1st Post: What to to? What to do?

That time of year has rolled around once again, composition course has began and is running full swing. For the first project this term we have to write for 4/5 instruments and again tonality is not allowed, at least this time it's not a total system shock :) I'm writing my composition for Clarinet, Trombone, Piano, Saxophone/Xaphoon. A Xaphoon for the record kinda looks like a recorder only with a sax reed, and has a distinct sound. I've got about a minute and half written so far and I'm not sure where to go next. I had my piece played in class and the feedback was that I was teetering on the edge of tonality but still within the guidelines of the project. Also my piece was described as being quite manic with a very thick texture. Unlike many of my colleauges I do not have an ispiration for this piece, all I know is that I wanted it to include the Xaphoon.

I'm trying to find an inspiration for this piece, and I know I'll come up with something eventually. (You would think the xaphoon alone would be enough, but sadly no.) I do know that I like the manic feel of my piece, and while I don't intend to have the entire thing like that the section will remain a part of my work.

NB