Sound Leadership

SKU: GI.G-9915

ISBN 9781622774371.

In the world of music conducting there exist fundamental practices shared by all conductors regardless of the type of ensemble they conduct. Foundations of Conducting Technique is a comprehensive beginning conducting text—complete with pictures, online videos, and supplemental conducting etudes—to facilitate the development of a clear and expressive conducting technique. In this volume, author Frank Eychaner addresses three major areas for beginning conductors: gestural technique, score study, and leadership. For gestural technique, the text details a number of technical skills, including the appropriate use of the body, the roles of the right and left hand, basic conducting patterns and their derivatives, an application of Laban movement analysis, the importance of the conducting planes, and conducting with varied articulations (staccato, legato, and marcato), among others. Using direct language, Eychaner details clear cause and effect relationships between gesture and sound. In addressing score study, Eychaner states that all conducting gestures must be guided by an accurate and artistic aural image of a musical work. Rather than advocating for one particular approach, this volume presents a number of possible score study methods for the student to explore. The author also includes a convenient and complete score study checklist. Finally, the text addresses how to be an effective and ethical leader from the podium. Eychaner presents the transformational leadership model—a holistic and dynamic approach to leadership—as a positive pathway for improving the conductor’s effectiveness on and off the podium. Supplementing the text are music etudes to help students develop the technical skills of the conductor. The exercises are intentionally simple, consisting mostly of rhythmic materials and folk-like melodies, so that conductors can focus on mastery of gestural skills. Foundations of Conducting Technique is a major contribution to conducting pedagogy and an extraordinary resource that distills the essence of effective conducting gesture. An ideal text for undergraduate conducting courses, it is also a practical reference for anyone employed in the field, including music educators, church musicians, leaders of community ensembles, and professional conductors of all ensembles. Frank Eychaner, an international leader in conducting pedagogy, has been an educator and conductor for twenty-five years, working in public schools as well as with professional, collegiate, community, and church ensembles. He is currently Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, where he teaches conducting, choral methods, and choral pedagogy, and conducts the Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and Men’s and Women’s Choirs. Figure 29.5. Duruflé Requiem. Figure 29.6. Handel's Messiah. Of the Father's Love Begotten Give Thanks Appendix A: Conducting Evaluation Form Extended Bibliography.

SKU: CF.CPS251

ISBN 9781491159873. UPC: 680160918461.

About the Music Semper Gratus is Latin for always grateful. The piece was written in honor of James E. Champion, who taught band for thirty-eight years, twenty-five of which were spent in Florence, Alabama, where he was my elementary school and high school band director. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings throughout his career. He holds multi-decade-spanning memberships in professional music education organizations, continues to serve in helping with Alabama Bandmasters Association events, and conducts and performs in various community bands and ensembles. As my band director at Bradshaw High School, Mr. Champion encouraged me to perform one of my first compositions, a clarinet quartet, at solo/ensemble festival. He taught his students the fundamentals of music, the technical aspects of performance, and exposed them to the great standards of band literature. But in doing so, he also modeled leadership, work-ethic, good character, and fostered the love of the activity of band that led me to choose music education as a career. And for that, I will always be grateful. Performance Notes Measures 1-12: The beginning of the piece should be performed in a majestic, fanfare-like style. The woodwind cues should only be used if absolutely needed during this section. Measures 41-58: The concert toms should establish a presence, but not overpower the winds. The triangle and woodblock parts should be heard distinctly over the concert toms. A higher pitched woodblock should be used for this section. (A set of claves could be used in place of the woodblock if desired.) Measures 59-94: The entirety of the middle section should be played in a rubato style to maximize musical expression, exaggerating dynamics and ritardando sections. The quarter-note triplets in the middle and low winds should be emphasized at m. 70. The molto ritardando that begins at m. 70 should be allowed to build as long as possible in m. 71 before reaching the musical apex of the middle section at m. 72. At mm. 92-94, depending on the size of the ensemble, you may want to limit the number of players (or put one per part) to achieve the most delicate sound possible. Measures 95-End: In mm. 99-107, be sure that the eighth-note running mallet parts are heard as a background texture, but do not overpower the winds. In mm. 114-115, the accents on beats 2 and 4 in the lower winds should be exaggerated to contrast the feel of the previous four measures. In m. 118, all winds should cut off and breathe on beat two for maximum impact on the next three measures.
About the MusicSemper Gratus is Latin for “always grateful.” The piece was written in honor of James E. Champion, who taught band for thirty-eight years, twenty-five of which were spent in Florence, Alabama, where he was my elementary school and high school band director. His bands consistently achieved superior ratings throughout his career. He holds multi-decade-spanning memberships in professional music education organizations, continues to serve in helping with Alabama Bandmasters Association events, and conducts and performs in various community bands and ensembles. As my band director at Bradshaw High School, Mr. Champion encouraged me to perform one of my first compositions, a clarinet quartet, at solo/ensemble festival. He taught his students the fundamentals of music, the technical aspects of performance, and exposed them to the great standards of band literature.  But in doing so, he also modeled leadership, work-ethic, good character, and fostered the love of the activity of band that led me to choose music education as a career.  And for that, I will always be grateful.Performance NotesMeasures 1-12:   The beginning of the piece should be performed in a majestic, fanfare-like style.  The woodwind cues should only be used if absolutely needed during this section.Measures 41-58:   The concert toms should establish a presence, but not overpower the winds.   The triangle and woodblock parts should be heard distinctly over the concert toms.  A higher pitched woodblock should be used for this section.  (A set of claves could be used in place of the woodblock if desired.) Measures 59-94:   The entirety of the middle section should be played in a rubato style to maximize musical expression, exaggerating dynamics and ritardando sections.   The quarter-note triplets in the middle and low winds should be emphasized at m. 70.   The molto ritardando that begins at m. 70 should be allowed to build as long as possible in m. 71 before reaching the musical apex of the middle section at m. 72. At mm. 92–94, depending on the size of the ensemble, you may want to limit the number of players (or put one per part) to achieve the most delicate sound possible.Measures 95-End:   In mm. 99–107, be sure that the eighth-note running mallet parts are heard as a background texture, but do not overpower the winds. In mm. 114–115, the accents on beats 2 and 4 in the lower winds should be exaggerated to contrast the feel of the previous four measures.  In m. 118, all winds should cut off and breathe on beat two for maximum impact on the next three measures.

SKU: GI.G-6390B

SKU: PR.11440505S

UPC: 680160008391. 11 x 14 inches.

Although structurally it subdivides into five movements, the entire quartet emerges as one vast continuum. There are no formal breaks between movements. However, certain musical signposts can be discerned, associated with each of the movements' terminations and new beginnings. The opening movement, The Nostalgia of Clanging Bell Sonorities, begins floating on recurrent Bbs whose soft rhythmic flow slowly puts into motion strong undercurrents suggestive of the latent power of water... After several suggestions of tolling bells, the movement gradually fades into hushed tones of veiled and very distant sonorities. It uses a unique effect, for the first time in a musical context, conveyed through the use of extra heavy practice mutes. The second movement, The Spill of Water, disengages itself from the first through its distinct contrast in tempo. Water moves fast, and when it splashes, it tends to run wildly. In this case, it happens to be bubbly water that gushes forth bodly... smashing across rocky shorelines. So, too, the music attempts to conjure such moods. At the end of this movement, a cello cadenza emerges, introducing an introspective type of melodicism. The third movement, The Poignancy of Memory, contains many silences as it tries to convey memory through fragmented remembrances much like often occur in our dream state. Progressing through several slowly building images, it gradually works itself into juxtaposition of musical images. Towards the movement's end, high harmonics are sounding in all four instruments while left hand pizzicato notes in the cello pluck the last remembrances of this central core. Almost imperceptibly, the viola assumes leadership as it dissolves into: The fourth movement, The Fluidity of Motion, which has mostly the viola, but also the cello, articulating lyrical statements against sheets of sound conjured up by the two violins playing a flood of swirling figures, evokes a kind of static motion in space. Here , the virtually imperceptible manner in which this hushed whisper continues incessantly, can suggest the potential fluidity with which movement may inch forward... Later into the fourth movement, two fairly extended solos by the second and then the first violins, lead to a kind of spontaneous dialogue amont the four instrumentalists. Eventually, this musical conversation gets caught up in: The fifth movement's The Rush of Time, which opens with a hushed flurry of speed, precipitates the Finale. It generates, at first slowly, but then very swiftly, whole shifts of rhythmic fields that initially seem to conflict with one another. Ultimately, this use of psycho-rhythmics contributes to an on-rush seem of motion and time. Rhythmic changes are, at times, abruptly precipitated with but little or no preparation creating a kind of inevitability in forward thrust, while the movement rushes forward with a feeling of gradual and continuous acceleration. It gathers density as more and more notes are piled progressively upon successive beats. The attempt is to spark tension and ignite excitement by means of frenetic confrontations of dissimilitudes. Ultimately - with the help of time - these polarities centrifically spin out their own destinies with their accompanying fall-out and own inevitable resolutions.

SKU: GI.G-7850

ISBN 9781579998059. English.

Adventures with Music Book 1 A new adventure series where the heroes are young musicians! Dale and his friends waited for this moment, and now it was here: they were finally old enough to play an instrument. Little did Dale know that his decision to play the cornet would take him on an adventure of a lifetime... This first book in The Adventures with Music Series begins in the U.S. during World War II. Paul and Ann Kimpton bring to life this unforgettable story about best friends, their dog Scout, bike rides, forts, foot races, and heroism—capturing the spirit of a remarkable time and the sheer joy of making music Excerpt from the book... The Conn instrument factory was on fire, and only one person could save the town.... Hurry, Dale! You have no time to spare! Grandpa warned as Dale hopped on his bike. He put the bugle to his lips, but nothing came out. Remember what you have been taught, Grandpa advised. Dale licked his lips and tried again. This time the Fire Call came out loud and clear. The sound echoed across the valley. Grandpa shouted, Now ride to each corner and play it as loud as you can. This is going to be your most important performance ever! Paul Kimpton grew up in a musical family and was a band director in Illinois for 34 years. His father Dale was a band director and professor at the University of Illinois, and his mother Barbara was a vocalist. When Paul is not writing, he is reading or enjoying the outdoors. Ann Kimpton played French horn through college and went on to be a mother, teacher, and high school administrator. Her parents, Henry and Maryalyce Kaczkowski, both educators, instilled an appreciation for the fine arts and the outdoors in all of their children. How to use the Adventures with Music series: 1. Parents, Teachers, Librarians: Intended for intermediate readers in grades 4 through 8, these books capture the interests of both boys and girls. The series fosters a love of reading while exposing students to American history and the foundations of music. The musician characters provide positive role models for any child, but especially students who like music or play an instrument. 2. General Music Classroom: Support reading across the curriculum in your classroom! The Adventures with Music series promotes musicians as can-do kids. Musical concepts are embedded throughout each high-interest story, thus reinforcing what students are learning in your classroom. Provide your students with a background rich in music history in an exciting context. The books are written to appeal to a variety of reading levels, and as a result, support differentiated instruction in your classroom. 3. Instrumental Music Teachers: Build interest when recruiting beginners, and maintain that excitement, as students develop their musical skills. The Adventures with Music series provides students with positive role models of well-rounded, active musicians. Students see how music can be an essential part of their lives and are drawn to the exciting stories that reinforce the concepts they will encounter when they play an instrument. The series’ characters learn to read music, rehearse, and persevere all while developing leadership skills in their school’s music program. Music history is woven throughout, helping you keep the legacy of music alive for young musicians.  .

SKU: GI.G-10339

SKU: AP.48824

UPC: 038081561486. English. Traditional English Round.

Here's a cheerful traditional English round with a stately gait that is well suited for concert or festival use. As this classical-sounding arrangement progresses, we modulate up with each verse and trade leadership on the canon. The final verse adds a buoyant descant above two previously sung voice parts, leaving only a four-bar ending to rehearse. A handful of optional lyrics allow you to adapt the general text for holiday programs.

About Alfred Choral Designs

The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.