Jun
13
2010
It has been a unique spring to say the least – I cannot remember a time that I have been busier with writing, guest conducting, concerts, teaching, and traveling. I am constantly humbled by colleagues both near and far who have selected “American Visions” for performance with their group. While there are program notes in the score, I feel led to provide the full story that sparked this piece into being. Some of it was written over my life-time, but I did not know how to say it. It is a piece about America, a piece about my father, and the composer I am trying to become. Continue Reading »
Apr
26
2010
I am pleased to announce that AWM Publishing will be releasing Marshalls of the Open Range in the summer of 2010. The piece was written as a challenge from friend and colleague, Dennis Emert last spring. The result was this piece, and his students at Kerr Elementary gave the debut performance. Probably the most humorous story I have ever been a part of happened to Dennis as he was working with his students. After telling them if my schedule permitted I would be at the debut, a little girl in the front row asked him “How is that going to work Mr. Emert?”. “What do you mean?” he asked. The girl replied “How will he be at the debut? Aren’t all composers dead?” Not yet…at least not this guy. The piece stirs up images of noble lawmen of the old west patrolling their territory and enforcing justice. I hope you all enjoy Marshalls of the Open Range – a new recording is posted over at my Myspace page!
Apr
7
2010
Within today’s middle school band programs around the country, there are many directors that must develop their student’s technical performance skills within the ensemble setting. Although not an ideal situation, it is the only viable option for keeping students involved in a band program. Add into the mix a tight music budget, and the option to purchase ensemble method books to address some of this burden may not be available either. The pressure of the next concert, next contest, or trip forces many directors to teach executive skills through the study of ensemble literature, and for that reason choosing literature that will nurture the growth of student musicians becomes of paramount importance. Continue Reading »
Feb
23
2010
This week I began researching interpretation and feeling as part of my work at Kent State. At first glance, they seemed unrelated. However, the more I began reading perspectives of different composers and conductors, my conclusion is that great interpretation does not just recreate the composer’s intent but rather conveys feelings that the composer intended. The sources abounded including Mark Camphouse’s series Composers on Composing for Band, and a great text edited by John Williamson Rehearsing the Band – both of which I recommend for great insight into score study, interpretation, and enhancing your podium perspective. Continue Reading »
Feb
11
2010
Ironically enough my readings this past week at Kent State, a Facebook discussion thread, and Valentine’s Day collided at spawned this post. Pushing students to achieve levels of tonal and rhythmic accuracy is important – it is all part of getting them to a point where they have the technical proficiency they need to execute the big fundamental structure of a piece of music. Tone quality and intonation awareness are two other dimensions that if mastered, start to create degrees of separation in the quality of the ensembles we hear. When we can educate the individual musician (the musician inside their head) they can use the instrument as a vehicle of communication to as they display phrasing, dynamic contrast, and stylistic interpretation. These are all worthwhile and important goals of instrumental music education – but if a trophy on the wall is more important than guiding students towards a meaningful life-long relationship with music…
