Reviews | Interviews | Testimonials

“'[ Wanderlust, for wind ensemble ] sounds like deconstructed Copland and is marked by enveloping waves of sound in ascending and descending scales, alternately calm (the harps, of course) and unsettling (most notably the drums and lower brass).” Full Review

— Dave Rosenbaum, South Florida Classical Review, February 7, 2017

“Brandon Scott Rumsey used two modern poems–“Planting Tulips”, with text by Neil Aitken and “Peaches in November,” by August Kleinzahler—as part of a song cycle commissioned by tenor Jason Weisinger. … The first was dark and thoughtful and the second features an a cappella opening of evocative and beautiful music. Full Review

— Sheri Rase, [Q]onStage, February 2, 2015

“Brilliant 21-year-old composer Brandon Rumsey’s original score is bees and math and angst and gardens. It is as complete as it is lovely, so natural I cannot imagine the play detached from this new score. Adding to the perfection of the music is the musicians’ staging: nestled in the garden, just behind the empty beehives, organic and integral to the world being created in this play.” Full Review

— Anna Grace, Eugene Weekly, June 4, 2009

8.11.2021: “Beyond Bach: SMTD Students Create ‘Peace offerings’ That Redefine the Meaning and Role of Music Theory In a Rapidly Changing World” by Claudia Capos Full Article

11.15.2020: Brandon Scott Rumsey discusses their new piece Crystals: On Empathy on 1 Track Podcast with Anthony Joseph Lanman Full Interview

9.6.2019: “Music’s Perpetually Open Secret: 18 years after they were first reported, allegations of sexual harassment at the Butler School of Music have continued” by Sammy Sussman Full Article (paywalled)

“Working with Brandon was a true joy. They made the process truly collaborative and is so passionate about the poetry that’s its difficult not to hear that passion come alive in their work.”

— Mysti Byrnes, Mezzo-Soprano

“Wanderlust is a 5-minute, colorful, eclectic and fresh wander through the sonic forces and textures of the Wind Ensemble medium.”

— Robert Carnochan, Conductor

“Brandon gave us scores with enough time to prepare them, sat in on rehearsals, understood the importance of giving us space to work through the piece, but also provided helpful feedback when necessary. When I think of Brandon's music, I think of meaningful music that goes straight to the heart and is full of warmth. I sometimes feel like I'm getting a big hug when I listen their music.”

— Annie Jeng, Pianist

“Wanderlust is a beautiful composition with exciting color shifts and fresh, contemporary scoring for the modern wind band.”

— Jason Noble, Conductor

“Brandon’s music is elegant, thoughtful, and challenging in such a way that when performed sounds intuitive and meaningful.”

— Alexandra Porter, Soprano and founder of CUSP

“When I think of Brandon Scott Rumsey’s music I am instantly transported to a world of hope and light.”

— Kristin Leitterman, Soprano and Oboist

“Creating is so just too easy when collaborating with Brandon! Not only is their music honest and thought-provoking, but they are genuine, understanding, and extremely passionate throughout the entire process. They are the person everyone wants to work with!”

— Nathan Mertens, Saxophonist