Chris Thompson, composer Performed by Alarm Will Sound (http://alarmwillsound.com) Live at the 2025 Mizzou International Composers Festival, July 26, 2024 http://composersfestival.missouri.edu Alarm Will Sound: Erin Lesser, flute Christa Robinson, oboe Bill Kalinkos, clarinet Elisabeth Stimpert, clarinet Michael Harley, bassoon Laura Weiner, horn Tim Leopold, trumpet Michael Clayville, trombone Chris P. Thompson, percussion Matt Smallcomb, percussion John Orfe, piano Patty Kilroy, violin Courtney Orlando, violin Andrew Griffin, viola Stefan Freund, cello Miles Brown, bass Daniel Neumann, Audio Engineer Alan Pierson, conductor and Artistic Director Gavin Chuck, Executive Director Peter Ferry, Assistant Director of Artistic Planning Jason Varvaro, Production Manager Annie Toth, General Manager Tracy Mendez, Development Manager Michael Clayville, Director of Marketing Bill Kalinkos, Librarian Special thanks to Nuno Antunes (clarinet) and Wesley Sumpter (percussion) for their contributions to this performance. The composition for and performance of "Shadows Uplifted" was made possible by the University of Missouri-Columbia Mizzou New Music Initiative through the generous support of the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation, and was specially made for the 2025 Mizzou International Composers Festival where it was premiered by Alarm Will Sound.

Anomaly, for string quartet and notated rap, authentically blends contemporary art music with hip-hop. Through the use of extended techniques, mixed meters, percussive sounds, and even stomping, the performers take you on a thrilling adventure that embodies the spirit of rap while remaining true to the integrity of the string quartet genre. The lyricist participates as a 5th ensemble member while encouraging the audience that it’s ok to feel different and to embrace their unique and genuine self. In our own way, we are all anomalies. Lyrics and music composed by: Chris Thompson Performed by: Chris Thompson and the Bergamot Quartet Premiered on June 27th, 2024 at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University

Precipice by Chris Thompson (b. 1991) International Contemporary Ensemble Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center Polyaspora Festival at Peabody: The Future is Now II September 25 2024 Performed By: Rebekah Heller, conductor Erin Rogers, saxophone Alexander Davis, bassoon Kyra Sims, horn Josh Modney, violin Jacob Greenberg, piano

This is the first single from the 'Music Desegregation' project that features rap over a percussion ensemble and drumline, all in a 7/8 time signature. The piece is through-composed with the rhythm of the lyrics written into the score. Rap, drumline, marimba, and vibraphone are all intertwined to create this unique blend of genres, featuring jazz improvisation and classical composition techniques. All sounds used were recorded live in a studio. The lyrics confront racial and wealth inequality. AVAILABLE NOW ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS #MusicDesegregation Directed by Lamon Lawhorn and Chris Thompson Composed, performed, and lyrics by Chris Thompson Recorded by Ben Blozan and Gate City Studios Videography: Lamon Lawhorn and KLCreative Photography: Ricky Richardson and Inspirational Light Performers: Rap/Marimba/Vibes: Chris Thompson Snare: Kenji Freitas, Isaiah Tatum Quints: Martyo Bethea, Isaiah Stevens Tenor: Ifaiya Moore-Sabir, Aamiya Smith, Jared Turner Bass: Deondre Bernard, Najee Jackson, Jamal Jones, Myles Luster Cymbals: Elijah Coleman, Shaniqua Joseph, Cedarius Luckey, Christian Phillips Special Thanks to Harvey Thompson, MarimbaOne, and the GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art Location and Artwork: Heather Gordon - SHIFT Happens GreenHill Center for North Carolina Art All artwork by Heather Gordon No Justice No Peace, 2021 Happy Talk, 2020, oil on canvas Echo Facing Outward, 2018, acrylic and colored pencil on canvas Essential Worker, 2021, oil on canvas How Do You Feel? Response, tape installations Echo Facing Inward, 2018, acrylic and colored pencil on canvas Protest, 2021, oil on canvas Essential Worker, 2021, oil on canvas Essential Worker Columns, tape installation

AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS #MusicDesegregation The second video from the Music Desegregation Project featuring rap, drumset, and two pianists playing a blend of multiple movements from Rachmaninoff's 2nd and 3rd piano concertos. The lyrics deal with mental health and are inspired by the true story of Rachmaninoff’s rebound from depression. Music: Sergei Rachmaninoff and Chris Thompson Lyrics: Chris Thompson Piano: Indiria Everette and Dr. Annie Jeng Drumset: Xavier Ware Video: Zac Covington Photography: Ricky Richardson and Inspirational Light Recorded by: Dr. Ben Blozan and Gate City Studios Location: University of North Carolina at Greensboro, School of Music Recital Hall Special thanks to UNCG School of Music and Andrew Sanchez #Piano #Rap #Drums #classicalmusic

MASTERPLAN • by Master Christopher featuring Xavier Ware (Official music video) A new way to imagine Music. Please share! (WATCH IN HD) #ReadTheLyrics #WaitForIt #Professor #GetTwistedSundays #MarimbaOne • Available on all platforms (Apple Music coming soon!) • PURCHASE SHEET MUSIC (Score and parts) at www.mapsmotivation.com/shop-1 • Composed by Chris Thompson Lyrics by Chris Thompson Performed by Chris Thompson and Xavier Ware Guest Appearance by Tia Thompson Filmed by Dr. Lamon Lawhorn - KLCreative Recorded by Dr. Ben Blozan - Gate City Studios • #Masterplan #MasterChristopher #Musicvideo #Hiphop #Rap #Marimba #Vibes #Vibraphone #Percussion #Jazz #MarimbaOneArtist #Pearl #Yamaha #Peavey #Drums #Drummer #Musician #Classicalmusic #Classical #Byos #KKPSI #BlackLivesMatter #Snarkypuppy #Fusion #Blacklove #Marriage

FEARLESS (FEAT. BREVAN HAMPDEN, BASHIR SHAKUR, WILEY SYKES, AND XAVIER WARE) AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS This selection features five different styles of percussion: North Indian Tabla, West African Djembe, Latin American Percussion, Orchestral Percussion, and Drum set. Written in 5/4, the words discuss taking a leap of faith toward your dreams while overcoming the fear of leaving your safety net. Composed by Chris Thompson Lyrics by Chris Thompson Performers: Brevan Hampden - Congas Bashir Shakur - Djembe Wiley Sykes - Tabla Chris Thompson - Snare and auxiliary Xavier Ware - Drumset Videography: Lamon Lawhorn and KLCreative Audio Recording: Ben Blozan and Gate City Studios Photography: Ricky Richardson and Inspirational Light This project was supported by Guilford County Schools Arts, CoCo Arts, N.C. Arts Council, a Division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County, and ArtsGreensboro.

#MusicDesegregation AVAILABLE ON ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS AND MUSIC STORES Composed, Performed, and lyrics by: Chris Thompson Saxophone: Eric Giles (SalvationSax) Filmed and edited by: Dr. Lamon Lawhorn Audio Recorded by: Dr. Ben Blozan Photography by: Ricky Richardson Street Art: -Kotis Street Art -Jalen Ronin -Gilbert Kolosieke Special thanks to Michael Thompson Jr., Jalen Thompson, Sean Thompson, Nicholas Richardson, Marimba One, and Black Swamp Percussion.

REVELATIONS (feat. Jessica Ronnevik) THE FULL MUSIC DESEGREGATION ALBUM IS OUT NOW! Available on all platforms! Written for percussion ensemble, viola, and choir, this piece authentically merges classical composition techniques with rap and hip-hop. The piece tells a story of what could be, an optimistic version of Revelations from the Bible. The first half features more hip-hop elements, through repetitive grooves and soulful choir harmonies. The second half is an ever-evolving classical duet that plays on the expectations of the audience, as you do not know what will happen next. The piece gradually builds in tempo until the climax at the end, finishing with inspiring lyrics that are weaved in with the rhythms in the score. Composed and performed by Chris Thompson Viola: Jessica Ronnevik Choir: Reyna Alston, Crystal Thompson, Hannah Wyatt Video by Lamon Lawhorn and KLCreative Recording by Ben Blozan and Gate City Studios