These past couple of weeks have been exciting as I prepare for my first year as a middle school band teacher in Fargo, ND. I moved up to Moorhead, MN yesterday and had the fortunate opportunity to attend an ACDA-MN Summer Dialogue session at Concordia College-Moorhead.

The session featured Minnesota composers David Dickau, Jocelyn Hagen, and Timothy Takach. Though I am primarily a band teacher, my interest in choral composition and the commissioning of new music drew me to this dialogue.

Choosing a Text:

Dickau commented that choosing a text was one of the most important parts of his compositional process. After choosing a text, Dickau reads and recites the text for two weeks, meditating on the flow and the meaning of the lyrics before even considering the musical composition. Takach and Hagen agreed that there has to be some lyricism and evocative phonics and phrases that would textually stimulate the audience.

Conductor and Composer:

Hagen communicated strongly that she “expects to work with your choir if you commission me! It is part of the experience.” Dickau hopes that conductors will take their own direction with his music (within reason); no piece of music should ever be performed exactly the same way twice.

The Commissioning Process:

All three composers agreed that the conductor or commissioning party should be involved in the creative process of the music. While some conductors have very clear images in mind and others simply want to help aid in the creation of a new piece of music, the composers stressed that creative input is welcome, but also need freedom to be creative. Hagen encouraged conductors to commission arrangements if full compositions are too expensive. Dickau said that while he gives a quote to interested commissioners, he is always willing to negotiate. After all, commissioning and musical composition is all about the people, and not the money.
 
 

I have had the wonderful opportunity to be a student manager of the Wind Band Institute held at Concordia College.  I highly encourage any band director to attend!

"WBI recognizes that a successful music educator is not only an exceptional musician, pedagogue and technician, but also a flesh-and-blood human being who is fully engaged in changing the lives of students through the powerful medium of music. The exploration of this philosophical approach to teaching wind band provides a foundation that sets WBI apart from other workshops – and transforms the professional lives of participants in meaningful ways.

The Wind Band Institute offers band directors from across the country specific content to increase their knowledge of repertoire, instrument pedagogy, instructional strategy, philosophy, conducting, and rehearsal techniques. This year, Richard L. Saucedo is joining us as guest clinician and will share his unique perspectives and insights on teaching in the wind band setting. It promises to be an event that will invigorate, rejuvenate, and inspire all who attend!"

For more information, please click here

 
 

Welcome to the new and improved Music Education for All blog.

I had the pleasure of observing composer and conductor, Dr. Mark Camphouse this weekend at the Concordia College Honor Band.   The Concordia College Band had the distinct privilege of performing Whatsoever Things under Camphouse's baton as part of the Instrumental Collage concert held at Concordia.  

Camphouse had this to say to aspiring music educators:
"Be the best performer you can be.  Nothing can replace your own musicianship." Camphouse also encouraged educators to become more familiar with the piano and to take every opportunity to develop the ear.

As to the score study process, Camphouse said, "Some like to take a micro-approach to score study.  They examine one measure at a time and memorize everything about it.  That might work for some people, but I think the most important thing is to understand the macro-architecture of a piece.  Take staff paper, write out the main themes.  This is the best way you can take ownership of the music."  

To composers, he encouraged them to "Learn how to write transitions.  Beethoven was the best at this.  You can study with Beethoven, all you need are his scores, and you too can study with him." 

Mark Camphouse was guest conductor at the second annual Concordia Honor Band.  The 2010 honor band will bring composer David Gillingham as well as the American Brass Quintet to the Concordia College campus in Moorhead, MN.