Mark Camphouse & my re-education as a Band Director

In December of 2003 I sat listening to the PMEA District 5 Honors Band. Esteemed composer Mark Camphouse was the guest conductor. As I sat and listened to “Toccata” by Frescobaldi I was completely entranced. I asked other directors about the piece – and I was dumb-founded by the fact it was such an old piece. I didn’t know it, and I felt very stupid. After having lunch with Dr. Camphouse and talking about the piece I came to big conclusion: I need to learn a “new” “old” piece every year. Four years later, this is a treat for my ears and mind. I find scores that are exciting and powerful (Festivo by Nelhybel, Chorale and Alleluia by Hanson), but I also try and find music recordings that are new to me as well.

My latest new find has been Bela Bartok and Stravinsky (My sincere apologies to Dr. Carter for not applying myself in music history during undergrad at GCC). I have found a number of Bartok’s piano pieces to be really interesting, and I am enjoying his percussive use of the instrument. I am new to his Concerto for Orchestra, but my first hearings reveal to me a great deal of color. Stravinsky’s Pertruska, Tango (for Piano) and Symphony of Psalms have my ear right now as well. Everyone knows Firebird and Rite of Spring, but he is definitely so much more!

I email Dr. Camphouse once a year to talk about new old pieces. I also check pieces out with Dr. Arnold, Dr. Greig, Gary Taylor, and Uncle Lou Collela. It is worth your time to talk with a colleague about the hidden gems that unfortunately collect too much dust and not enough audience applause and student appreciation.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

2 thoughts on “Mark Camphouse & my re-education as a Band Director

    • Author gravatar

      Travis,

      I showed Dr. Carter your blog today…she was quite impressed (big pause)…that you knew how to conjugate sentences! -Just Kidding! Although, she did say she has vivid memories of you sitting in the far back corner of class snoozing… 🙂 Now…. I couldn’t even imagine you doing such a thing -especially since I’ve never done anything like that -EVER! 😉

      There is such a tremendous heritage of concert band music available… because our students are everchanging, there is no reason not to bring some of the classics (war-horses) back (every year) as they are always new to the students…

      Nothing wrong with having the new and old mixed together! I try to do this all the time, in particular with the Jazz Band Literature.

      Cheers,

      J. Pisano -mustech.net

    • Author gravatar

      Hey Joe,

      Thanks for stopping by!
      You have given me a great idea for an upcoming post – a humorous, but thoughtful question. I will get it posted soon.

      Travis

Comments are closed.

Get Adobe Flash player
%d