025 | 6:00
Level: Grade 4
Scoring: 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, 2 Bassoons, 3 Bb Clarinets, Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Alto Saxophones, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpets, 4 Horns in F, 3 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Double Bass, Timpani, Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Marimba, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbal, Mark Tree, Chimes, Bass Drum, Tam-Tam, Drum-Kit
Program Note: "Blue Eyes" is a musical reflection on my childhood memories with my father. The piece captures the essence of those moments through a mix of musical textures and styles, each representing different facets of our shared experiences.
The opening soundscape sets a contemplative tone, enriched by warm brass lines that evoke a sense of nostalgia. A slower, lyrical fanfare follows, offering a melodic exploration of quiet, meaningful moments. The final section introduces a blend of styles, representing the dynamic and varied nature of life’s memories, before returning to the initial soundscape to bring the journey full circle.
This piece is both a tribute and a narrative, using music to celebrate the connection between past and present.
2024 | 11:00
Level: Grade 6
Scoring: Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Violoncello
Program Note: [REDACTED]
Meet the Composer
Michael Olson is an award-winning composer and music educator whose works have been premiered by ensembles including the Troy University Symphony Band and the Tarpon Springs Wind Ensemble. His music has been recognized in composition competitions and published through multiple music publishing companies.
Currently pursuing graduate studies while actively composing for ensembles across the country, Olson’s music focuses on emotional storytelling, cinematic textures, and accessible yet rewarding musical experiences for performers.
Our Music
Explore our range of music designed to elevate your ensemble performance.
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Explore advanced and expressive works written for mature ensembles seeking musical depth, color, and emotional impact. These compositions combine cinematic textures, powerful climaxes, and nuanced scoring designed to challenge performers while creating meaningful musical experiences for audiences. Featuring works recognized at both the state and national levels, the Wind Ensemble catalog showcases contemporary music crafted with both artistry and performance practicality in mind — from dramatic concert openers to expansive symphonic works.
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Discover original works for symphony orchestra that blend cinematic color, lyrical expression, and powerful storytelling. Written for developing and advanced ensembles alike, these compositions explore a wide emotional and sonic range through rich orchestration, dramatic pacing, and expressive melodic writing. From sweeping symphonic statements to intimate musical moments, the Symphony Orchestra catalog reflects a contemporary compositional voice shaped by both concert tradition and modern musical imagination.
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Explore an intimate collection of chamber works designed for small ensembles seeking clarity, communication, and expressive depth. These pieces highlight individual musicianship while emphasizing ensemble interaction, color, and nuance. Ranging from lyrical and reflective to energetic and rhythmically driven, the Chamber Music catalog offers accessible yet artistically rewarding works for both student and professional performers.
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Explore original outdoor performance works designed for marching bands seeking impactful musical storytelling, strong visual pacing, and engaging audience experiences. These productions emphasize bold thematic development, driving rhythmic energy, and effective staging for the field, creating memorable competitive and exhibition performances.
My marching band productions are available exclusively through the Inspire Music and Entertainment Productions website, where directors can view complete shows, educational materials, and production resources.