Help bring a new grade 4 divertimento for band to life!

An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles is a new divertimento for band inspired by well-loved works of the repertoire such as Norman Dello Joio’s Scenes from the Louvre, Ron Nelson’s Courtly Airs and Dances, and Coby Lankester’s Les Papillons. Structured in five movements with a tight eight-minute length, this work can fit easily on any program in your ‘26-’27 academic year!

Ensemble contribution is only $125. You receive a full PDF set of the work and, if desired, a Zoom session with Harrison.
You will have consortium exclusivity to the work for the ‘26-’27 academic year.

Want to support the piece but don’t have an ensemble? Individual contribution is only $30.
You receive a PDF score of the work and name credit in the score in perpetuity.

The piece is set for a June world premiere, after which the piece will be delivered to consortium members on August 1st, 2026. Exclusivity runs from August 1st, 2026 to May 1st, 2027.
You can join any time between now and August 1st! Payment is due by August 1st.

You can join by clicking here!

Peruse Movements I., II., and V.

There is a story of somewhat dubious verifiability that tells of a group of theologians asking geneticist/biologist J. B. S. Haldane—an atheist—what he might conclude about God's work based on his research. Haldane supposedly remarked in response "an inordinate fondness for beetles". Indeed, there are more variants of the beetle than any other insect, and insects are the most bountiful animals on Earth. Questions of theism aside, one can marvel either way—at the impressive and unparalleled evolution of beetles, and/or at the love and admiration required of a divine creator to dedicate so much to the beetle. This divertimento for band accepts all possible angles and celebrates the numerous variants of this tiny, plentiful creature in five movements.

I. Dung Beetle
Not only do dung beetles roll balls of dung; they are also known to fight others of their species over said dung.

II. Ladybug
Numerous cultures hold the ladybug in high regard. In European folklore, they are said to touch a person and then fly to their soulmate.

III. Jewel Beetle
The jewel beetle's iridescent glimmer makes them a beautiful sight to behold.

IV. Giraffe Weevil
Giraffe weevils are maybe the goofiest looking creatures I've personally ever laid eyes on. I love them dearly.

V. Hercules Beetle
Hercules beetles are extraordinarily strong and some of the largest insects. Like their namesake, they are a true symbol of power.