5:17

“Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing,

Only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness;

So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another,

Only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.”

― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Night Passage was inspired by Parker's experience as a newlywed while his wife worked the night shift as a nurse. Many days, their schedules allowed only brief moments together as one left for work and the other returned home―two ships passing in the night.

The piece begins in the loneliness of a dark, restless ocean. A flute introduces the first ship's theme, followed by a response in the low winds representing the second ship. As the music unfolds, the two themes gradually draw closer together and begin to intertwine as the ships navigate rough seas, thick fog, and the darkness of night. After disappearing from one another's sight, tension builds as the conditions worsen before reaching a climax when the two ships suddenly find themselves side by side. As they pass, the music settles and slowly fades back into the isolation of the night sea.

14:46

Symphony No. 1: From Ashes is Parker’s largest and most ambitious work to date, completed over the course of four months while balancing marriage, relocation, and the start of his engineering career. The four movements follow an overarching story of tragedy, struggle, and rebirth. It represents both an artistic challenge and milestone in his growth as a composer.

I. Burden — Adagio doloroso

II. Fracture — Allegro agitato

III. The Abyss — Largo misterioso

IV. Deliverance — Maestoso e luminoso

5:06

The Mighty Blue Ridge is a cinematic, story-driven work that seeks to capture both the breathtaking beauty and the resilient spirit of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Written in a style inspired by the sweeping imagery of film scores, the music paints a journey through vast landscapes, evoking the grandeur, challenge, and triumph of adventure. 

Premiered by the Clemson University Symphonic Band in March 2025, The Mighty Blue Ridge was the first piece Parker was inspired to write, marking the beginning of his journey as a composer. 

3:00

Crew and the Spirit of the Wolf was commissioned through the Sing Me a Story Foundation, which pairs children facing serious illness with composers who bring their stories to life through music. This piece is based on the imagination of Crew Camp, a young boy with a deep love for the mountains and an adventurous spirit.

Crew’s story follows a journey with his family into the Appalachian Mountains, where they are transported into a Roblox-inspired fantasy world and encounter a wolf. The tale highlights themes of bravery, self-discovery, and the power of connection with nature.

Premiered by the Clemson University Symphonic Band in November 2024, the work stands as both a tribute to Crew’s story and a reminder of the strength found in creativity, family, and courage.

1:33

In May 2025, Parker was commissioned by Dr. Mark Spede, Director of Bands at Clemson University, to compose the new electronic music that plays as the Tiger Band runs onto the field for pregame at every home football game. Unlike his concert works, this project was created exclusively as an electronic mix—his first experience writing beyond winds and percussion. The final track was mixed and produced in collaboration with Hamilton Altstatt at Greatwaves Digital Media, Inc.