Friday, December 11, 2009

Can't believe Christmas is almost here again!!!

Here's a fun version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" by Indiana University's Straight No Chaser - filmed last December at the Rialto Theater in Tacoma.

IU's Straight No Chaser returns on Saturday, December 19 - tickets are available now but going fast. Visit www.TacomaPhilharmonic.org for info & tickets.

Turn up your sound and enjoy...

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

"Symbols and Structures" - TCC Symphonic Band


Tomorrow I will be conducting the TCC Symphonic Band in a program titled "Symbols and Structures."  The concert explores how composers organize sound into meaning, and sometimes even have specific ideas and pictures they are trying to illustrate in sound.

PROGRAM:
George Washington Bridge - Schuman
Down a Country Lane - Copland
Serenade, Op. 7 - Strauss
After a Gentle Rain - Iannaccone
Portrait of a Clown - Ticheli
Sleep - Whitacre
Scenes from "The Louvre" - Dello Joio

Allow me to briefly explain my ideas about William Schuman's George Washington Bridge.  This work attempts to capture the vast structure of iron and concrete in heavy harmonies and complex blocks of brassy chords.  Another section of the composition might illustrate the hustle and business of people and cars whizzing across the bridge in and out of New York.  But my favorite section of the this music is right in the middle.  It is airy, blurry, light, and free.  Like standing in teh middle of a bridge, capturing the sensation of flying....  One of the genius elements of this music is the form: ABCBA - a bride depicted in symmetry and sound.

Each of the works we will perform has some formal and symbolic element.  The program was inspired by my students.  I find that form can be hard for some students and listeners to understand.  It can take time, patience, and repeated listenings to understand form.  I am hoping this concert will help all types of audience members understand how important and meaningful form is in music.

The concert is in building 3 on the TCC campus, 7:30 PM, on December 3rd.  It is free and open to the public.  We have a $5 suggested donation.

You can also watch the concert on the web.  It will stream live on this website:
http://www.tacomacc.edu/swf/live/channel2.html