Chamber Symphony No. 1 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic 2009 ...
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Official Magazine of the World Association for Symphonic <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>s <strong>and</strong> Ensembles<br />
WASBE<br />
December <strong>2009</strong><br />
W RLD<br />
Focus on Repertoire:<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1<br />
<strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong> <strong>2009</strong>
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WASBE World<br />
Vol. 1, <strong>No</strong>. 2 December <strong>2009</strong><br />
Retail price: 12 USD / 8 EUR<br />
Editor: Markus Mauderer<br />
Assistant Editors: Anthony Reimer, Mark Heron<br />
Publisher: DVO Druck und Verlag Obermayer GmbH,<br />
Bahnhofstr. 33, 86807 Buchloe, Germany<br />
Submission to WASBE World:<br />
Send material to:<br />
Markus Mauderer<br />
WASBE Executive Director<br />
Kolpingstr. 2<br />
76456 Kuppenheim, Germany<br />
Tel. + 49 72 22 / 77 40 30<br />
Fax + 49 72 22 / 77 40 40<br />
Email: wasbeworld@gmail.com<br />
Submission Deadlines:<br />
15 January for March issue<br />
15 April for June issue<br />
15 July for September issue<br />
15 October for December issue<br />
The opinions expressed in all reviews <strong>and</strong> feature articles are<br />
solely those of the writers <strong>and</strong> should in no way be interpreted<br />
as reflecting official WASBE statements.<br />
© <strong>2009</strong> WASBE <strong>and</strong>/or the authors of the articles<br />
WASBE Board of Directors:<br />
Officers<br />
President Leon J. Bly,* Germany<br />
President-Elect Odd Terje Lysebo*, <strong>No</strong>rway<br />
Immediate Past-President Glenn D. Price,* Canada<br />
Secretary James Ripley,* USA<br />
Treasurer Marianne Halder,* Germany<br />
Board Members<br />
Virginia Allen, USA Gustavo Fontana, Argentina<br />
Rosa Briceño, Venezuela Fergus O’Carroll, Irel<strong>and</strong><br />
Danny Carroll, Irel<strong>and</strong> Juan Ramirez,* Columbia<br />
James Cochran, USA Rafael Sanz-Espert, Spain<br />
Eugene Corporon, USA Rolf Schumacher, Switzerl<strong>and</strong><br />
Martin Ellerby, UK<br />
* indicates member of the Executive<br />
Rodney Winther, USA<br />
Cover<br />
The <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>a Municipal de<br />
Bilbao conducted by Rafael<br />
Sanz-Espert playing the<br />
“<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1”.<br />
Photo: BilbaoMusika<br />
Message from the President _________________ 4<br />
<strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong> Chicago<br />
Building on a Rich History –<br />
Beginning a New Tradition ____ _________________ 6<br />
Interview<br />
WASBE Pioneers: Leon J. Bly ________ ___________ 9<br />
Portrait<br />
Cape Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble _________12<br />
The Conductor’s Responsibility<br />
by Felix Hauswirth _________________________13<br />
Focus on Repertoire<br />
A Musical Analysis of José Suñer-Oriola’s<br />
“<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1 for Concert <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>” ____14<br />
News<br />
WASBE International Scholarship Program ________19<br />
Calendar __________________________________21<br />
CD Reviews<br />
World Wind ________________________________22<br />
Europa Sinfonie Vol 1 & 5 _____________________22<br />
Innovare: A Celebration _______________________23<br />
Book Review<br />
A Guide to the Top 100 Works _________________25<br />
News from the Music Industry _______________26<br />
WASBE World 3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT<br />
In my first message in the September issue<br />
of WASBE World, I wrote that Jim<br />
Cochran is chairing the taskforce “Creating a<br />
New Synergy between Composers, Conductors<br />
<strong>and</strong> Publishers”. The purpose of this<br />
taskforce is to get composers, conductors<br />
<strong>and</strong> publishers working together to improve<br />
the quality of the music for wind b<strong>and</strong>/<br />
ensemble, especially at the lower grade<br />
levels.<br />
There is a great deal more quality music<br />
for wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble today as there was<br />
when I began my career in the 1960s.<br />
However, whereas the majority of the fine<br />
works for wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble composed<br />
before the 1990s can be played by good<br />
amateur b<strong>and</strong>s, the majority of the fine<br />
works composed later are only playable by<br />
the finest conservatory <strong>and</strong> professional<br />
wind b<strong>and</strong>s/ensembles. There is a need for<br />
composers to once again heed Hindemith’s<br />
call for Gebrauchsmusik for the amateurs.<br />
This does not mean that fine works have not<br />
been composed for amateur groups during<br />
the past two decades, for there certainly<br />
have been many of them also. However,<br />
what Frank Battisti calls “the loss of a shared<br />
repertoire” is one of the problems that this<br />
taskforce probably needs to consider.<br />
Having grown-up in a musical family,<br />
where both my father <strong>and</strong> his father were<br />
b<strong>and</strong>masters, the discussion of quality b<strong>and</strong><br />
music has been one that I have heard all of<br />
my life. My gr<strong>and</strong>father was a violinist who<br />
conducted both b<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> orchestras. For<br />
him, the b<strong>and</strong> was the poor man’s orchestra,<br />
but the irony is that he programmed orchestra<br />
concerts more like the Boston Pops than<br />
the Boston <strong>Symphony</strong>. Whereas my gr<strong>and</strong>father<br />
spent most of his adult life trying to<br />
come to terms with 20th Century music, my<br />
father simply rejected it as inferior to that of<br />
4 WASBE World<br />
the 18 th <strong>and</strong> 19 th Centuries. When I was an<br />
undergraduate student, I had a friend who<br />
was an organist; for him, there has been<br />
little music composed after the Baroque that<br />
is worth considering.<br />
Why do I bring this up? Because much of<br />
the discussion about good <strong>and</strong> bad b<strong>and</strong><br />
music has little to do with the inherent<br />
quality of the music itself <strong>and</strong>, as with all<br />
music, much to do with personal tastes.<br />
Sousa once said that he “would rather be<br />
the composer of an inspired march than a<br />
manufactured symphony.” Although not all<br />
of Sousa’s marches seem to be inspired,<br />
most would probably agree that those that<br />
one usually hears today are. That is unless<br />
one does not like marches, in which case the<br />
inherent quality of the music, inspired or not,<br />
is immaterial.<br />
In some countries of the world, wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s are a part of the school curriculum.<br />
This is a wonderful way to teach applied<br />
music, as is participation in an orchestra or a<br />
choir, but if the music curriculum consists<br />
only of performance ensembles, children will<br />
be limited in their exposure to their musical<br />
heritage. If a young person only sings in a<br />
madrigal choir, he or she will not become<br />
familiar with the operas of Verdi or the<br />
symphonies of Beethoven, <strong>and</strong> if a pupil’s<br />
only exposure to music is playing the violin<br />
in a school orchestra, he or she will not learn<br />
about the music of Palestrina or Duke<br />
Ellington <strong>and</strong> probably not have a chance to<br />
play the symphonies by Mahler or Bruckner.<br />
Although wind b<strong>and</strong>s have always played<br />
transcriptions of music of all genres, styles<br />
<strong>and</strong> periods as well as works originally<br />
composed for winds, participation in a wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble, like in any other performance<br />
ensemble, has its limitations as a<br />
vehicle for teaching young people about<br />
great music. Simply stated, music education<br />
needs to consist of more than applied music.<br />
This, however, has little to do with the<br />
quality of the wind b<strong>and</strong>’s repertoire <strong>and</strong><br />
everything to do with a music curriculum.<br />
This is a problem for the music teachers in<br />
these countries to solve <strong>and</strong> probably should<br />
be peripheral to any discussions within<br />
WASBE.<br />
What is not peripheral is an honest discussion<br />
of the music for beginning <strong>and</strong> developing<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s. There are two ways to train<br />
musicians. One is the old conservatory<br />
system whereby a pupil first learns to play<br />
his instrument <strong>and</strong>, when he becomes<br />
accomplished enough, plays in an ensemble.<br />
The other is to train pupils through a combination<br />
of private or group lessons <strong>and</strong><br />
ensemble playing from the beginning. The<br />
second has become popular for training<br />
wind players throughout most of the world,<br />
<strong>and</strong> this has produced a great market for<br />
pedagogical music for beginning <strong>and</strong> developing<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s. Over the past century, there has<br />
been a tremendous development in this<br />
music. If one looks at some of the first<br />
attempts to provide music for beginning<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s, one must wonder how young players<br />
ever managed to play much of it. Today’s<br />
works are much more sophisticated both<br />
harmonically <strong>and</strong> rhythmically with playable<br />
parts for all instruments <strong>and</strong> usually written<br />
to develop certain musical skills. As pedagogical<br />
material, it is equal, if not superior, to<br />
that available for training musicians to play<br />
other instruments, but is it music?<br />
Maybe to be fair, we need to look briefly<br />
at the pedagogical music for string instruments<br />
<strong>and</strong> the piano. These materials were<br />
developed to a very high level during the<br />
19 th Century. The amount of pedagogical<br />
music for piano <strong>and</strong> violin is staggering. <strong>No</strong>t<br />
only were thous<strong>and</strong>s of etudes written, but<br />
also a vast number of sonatinas <strong>and</strong><br />
concertos by composers unknown today to<br />
anyone not studying these instruments. That<br />
will probably be the case with most composers<br />
writing pedagogical works for wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong> today.<br />
Is it possible to write pedagogical works of<br />
quality? There are works for keyboard<br />
instruments by Bach, Schumann, Tschaikowsky,<br />
Bartok <strong>and</strong> others that clearly<br />
demonstrate that it is. However, it amounts<br />
to a small fraction of the pedagogical music<br />
that has been written for keyboard instruments.<br />
Are there pedagogical works for wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble of quality? Certainly, <strong>and</strong><br />
people like Felix Hauswirth, Eugene<br />
Corporon, Thomas Dvorak <strong>and</strong> Richard<br />
Floyd have been doing much to help identify<br />
it.<br />
Admittedly, most wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble<br />
music at all levels has a shelf life of yogurt. It<br />
is written to be played today, because something<br />
else will be played next season.<br />
However, this is not something completely<br />
foreign to music history, nor is it always bad.<br />
Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann<br />
<strong>and</strong> Joseph Haydn like most other
successful composers before the 19 th<br />
Century were hired by their employers to<br />
compose <strong>and</strong> perform new works, not the<br />
music of the past. Even Bach’s sons did not<br />
perform much of the music of their father,<br />
considering it to be outdated. When one<br />
considers that Leonard Bernstein was already<br />
complaining fifty years ago that opera<br />
houses were museums, <strong>and</strong> most symphony<br />
orchestras are more interested in performing<br />
the music of the 18 th <strong>and</strong> 19 th Centuries than<br />
contemporary works, the wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble world is an exciting place,<br />
where new compositions at all levels are<br />
awaited in expectation <strong>and</strong> eagerly sought.<br />
It probably would be good to put aside a<br />
few generalities when discussing wind b<strong>and</strong><br />
music. First of all, the wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble<br />
has no monopoly on poor music. At the<br />
advent of recordings, Sir Arthur Sullivan said,<br />
“I am terrified at the thought that so much<br />
hideous <strong>and</strong> bad music will be put on<br />
records forever”, <strong>and</strong> he was not talking<br />
about b<strong>and</strong> music. At best about 20% of all<br />
the compositions for every medium that<br />
were ever written can be classified as really<br />
good music <strong>and</strong> only about 2% as master<br />
works.<br />
Just because a composer has written music<br />
for symphony orchestra or the opera house<br />
does not mean that his music is good or that<br />
his compositions for wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble<br />
are automatically good. In his book Wind<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>s <strong>and</strong> Brass <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>s (1985) Kevin<br />
Thompson says it very well: Over the years a<br />
few internationally renowned composers<br />
have contributed to the repertoire, though<br />
the quality of some of these works is arguable.<br />
Naturally wind b<strong>and</strong>s impose limitations<br />
on composers, though no more so than<br />
any other ensemble. Paradoxically, when<br />
composers elect to limit themselves to a<br />
particular medium, it appears to channel<br />
rather than restrict their creative effort.<br />
There are kitsch pieces by well-known<br />
composers just as there are imaginative,<br />
interesting works by unknowns. The<br />
medium seems to bring out either the best<br />
or worst in them.<br />
The popularity of a composer’s works<br />
during his lifetime is no measure as to<br />
whether his music will survive or not. The<br />
music of Richard Eilenberg <strong>and</strong> Richard<br />
Schlepegrell was very popular in the 19 th <strong>and</strong><br />
early 20 th century, but few today have even<br />
heard of them. The same is true for<br />
hundreds of composers.<br />
Being a “formula” composer does not<br />
make one’s music good or bad. Emile Waldteufel<br />
was a “formula” composer; still that<br />
SCORE STUDY by Felix Hauswirth<br />
The effectiveness of a conductor’s job largely depends on prior<br />
study of the score. Yet this is the single most neglected subject in<br />
conductors’ training programs. The idea for this<br />
guide came about as a result of this fact, hence<br />
it is entirely orientated towards practical work<br />
with an orchestra.<br />
The first part deals with the theoretical aspects<br />
of score study. The second part consists of an<br />
analysis of a real example, a programmatic work<br />
entitled “Pilatus” by Steven Reineke. The intention<br />
is that of providing an effective guide to score study aimed at<br />
making rehearsals more effective, thus limiting the need for unnecessary<br />
extra work.<br />
bnh414 SCORE STUDY (English)<br />
bnh411 PARTITURSTUDIUM (German)<br />
bnh412 ÉTUDE DE LA PARTITION (French)<br />
bnh413 STUDIO DELLA PARTITURA (Italian)<br />
Available in good music shops or directly from the publisher.<br />
does not keep anyone from playing Les Patineurs.<br />
Serious music is not automatically good<br />
music, as thous<strong>and</strong>s of works well testify,<br />
nor is entertainment music automatically<br />
poor music. If this were the case, the Vienna<br />
Philharmonic would not perform programs<br />
of the music of Johann Strauss, <strong>and</strong> everyone<br />
would not be performing Leroy Anderson’s<br />
Sleigh Ride during this season.<br />
You may or may not agree with much of<br />
what I have written here, <strong>and</strong> that is fine.<br />
These are simply some of my observations<br />
<strong>and</strong> thoughts. What is much more important<br />
is how you can contribute to the taskforce<br />
“Creating a New Synergy between Composers,<br />
Conductors <strong>and</strong> Publishers”. The whole<br />
point of the taskforce is to get everyone –<br />
composers, conductors <strong>and</strong> publishers –<br />
working together constructively to make<br />
things better for the next generation, as Bob<br />
Reynolds is fond of saying. If you have<br />
strong feelings, insights <strong>and</strong>/or opinions on<br />
this subject, please get in contact with Jim<br />
Cochran (jcresource@aol.com); he will be<br />
very happy to have you as a part of his<br />
team.<br />
Leon J. Bly<br />
Ruh Musik AG<br />
Soodstrasse 53 – 8134 Adliswil – Switzerl<strong>and</strong> – www.ruh.ch – contact@ruh.ch<br />
SCORE STUDY<br />
FELIX HAUSWIRTH
MIDWEST CLINIC CHICAGO<br />
The move to McCormick Place West:<br />
Building on a Rich History –<br />
Beginning a New Tradition<br />
by Richard C. Crain<br />
During <strong>Midwest</strong> 2008, attendees<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ing in the hallway on the third<br />
floor of the Chicago Hilton Hotel <strong>and</strong> Towers<br />
had little room to move as the Waldorf<br />
Room <strong>and</strong> the Williford Room were both<br />
filled to capacity <strong>and</strong> had “st<strong>and</strong>ing room<br />
only” for clinic sessions. As the hallway was<br />
full <strong>and</strong> attendees were being turned away<br />
by monitors, many were not able to benefit<br />
from the clinics being presented. Because of<br />
the large number of attendees wanting to<br />
attend concerts in the International<br />
Ballroom, the need for a ticket-track policy<br />
added to the list of growing concerns. An<br />
additional concern was the noise of the air<br />
Conference Registration<br />
On-Site Registration Hours<br />
Attendees can also register at McCormick Place West. Registration is located in<br />
the F1 lobby.<br />
Monday, December 14 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.<br />
Tuesday, December 15 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Wednesday, December 16 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Thursday, December 17 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Friday, December 18 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.<br />
Saturday, December 19 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.<br />
Registration Fees<br />
To keep the <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong> accessible <strong>and</strong> affordable, we are pleased to offer adult <strong>and</strong><br />
college student rates that have not increased since 2006. The rates for primar y <strong>and</strong><br />
secondary students have been in place since 2005.<br />
• The educator, industry representative, <strong>and</strong> other non-student rates are $90<br />
(preregistration) or $100 (on-site registration).<br />
• The full-time college student rates are $40 (preregistration) or $45 (on-site<br />
registration). College students must present their school IDs when picking up their<br />
name badges.<br />
• Primary <strong>and</strong> secondary students can register (on-site only) for $15.<br />
On-site registration may be paid with cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or by<br />
check. Checks should be made payable to The <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong>.<br />
6 WASBE World<br />
conditioning in the Ballroom. It has been<br />
obvious for several years that more room<br />
<strong>and</strong> flexibility have been needed. However,<br />
any decision in 2008 to move from the<br />
historic site of the Hilton would have been<br />
most difficult. The thought of changing a<br />
35-year tradition in the Hilton was rather<br />
sobering. In August of 2008, it was my<br />
privilege to be asked to serve as the<br />
chairman of an ad hoc committee that was<br />
charged with making an on-site inspection<br />
of the recently-completed McCormick Place<br />
West Convention Center. The purpose of the<br />
committee was to investigate the possibility<br />
of making a recommendation to the Board<br />
of Directors for a possible change of venue<br />
for The <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong>. <strong>Midwest</strong> Board<br />
members Richard Dunscomb, Glenn Holtz,<br />
Nancy Golden, Denny Senseney, <strong>and</strong> Mark<br />
Kjos were members of the committee. We<br />
were joined by Executive Director Kelly<br />
Jocius <strong>and</strong> new <strong>Midwest</strong> event manager<br />
Anna Collinge; Dawn Young of the Chicago<br />
Convention <strong>and</strong> Tourism Bureau; <strong>and</strong> Gayle<br />
which were presented later to the full Board<br />
by the chairman of the committee.<br />
Significance of changing the venue<br />
The ad hoc committee met in the Chicago<br />
Hilton on the evening prior to our tour in<br />
order to develop a strategy <strong>and</strong> create a<br />
schedule for the tour. Since we all wanted to<br />
go into the actual tour of the facility with<br />
open minds, it was important that the<br />
members had no preconceived impressions.<br />
The members realized the significance of<br />
changing the venue from the Hilton to<br />
McCormick Place West, <strong>and</strong> the possibility<br />
of a move weighed heavily on the<br />
committee members. At that time, 2010 was<br />
Exhibit Booths<br />
Visit the F1 Exhibit Hall for More<br />
Displays than ever before<br />
• Music Publishers<br />
• Uniform Companies<br />
• Instrument Manufacturers<br />
• Colleges <strong>and</strong> Universities<br />
• Fundraising Companies<br />
• Festivals, Travel <strong>and</strong> Competitions<br />
• Music Accessory Companies<br />
• Recording Companies<br />
• Photographers<br />
• Stage Equipment Manufacturers<br />
• Music Journals<br />
• Software <strong>and</strong> Video Manufacturers<br />
<strong>and</strong> Distributors<br />
• Military Services<br />
• Performing Organizations<br />
• Music Camps<br />
• Instrumental Music Associations<br />
Exhibit Hours<br />
Wednesday, December 16<br />
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.<br />
Thursday, December 17<br />
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.<br />
Friday, December 18<br />
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The new Convention Center at the McCormick Place West<br />
a target date for any possible change of<br />
venue. Departing from the Chicago Hilton<br />
Hotel <strong>and</strong> Towers, we took only nine<br />
minutes to reach the Hyatt Hotel at<br />
McCormick Place West (MPW), where our<br />
tour began. The immense volume of MPW<br />
became apparent immediately as the<br />
committee walked across the covered air<br />
bridge from the Hyatt Hotel to the<br />
Convention Center. There are two main<br />
floors where meeting rooms, a large exhibit<br />
hall, <strong>and</strong> ballrooms are located, with a<br />
mezzanine second floor that contains a food<br />
court, a restaurant, <strong>and</strong> shipping/communication<br />
services. Rooms suitable for various<br />
kinds of clinic sessions are located on the<br />
first floor. Attendees will be able to<br />
disembark from the free shuttle buses in the<br />
covered bus depot <strong>and</strong> walk just a few feet<br />
to enter the Convention Center. Escalators<br />
<strong>and</strong> elevators near this entrance <strong>and</strong><br />
throughout the building will transport<br />
directors to the second <strong>and</strong> third floors.<br />
Concerts will be on the third floor in the<br />
spacious gr<strong>and</strong> ballroom, which will be<br />
divided into three separate halls. The center<br />
room will serve as an equipment-storage<br />
area as well as providing a sound buffer<br />
between the two concert venues. Since<br />
seating in the larger of these two concert<br />
halls will be more than sufficient to accommodate<br />
a <strong>Midwest</strong> audience, there will no<br />
longer be a need for a two-track ticket<br />
policy. The full jazz track will be held in a<br />
separate designated area, the <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong><br />
Jazz <strong>and</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong> Center, located on the<br />
first floor in the southeast part of MPW,<br />
resulting in no conflict of scheduling<br />
between the jazz track <strong>and</strong> the b<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
orchestra tracks.<br />
The exhibit hall, which is large enough to<br />
accommodate all of the exhibits in one open<br />
area, is conveniently located directly across a<br />
wide hallway from the concert halls, <strong>and</strong><br />
there are plans to create a refreshment area<br />
at the back of the exhibits for the use of<br />
both exhibitors <strong>and</strong> attendees. Because<br />
MPW was planned <strong>and</strong> built for use by<br />
conventions rather than as a hotel,<br />
unloading into MPW by exhibitors will be<br />
exponentially easier, more efficient, <strong>and</strong> less<br />
expensive than at the Hilton Hotel. The<br />
width of individual exhibit spaces has been<br />
enlarged from 8 feet to 10 feet because of<br />
the spacious size of the exhibit hall. After a<br />
lengthy tour of the MPW facilities, the<br />
committee returned to the Hilton for a<br />
debriefing session. Doug Jones, an acoustical<br />
engineer retained by the <strong>Midwest</strong> Board,<br />
gave his report on the acoustical qualities of<br />
the main ballroom where the concerts would<br />
be held. Earlier in the summer, Mr. Jones had<br />
made recordings of the <strong>No</strong>rthshore Concert<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> in the main ballroom. Jones stated that<br />
with no additional treatment of the MPW<br />
ballroom, the acoustical properties of this<br />
Highlights Of McCormick Place West<br />
Convenience: Everything connected with the <strong>Midwest</strong> experience will be held under<br />
one roof. <strong>No</strong> concerts or clinics will be held at another location.<br />
Housing: Since the <strong>Midwest</strong> Board <strong>and</strong> staff, exhibitors, <strong>and</strong> some clinicians will be<br />
housed at the Hyatt at MPW, there will be room for many more attendees to be housed<br />
at the Chicago Hilton. Buses will be provided for transport from the Hilton <strong>and</strong> other<br />
conference hotels to MPW at regular intervals at no added expense to attendees.<br />
Weather Protection: The walkway from the Hyatt to MPW is an enclosed walkway. The<br />
bus-unloading area at MPW is covered <strong>and</strong> unloads directly into the convention center.<br />
Attendees: Will have free bus transport from official conference hotels to MPW. There<br />
are spacious lobby areas outside of concert halls <strong>and</strong> clinic rooms where attendees can<br />
congregate between events. Spacious hallways will allow for many more attendees to<br />
traverse the halls at a time.<br />
Exhibitors: Can unload with greater ease, exhibit with lower expenses, will have food<br />
courts nearby, <strong>and</strong> will be located just across a hallway from the concert venues.<br />
<strong>Clinic</strong>ians: Can present to much larger audiences because of larger facilities. Large<br />
Concert Halls: <strong>No</strong> need for repeating concerts or issuing tickets.<br />
Food Facilities: Restaurant <strong>and</strong> food courts can be found in MPW as well as a<br />
restaurant <strong>and</strong> a refreshment area in the Hyatt.<br />
WASBE World 7
MIDWEST CLINIC CHICAGO<br />
new facility would still be an improvement<br />
over both the Gr<strong>and</strong> Ballroom <strong>and</strong> the International<br />
Ballroom in the Hilton. Even though<br />
the acoustics in the concert halls in<br />
McCormick Place West are superior to the<br />
Hilton ballrooms, the Board has made the<br />
commitment to add sound enhancement<br />
elements to the largest performance hall.<br />
With the observations of the committee<br />
members <strong>and</strong> armed with the reports<br />
presented by the various professionals<br />
retained for this study, the committee met<br />
again the next day, <strong>and</strong> the unanimous<br />
decision was made to call a special meeting<br />
of the full <strong>Midwest</strong> Board of Directors with<br />
the recommendation that the <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Midwest</strong><br />
<strong>Clinic</strong> be held at McCormick Place West. The<br />
Board met in September <strong>and</strong> came to the<br />
conclusion that a move to McCormick Place<br />
West would allow <strong>Midwest</strong> to exp<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
would improve the <strong>Clinic</strong> in all areas of<br />
operation. One of the services at MPW will<br />
be providing free, regularly-scheduled<br />
shuttle service from the different hotels that<br />
will house attendees.<br />
Free shuttle system<br />
Since the Hyatt at McCormick Place will<br />
only be able to house the <strong>Midwest</strong> Board,<br />
staff, exhibitors, <strong>and</strong> clinicians, most<br />
attendees will find lodging in the Chicago<br />
Hilton Hotel <strong>and</strong> Towers, Palmer House,<br />
Essex, Blackstone, <strong>and</strong> downtown hotels.<br />
The Exhibit Hall has more displays than ever before<br />
8 WASBE World<br />
A free shuttle system has been set up<br />
between these “<strong>Midwest</strong>” hotels <strong>and</strong> MPW.<br />
This shuttle service will be extensive, <strong>and</strong><br />
The <strong>Midwest</strong> Board made the decision to do<br />
whatever it takes to ensure that there will<br />
always be a sufficient number of buses to<br />
move attendees to <strong>and</strong> from MPW.<br />
Topcoats may even be unnecessary for<br />
attendees as buses will be boarded just steps<br />
from hotel doors <strong>and</strong> will unload in a<br />
covered entrance to MPW. However, there<br />
will be a space to check coats <strong>and</strong> parcels for<br />
those that need this service. Incidentally,<br />
parking for those who will be driving is<br />
ample <strong>and</strong> less expensive than at downtown<br />
hotels. Kelly Jocius <strong>and</strong> the <strong>Midwest</strong> office<br />
staff have performed a superb job of<br />
organizing <strong>and</strong> administering the details<br />
involved with this huge endeavor of moving<br />
an entire clinic. Every detail of this historic<br />
decision by the Board of Directors has been<br />
made with the welfare of the attendees<br />
being paramount. <strong>Midwest</strong> now will have<br />
the space <strong>and</strong> flexibility to maximize the<br />
offerings for attendees. With the great<br />
lineup of concerts <strong>and</strong> clinics <strong>and</strong> with<br />
special guest artists including Ellis Marsalis<br />
<strong>and</strong> Mark O’Connor, the <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Midwest</strong><br />
should be the best ever. We all hope to see<br />
you in December at McCormick Place West.<br />
Everyone connected with The <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong><br />
is working toward the goal of making the<br />
<strong>2009</strong> experience rewarding for everyone.<br />
Donations to the<br />
WASBE Foundation<br />
in <strong>2009</strong><br />
Gold (USD 100 or more)<br />
Bert Langeler*<br />
Stockholms Lans Blasarsymfoniker<br />
Shih-Chien University Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong><br />
Edizioni Musicali Wicky<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>a de Musica Municipal de Bilbao<br />
Associacao <strong>Orchestra</strong> Filarmonica de<br />
Sao Carlos<br />
Maximo Ronquillo*<br />
Donald Lovejoy<br />
Kirby Fong*<br />
<strong>No</strong>rges Musikkorps Forbund*<br />
Fraser Linklater*<br />
Casimiro Garcio Llamas*<br />
*Foundation Membership<br />
Silver (USD 50 to 99)<br />
Wen-Jung Cheng<br />
Vladimir Mustajbasic<br />
Roberto Farias<br />
<strong>No</strong>boru Ohgishi<br />
Laszlo Marosi<br />
Javier Mir<strong>and</strong>a Medina<br />
Hugo Josao Lopes<br />
Goran Hulphers<br />
Gary Nyberg<br />
David V<strong>and</strong>ewalker<br />
Keith Kinder<br />
Karel Husa<br />
Jose Ignacio Petit Matias<br />
Jim Cochran / Shattinger Music<br />
Bronze (to USD 49)<br />
Mark Heron<br />
Joan Jones<br />
Janis Purins<br />
Arild Andersen<br />
Vicente Moncho<br />
Carlos Enrique Camejo Patron<br />
Clyde Shive<br />
Russell McCutcheon<br />
Marvin Eckroth<br />
José Pascual-Vilaplana<br />
Anthony Reimer<br />
Adam Hilkert<br />
Terence Milligan<br />
John W. Daniels<br />
Franco Brusini<br />
Fabian Antonio Di Mattia<br />
Colleen Richardson<br />
Anthony Houghton<br />
Alberto Roque<br />
Steven Accatino<br />
Mark Fonder
INTERVIEW<br />
WASBE Pioneers: Leon J. Bly<br />
by Anthony Reimer<br />
This is the last in a series of interviews with people who were a part of WASBE from its<br />
beginnings. Through these interviews commissioned by the previous editor of the WASBE<br />
Newsletter Don DeRoche, we hope to give our current members a sense of history <strong>and</strong> the<br />
philosophical point of view that gave birth to the concept of our international wind organization.<br />
This interview with Leon J. Bly was held during the 14 th WASBE Conference in<br />
Cincinnati, USA.<br />
Anthony Reimer: In 1981, at the time of the<br />
first International Conference for Symphonic<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> & Wind Ensembles, Conductors,<br />
Composers <strong>and</strong> Publishers, from what I<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>, you were just about to move to<br />
Germany from the United States. So first of<br />
all, what brought you to the Conference in<br />
Manchester?<br />
Leon J. Bly: Well, actually, I had just moved<br />
to Germany about three weeks prior to<br />
conference. Therefore, I thought it would be<br />
a great opportunity to go to Manchester to<br />
what I thought was going to be a one-time<br />
opportunity to get to hear b<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> b<strong>and</strong><br />
music from around the world – <strong>and</strong> actually,<br />
that’s what it was. It was the first time that<br />
many of us had a chance to hear some b<strong>and</strong><br />
music from Eastern Europe as well as many<br />
other parts of the world, to hear b<strong>and</strong>s at all<br />
levels perform music from their own country.<br />
Frank Battisti <strong>and</strong> Leon J. Bly<br />
There were b<strong>and</strong>s at all levels performing all<br />
types <strong>and</strong> grades of music. It was a very<br />
exciting time for all of us that went, <strong>and</strong><br />
because of the fact that we thought it was<br />
going to be a one-time-only event, many of<br />
us thought it absolutely necessary to be<br />
there.<br />
AR: I sometimes forget, being here at the<br />
14 th WASBE Conference, how far it has<br />
come since that first conference. You said<br />
there was a wide variety of music. Can you<br />
give me a picture of what that conference<br />
was like musically?<br />
LB: The conference was musically a real<br />
mixture of everything from school <strong>and</strong><br />
amateur b<strong>and</strong>s to fine university wind<br />
ensembles <strong>and</strong> professional b<strong>and</strong>s as well as<br />
some chamber music. The days were filled<br />
with lots of music. There were a great many<br />
concerts during this conference but not a<br />
whole lot of other things were planned.<br />
There were some lectures, but this conference<br />
consisted mainly of concerts. In order<br />
to get b<strong>and</strong>s to attend this conference, they<br />
had invited b<strong>and</strong>s from as many countries as<br />
possible, but there was no way of selecting<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s (as there is now for WASBE Conferences),<br />
so you had some average school<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> youth b<strong>and</strong>s, you had, as I said,<br />
some excellent wind ensembles from universities<br />
<strong>and</strong> colleges in the United States, some<br />
very, very good community b<strong>and</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> some<br />
community b<strong>and</strong>s, again, that were average.<br />
In terms of the music that we heard, we<br />
heard everything from very fine pieces of<br />
music – some st<strong>and</strong>ard works by Hindemith<br />
<strong>and</strong> Husa – to music from musical shows <strong>and</strong><br />
film music, marches, <strong>and</strong> a lot of popular<br />
music from the various countries. So in this<br />
case, it was a real mixture of repertoire that<br />
was heard <strong>and</strong> a real mixture in terms of the<br />
performance levels.<br />
AR: Do you remember how you heard about<br />
this initial world b<strong>and</strong> conference?<br />
LB: I was <strong>and</strong> still am a member of CBDNA<br />
(College <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Directors National<br />
Association), <strong>and</strong> it was one of the main<br />
organizers of the conference, so I had gotten<br />
the advertising materials through the<br />
CBDNA.<br />
AR: So you became a member of WASBE<br />
when it was formed there, <strong>and</strong> you are one<br />
of the esteemed people who have a singledigit<br />
membership number. What took you<br />
from being a member to getting involved<br />
with service? Did someone recruit you? Did<br />
an opportunity come up that you took? How<br />
did that happen that you became more of a<br />
service member of WASBE?<br />
WASBE World 9
INTERVIEW<br />
LB: I think I was probably involved one way<br />
or another with WASBE from the very<br />
beginning. At the beginning of the week of<br />
the 1981 conference, there was some talk<br />
about forming an organization <strong>and</strong> doing<br />
that kind of conference every two or three<br />
or four years. At the moment when it was<br />
first talked about, I didn’t think it was such a<br />
terribly good idea. I thought it would<br />
probably be, for most people, terribly<br />
expensive to try to do this too often, <strong>and</strong> I<br />
wasn’t quite sure where it was heading. By<br />
the end of the week, things took a different<br />
shape, <strong>and</strong> I became much more impressed<br />
<strong>and</strong> excited about the whole idea, which is<br />
why I joined before I even left Manchester.<br />
That is also how I actually, at a very low level<br />
one could say, got involved. By the end of<br />
the week, Paul Yoder approached me about<br />
spreading the word about WASBE <strong>and</strong>,<br />
seeing that I was now living in Germany,<br />
asked if I would get involved with contacting<br />
the music organizations in Germany <strong>and</strong> the<br />
magazines there to try to get the word out.<br />
So I got involved at the very first with some<br />
PR for WASBE.<br />
AR: You mentioned Paul Yoder. Were there<br />
other people in the organization from the<br />
beginning that were key that you interacted<br />
with a lot?<br />
LB: I didn’t have a lot of interaction with<br />
people in the sense of the governing of<br />
WASBE at the beginning, but I did meet<br />
people at that first conference with whom I<br />
to this day, remain in contact, one of them<br />
being Egil Gundersen, who served as WASBE<br />
Treasurer for so many years. I made a lot of<br />
new European friends like Trevor Ford; many<br />
of the CBDNA people I had already known.<br />
AR: Later on, you got elected to the Board.<br />
LB: Yes, in 1991, I became a member of the<br />
WASBE Board. I am probably one of the few<br />
people who has managed to attend all the<br />
conferences – so this is my 14 th – <strong>and</strong> simply<br />
being in attendance at the conferences, one<br />
becomes known. I was asked about serving<br />
on the WASBE Board about four years<br />
before I finally said yes. At that time,<br />
because of other commitments <strong>and</strong><br />
especially having a young family, I could not<br />
say yes, but finally I decided to accept the<br />
invitation to run for the Board <strong>and</strong> was<br />
10 WASBE World<br />
elected as I said in 1991. I then served on<br />
the Board for six years.<br />
AR: Then you followed that immediately by<br />
taking a new position: the Executive Director’s<br />
position. You would have been on the<br />
Board at the time that position was created.<br />
Can you tell me a little bit about the thoughts<br />
behind creating an Executive Director’s<br />
position <strong>and</strong> how that came about?<br />
LB: Well, actually, I more or less created my<br />
own monster. I saw quite early that someone<br />
needed to be administering this big<br />
operation more or less on a daily basis, <strong>and</strong><br />
talked to other Board members about this<br />
idea. Most of it just remained talk until Felix<br />
Hauswirth became President Elect. At that<br />
time, Felix <strong>and</strong> I talked quite extensively<br />
about what this kind of a position should be.<br />
One of the biggest problems with the idea<br />
of having an Executive Director is that<br />
WASBE is a small society with a limited<br />
budget <strong>and</strong> has no way of really financing<br />
the office of Executive Director. But I worked<br />
with Felix on the idea of what should be<br />
done – what someone should be doing on a<br />
daily basis, how some of the work should be<br />
divided between the Board, the President<br />
<strong>and</strong> an Administrator – <strong>and</strong> we worked<br />
together on establishing a job description for<br />
an Executive Director. At the time, I did not<br />
have any idea that I would be the first<br />
person to do this job. I was expecting that it<br />
was going to be given to a professional<br />
administrator rather than a working music<br />
school b<strong>and</strong> director.<br />
AR: This is a two-part question. How has<br />
WASBE <strong>and</strong> being involved with WASBE<br />
changed you – the music you program, the<br />
people you associate with, the way you<br />
approach being a music director – <strong>and</strong> how<br />
has WASBE in turn changed the music<br />
world? So the first part: how has WASBE<br />
changed or evolved what you do?<br />
LB: I was a fairly young b<strong>and</strong> director at the<br />
time WASBE was formed, so simply having<br />
this interchange with colleagues at such a<br />
high professional level, with some of the<br />
finest b<strong>and</strong> directors from around the world,<br />
helped me to grow as a musician <strong>and</strong> as a<br />
conductor – watching others conduct<br />
concerts, attending conducting workshops at<br />
conferences, having this kind of interaction.<br />
Probably the most important thing that<br />
happened to me professionally was – right at<br />
Manchester – to recognize how rich the<br />
wind b<strong>and</strong> repertoire is. In 1981, few b<strong>and</strong><br />
directors looked outside of their own<br />
country’s borders, not only in <strong>No</strong>rth America<br />
but also within Europe – countries that are<br />
next to each other had their own traditions,<br />
their own repertoire, <strong>and</strong> had very little<br />
exchange <strong>and</strong> interaction with each other. I<br />
then realized how rich <strong>and</strong> exciting the wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>’s literature on an international basis<br />
really is. That was very exciting for me.<br />
Even to this day, I find that one of the most<br />
important things that WASBE does is to<br />
disseminate information about music from<br />
the various parts of the world. WASBE has<br />
done a great deal in this respect, however<br />
there are parts of the world where, even<br />
after almost 30 years, we still know so little<br />
about the wind b<strong>and</strong> music. Today (at the<br />
Conference) there are sessions on b<strong>and</strong><br />
music in South American. Except for the<br />
people in Latin America, most of this music is<br />
totally unknown, even though we have had<br />
sessions on Latin American music at WASBE<br />
Conferences before. There is so much more<br />
happening there than most people in <strong>No</strong>rth<br />
Leon J. Bly, Markus<br />
Mauderer <strong>and</strong><br />
Publisher Stefan<br />
Männlein (from left)<br />
creating the first issue<br />
of “WASBE World”<br />
at Leon J. Bly’s home<br />
in Stuttgart.<br />
Photo: Klaus Härtel
America or Europe know about. I also<br />
attended today a fine session about the<br />
b<strong>and</strong> repertoire in Portugal. These are the<br />
kinds of things that make WASBE, for me, a<br />
very exciting experience.<br />
AR: In the time since 1991, how do you<br />
think WASBE, as an organization <strong>and</strong> as a<br />
world force, has actually changed our music<br />
world in your view?<br />
LB: These kinds of things are very hard to<br />
measure. The world has changed, in many<br />
respects, a great deal. You have to realize<br />
that in 1981, there was no Internet, there<br />
were no CDs, there were not all of the<br />
opportunities to hear music from other<br />
countries that you have today. You couldn’t<br />
just go online <strong>and</strong> download musical<br />
examples, <strong>and</strong> it was very difficult to find<br />
out about b<strong>and</strong> music in other countries.<br />
That’s why conferences were then so<br />
important. I do think that WASBE has had,<br />
however, a great impact on disseminating<br />
the idea that there is music in other countries<br />
worth performing that we should know<br />
about, no matter which country we live in;<br />
that there is rich literature beyond our own<br />
borders. The world through various means<br />
has become much smaller with globalization<br />
or whatever you want to call it, <strong>and</strong> I think<br />
that WASBE has certainly had to some<br />
extent an impact on the world b<strong>and</strong> scene.<br />
At least, WASBE is seen today as a possible<br />
resource for obtaining information on b<strong>and</strong><br />
music from various countries. If you know<br />
exactly what you want from a certain<br />
country, it’s not too hard to learn about it in<br />
other ways, but if you are a b<strong>and</strong> director in<br />
the middle of Canada, the best way of<br />
finding out about music in Europe or in<br />
South America may be by going through<br />
WASBE rather than going through the Music<br />
Centres in each one of the countries on<br />
these continents. In addition to that, I think<br />
that WASBE has had a great deal of<br />
influence in certain parts of the world on<br />
raising st<strong>and</strong>ards for conductors <strong>and</strong> in<br />
raising performance st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
AR: In 2007, you were elected back on to<br />
the Board as President Elect as you ended<br />
your tenure as Executive Director. At this<br />
Conference, you will take over the President<br />
of WASBE role. What are some of the things<br />
that you are looking to accomplish during<br />
your tenure as President?<br />
LB: This is one of the most amazing things<br />
that has happened in my life to become<br />
President of WASBE. I never had any<br />
aspiration to be the President of WASBE,<br />
<strong>and</strong> when I look around me at all of my<br />
distinguished colleagues, I have to ask the<br />
question of how something like this could<br />
happen. I never intended to be the Executive<br />
Director. In 1981 I didn’t have any thoughts<br />
about being on the WASBE Board. Some<br />
things happen in life that we either fall into<br />
unexpectedly, or we are asked to do things<br />
<strong>and</strong> see a need to respond.<br />
What is probably the biggest problem for<br />
me with becoming President of WASBE?<br />
I know the workings of WASBE very well<br />
because of all the various positions <strong>and</strong> tasks<br />
that I have had. However, I see the position<br />
of President as being for someone with an<br />
artistic vision <strong>and</strong> pushing for WASBE<br />
leadership in the musical world, <strong>and</strong> this may<br />
not necessarily be one of my strongest<br />
points. I do have some ideas for changing a<br />
few aspects of our next conference to make<br />
it more of a working conference with all of<br />
the delegates being involved with various<br />
tasks rather than a spectator type of conference.<br />
I agree with our current President (Ed.<br />
<strong>No</strong>te: Glenn Price, at the time) who says that<br />
WASBE Conferences have become the Rolls<br />
Royce of conferences. I think that in many<br />
respects that is very true: the high level of<br />
performances, the high level of music. But I<br />
would like that at the next conference, we<br />
try to work on some of the problems that<br />
are facing wind b<strong>and</strong>s around the world.<br />
I should also like to try to develop some<br />
ideas that may help move our whole<br />
movement forward in certain ways. Within<br />
the next few months, the WASBE magazine<br />
especially will be dealing with these aspects<br />
of things (Ed. <strong>No</strong>te: See Leon’s President’s<br />
Message in the September <strong>2009</strong> issue of<br />
WASBE World). The WASBE Conference<br />
web site will be listing these various areas; I<br />
think we shall see some things happening<br />
there.<br />
However, as I said before, I’m not sure<br />
that I am a visionary. I’m certainly not a<br />
visionary in the sense of someone like one of<br />
the founders of WASBE, Frank Battisti,<br />
whose vision for an organization like WASBE<br />
is why it exists. I see myself more as a kind<br />
of functionary who sees that things get done<br />
<strong>and</strong> that the organization runs smoothly.<br />
What I am hoping to do is to get some of<br />
the committees, networks <strong>and</strong> various<br />
projects that WASBE has been attempting to<br />
do over the years, finally moving <strong>and</strong> things<br />
actually happening. I probably will leave the<br />
office of President as the most disliked<br />
President who ever served because people<br />
not doing their job in their service position<br />
will probably get fired <strong>and</strong> replaced with<br />
someone else.<br />
AR: I must comment at this point that one of<br />
the strengths that I have seen in you is that<br />
administrative ability <strong>and</strong> the ability to make<br />
sense of administration. I sense from your<br />
comments that is one of the things that you<br />
will move forward; that the ship itself will<br />
run better. It’s not the vision of where the<br />
organization is going; we have been working<br />
towards a vision but sometimes we have<br />
gone off in all directions <strong>and</strong> it is merely<br />
tidying up the ship so that the next Captain<br />
will then be able to move forward again. Is<br />
that a fair comment?<br />
LB: That sounds fair enough. If you want me<br />
to be the Janitor <strong>and</strong> clean up the ship, I’ll<br />
accept that kind of a title.<br />
AR: You made reference to the Conference<br />
in Taiwan. It looks very much like progress is<br />
being made quickly, that they are really<br />
excited in Chiayi City about the Conference.<br />
Can you tell me a little bit about how preparations<br />
are going for that conference?<br />
LB: The preparations from the side of the<br />
people in Taiwan are moving forward very<br />
well. They are very excited about having the<br />
Conference there. It is a rather amazing<br />
situation in the fact that everyone from the<br />
Mayor of Chiayi City down to the lowest<br />
levels within the City government are very<br />
excited about making Chiayi City, at least in<br />
Asia, the center of the b<strong>and</strong> world. They<br />
have been running for many years a very<br />
successful <strong>and</strong> very fine b<strong>and</strong> festival each<br />
year from the end of December to the<br />
beginning of January. I have been there<br />
twice. This festival, at least in Asia, is very<br />
well known. They would like now to have<br />
WASBE there to enhance their image, as I<br />
said, as a b<strong>and</strong> centre, as a place that not<br />
only provides their type of festival, but is<br />
also able to bring the very best of b<strong>and</strong>s to<br />
their city. What is also amazing is the<br />
amount of interest in b<strong>and</strong> concerts from the<br />
inhabitants of that city. I am sure that every<br />
performance that is given at the next Conference<br />
will be sold out simply because there is<br />
so much interest, especially when we bring<br />
very fine b<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> ensembles to that<br />
Conference. There will be no questions<br />
about any vacant seats in any concert halls.<br />
That is one of the things that is very exciting.<br />
When the annual festival takes place there,<br />
the whole city becomes so much a part of<br />
that festival that you cannot walk down the<br />
street without seeing banners <strong>and</strong> signs<br />
about the festival everywhere. In two years,<br />
I am sure that from the time one gets off the<br />
train or bus at Chiayi City, one will see<br />
nothing but WASBE Conference posters <strong>and</strong><br />
banners <strong>and</strong> hear b<strong>and</strong>s everywhere. The<br />
City will not only become a convention<br />
centre where WASBE will be, but the City<br />
will be WASBE.<br />
WASBE World 11
PORTRAIT<br />
Cape Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble:<br />
Professional Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth<br />
by John Stanley<br />
Since the end of apartheid in South Africa<br />
in 1994, the government established<br />
formidable measures to provide opportunities<br />
for a wide variety of programs for<br />
disadvantaged individuals who were<br />
formerly excluded from them.<br />
One remarkable measure was the creation<br />
of the Cape Philharmonic Youth Wind<br />
Ensemble along with its companion Cape<br />
Philharmonic Youth <strong>Orchestra</strong>. Launched in<br />
2003 as part of the Cape Philharmonic<br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong>’s development <strong>and</strong> transformation<br />
plan, most of the members of both youth<br />
ensembles come from previously disadvantaged<br />
communities. The members of the<br />
professional orchestra are committed to a<br />
program of teaching <strong>and</strong> training the young<br />
12 WASBE World<br />
musicians as well as young conductors<br />
through regular workshops <strong>and</strong> one-on-one<br />
tuition.<br />
The core business of the Cape Philharmonic<br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong> is performing as a<br />
symphony orchestra of international<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ard. Their Principal Guest conductor is<br />
Owain Arwel Hughes. However, the<br />
nurturing of future musicians <strong>and</strong> the<br />
development of youth music in Cape Town,<br />
plus developing new audiences in South<br />
Africa, are of equal importance.<br />
The influence of WASBE on the<br />
development of the wind <strong>and</strong> percussion<br />
movement is becoming very encouraging.<br />
In September, John Stanley, charter<br />
member of WASBE, made his second visit to<br />
Cape Town again to conduct the CPO Wind<br />
Ensemble. His first experience was in 2005<br />
when he along with other WASBE members<br />
was invited by Ina Leuvennink to participate<br />
in the WASBE South Africa Conference. He<br />
conducted two works with the CPYWE <strong>and</strong><br />
was enormously impressed with the<br />
potential of this enthusiastic <strong>and</strong> very<br />
promising ensemble. With the encouragement<br />
of Henriette Weber, the dynamic<br />
<strong>and</strong> tireless manager of the two youth<br />
ensembles, he returned in September this<br />
year to prepare <strong>and</strong> conduct a series of<br />
concerts for their Spring Showcase. (Yes,<br />
September is the beginning of spring in<br />
South Africa.) These were performed in the<br />
townships <strong>and</strong> included works by Dello Joio,
Woolfenden, Hanson, Biebl, Osser <strong>and</strong> Yi<br />
Chen.<br />
While the city was busily preparing to host<br />
the World Cup in 2010, John was able to<br />
observe the exceptional work in satellite<br />
training centers by music teachers provided<br />
by the CPO Outreach & Education Division.<br />
These remarkable music educators were<br />
successfully introducing instrumental music<br />
to nine-year-olds who less than two decades<br />
ago could not even dream of such a luxury.<br />
It was amazing to observe how innately<br />
musical these students were, becoming<br />
competent with western classical music<br />
along with their beautiful native melodies.<br />
These dedicated teachers were ably assisted<br />
by youth orchestra members, most of whom<br />
were from that particular township <strong>and</strong> who<br />
will ultimately progress into the CPYO <strong>and</strong><br />
CPYWE.<br />
John also presented a two-day conducting<br />
master-class following work started by Laszlo<br />
Marosi <strong>and</strong> Prof. Victor Yampolsky (<strong>No</strong>rthwestern<br />
University) over the past few years.<br />
A further dimension of the progress being<br />
made is by Sean Kierman, conductor of the<br />
CPYWE, who lends his talents to work with<br />
a special cadre of military b<strong>and</strong> personnel<br />
from Namibia. Some members in this<br />
remarkable b<strong>and</strong> were from Rw<strong>and</strong>a <strong>and</strong><br />
spoke no English or Afrikaans. One could<br />
only imagine how they appreciated the<br />
luxury of wind b<strong>and</strong> music in such a setting,<br />
contrasted with the conditions in their wartorn<br />
country.<br />
South Africa, like so many remote<br />
countries is benefiting from the support<br />
provided by WASBE <strong>and</strong> its efforts to raise<br />
the st<strong>and</strong>ards of performance <strong>and</strong> literature.<br />
The focus of the government to emphasize<br />
education through the arts as manifested by<br />
the CPO Outreach & Education program is<br />
beginning to pay rich dividends <strong>and</strong> serves<br />
as an exceptional model for initiatives in<br />
other locations.<br />
The conductor’s<br />
responsibility<br />
Stephen Budiansky’s clinic at the WASBE<br />
Conference in Cincinnati (or more particularly<br />
the reaction to it) inspired this second<br />
column in WASBE World.<br />
I refer to two of his texts: that of his clinic<br />
on July 10th , <strong>2009</strong> <strong>and</strong> his article (with<br />
Timothy W. Foley as co-author) in the WASBE<br />
Journal 2005 called ”The Quality of Repertoire<br />
in School Music Programs: Literature<br />
Review, Analysis <strong>and</strong> Discussion“ (you can<br />
find both texts at<br />
http://www.budiansky.com/music.html).<br />
Firstly: the clinic was given <strong>and</strong> the article<br />
was published for a World Association with<br />
participants <strong>and</strong> members from over 50<br />
countries around the globe. But we read<br />
about <strong>and</strong> listened to a mostly <strong>No</strong>rth<br />
American phenomenon. <strong>No</strong> acknowledgement<br />
was given anywhere about the fact<br />
that Budiansky‘s opinion refers only to the<br />
United States or <strong>No</strong>rth America.<br />
My impression is that there is a strong<br />
suspicion that Budiansky assumed that this is<br />
not just a <strong>No</strong>rth American, but a global<br />
problem. This must be the reason for his<br />
statement: “And it really makes me wonder<br />
how many people in the wind b<strong>and</strong> world<br />
read the arts criticism that appears in serious<br />
newspapers <strong>and</strong> journals. I suspect they don’t<br />
at all.“<br />
Budiansky has mistakenly transplanted his<br />
opinion of the <strong>No</strong>rth American b<strong>and</strong> scene<br />
onto the b<strong>and</strong> scene worldwide. This seems<br />
to me to be a sign of ignorance.<br />
How long will it take (despite the efforts of<br />
WASBE!) until we realize that the wind b<strong>and</strong><br />
movement exists not only between Boston<br />
<strong>and</strong> Los Angeles!<br />
Nevertheless, I have been interested in his<br />
main topic: ”repertoire“ for a long time. I<br />
have written articles, given dozens of lectures,<br />
<strong>and</strong> recently I finished the 8th edition of my<br />
book of selected repertoire for winds.<br />
I think we all have to focus much more on<br />
repertoire. Therefore I sympathize with a lot<br />
of points Budiansky mentioned. But it is<br />
absolutely wrong to think that every work of<br />
a ”significant composer“ is a great work. The<br />
list, presented by Budiansky <strong>and</strong> Tim Foley<br />
(table 4 in the WASBE Journal article)<br />
suggests this when you read it within the text.<br />
To speak about a ”great work“ when you talk<br />
about the ”Mini-Suite“ by Morton Gould is<br />
certainly wrong, though Gould was of course<br />
one of the great composers of the 20 th<br />
Century. The work is – no more, no less –<br />
pedagogical music, like a lot of the pieces by<br />
living composers which Mr. Budiansky<br />
attacked.<br />
The list shows also a lack of connection<br />
with reality: in it you will find – as grade 3<br />
pieces (”medium or lower difficulty“) –<br />
compositions like Gershwin‘s ”Rhapsody in<br />
Blue“ (the Grofé version) or Gershwin‘s ”An<br />
American in Paris“ (Krance)!<br />
I have problems with the fact that<br />
Budiansky is harsh on composers of easy <strong>and</strong><br />
pedagogical music. Just as there is no<br />
guarantee that every piece by a ”significant<br />
composer“ will be a good piece, a very<br />
difficult work doesn‘t guarantee a composition<br />
of high artistic level. On this level there<br />
are also a lot of ”sins“. The lack of artistic<br />
quality in the composition will fade into the<br />
background because of the highly virtuosic<br />
playing of the ensemble. The musical content<br />
falls by the wayside.<br />
Furthermore, the fact that a recognized<br />
composition of high artistic quality is being<br />
performed, doesn‘t always guarantee a<br />
musical triumph. All too often I have attended<br />
performances of Mozart which had nothing<br />
to do with proper performance practice. The<br />
name ”Mozart“ isn‘t sufficient to guarantee<br />
aural pleasure.<br />
We should always make sure that we, as<br />
conductors, take sole responsibility for the<br />
selection of repertoire <strong>and</strong> the quality of our<br />
performances. It is wrong to h<strong>and</strong> the responsibility<br />
for that (when it suits us) to publishers<br />
or composers. The better we are (<strong>and</strong> the<br />
more famous we are), the more we have to<br />
be conscious of this fact. A concert by a ”big<br />
name“ in our business always sets an<br />
example. These artists should always be<br />
aware of the significant responsibility they<br />
carry.<br />
Why should a High School conductor from<br />
the USA, Canada, Singapore or Japan, a<br />
conductor of an amateur b<strong>and</strong> in Europe or<br />
anywhere in the world be criticized for his<br />
programming or his unmusical interpretation<br />
of a piece, if he has used a bad example from<br />
one of his living idols?<br />
How often does it come down to the fact<br />
that a conductor is performing a piece<br />
because one of the ”big names“ recorded it<br />
on a CD?<br />
The big names of our profession have to be<br />
aware that they have a responsibility to set an<br />
example. As Winston Spencer Churchill<br />
(1874-1965) once said: ”The price of<br />
greatness is responsibility.“<br />
Best wishes,<br />
Felix Hauswirth<br />
WASBE World 13
FOCUS ON REPERTOIRE<br />
A Musical Analysis of José Suñer-Oriola’s<br />
“<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1 for Concert <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>”<br />
Análisis de la “Sinfonía de Cámara nº 1 para <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>a de Concierto” de José Suñer Oriola<br />
Texto original del compositor en español<br />
Traducción al inglés por Richard-Scott Cohen<br />
Original text in Spanish by the composer<br />
English translation by Richard Scott Cohen<br />
Intimismo y sensibilidad, dos sensaciones integradas en el<br />
postulado onomatopéyico del discurso musical, así como razonamiento<br />
y emotividad, son posiblemente el principal objetivo en las<br />
aspiraciones de un compositor.<br />
Intimacy <strong>and</strong> sensibility: these two sentiments are integral to any<br />
philosophical discourse on music. To capture these feelings, along<br />
with rationality <strong>and</strong> emotive impact, is perhaps the greatest<br />
challenge facing any composer.<br />
La Sinfonía de Cámara nº 1 para <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>a de Concierto fue creada<br />
entre 2005 y 2006 a raíz de las máximas influencias de mi quinteto<br />
para metales Tres finestres (Tres ventanas).<br />
De similitud estructural pero conceptualmente diferente, el punto<br />
de partida de la Sinfonía de Cámara fue la referencia de las sinfonías<br />
italianas del siglo XVIII. Por otro lado, es justo atribuir cierta influencia<br />
sino de características musicales, si emocionales, al hecho de que 100<br />
años antes, Arnold Schoenberg escribía su Sinfonía de Cámara nº 1,<br />
op. 9.<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1 for Concert <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> was composed in<br />
2005-2006 <strong>and</strong> is heavily influenced by my earlier work for brass<br />
quintet, Tres ventanas (Three Windows). The <strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> is<br />
based structurally on symphonies that emerged in 18th century Italy,<br />
although in other aspects it has a totally different conception. It is<br />
also influenced in the emotional language of Arnold Schoenberg’s<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1, op. 9, written 100 years earlier.<br />
El primer movimiento en forma Rondó (A-B-A’-C-A’’-B’-Coda) se<br />
presenta con el tema principal en cadencial I-IV,<br />
The first movement is set in rondo form (A-B-A’-C-A’’-B’-Coda).<br />
The first theme is presented over a I-IV cadential harmonic<br />
progression,<br />
Ejemplo 1 • Example 1<br />
14 WASBE World<br />
difumin<strong>and</strong>o la claridad melódica mediante suaves disonancias y el<br />
engaño visual de las enarmonías, solícitas a lo largo de toda la pieza.<br />
blurring the melodic clarity with mild dissonances <strong>and</strong> visually<br />
deceptive enharmonic spellings that permeate the entire work.<br />
Ejemplo 2 • Example 2<br />
El segundo tema es expuesto por una melodía secuencial interpretada<br />
por la flauta y en variación respondido por el tutti,<br />
The second theme consists of a melody which alternates sequentially<br />
between the flute <strong>and</strong> the full ensemble in variation,<br />
Ejemplo 3 • Example 3<br />
d<strong>and</strong>o paso a la exposición en tempo Allegro del tema principal,<br />
emple<strong>and</strong>o juegos canónicos y desplazándose transitoriamente hacia<br />
la forma libre C en el Lento donde su apertura en la marimba representará<br />
la misma secuencia del segundo tema anteriormente expuesto<br />
por la flauta, en rítmica diferente.<br />
giving way to the exposition in allegro (as in the opening theme),<br />
employing playful canonic imitations, <strong>and</strong> transitioning to the freeform<br />
C section of the movement. This lento section opens with the<br />
marimba using a sequential melody in similar fashion as the flute in<br />
the second thematic area, but employing a different rhythmic<br />
language.<br />
Esta parte central, crea su color gracias a la fusión tímbricoarmónica<br />
del vibráfono y la marimba, junto con los instrumentos<br />
dedicados al efecto base, realz<strong>and</strong>o el continuo gliss<strong>and</strong>o de las copas<br />
(al tradicional efecto de la copa con agua, frotada con suave presión<br />
del dedo por la parte superior de ésta, se le añade la continua inclinación<br />
de la misma, produciendo un gliss<strong>and</strong>o de características particulares).<br />
This central section features the timbres <strong>and</strong> harmonies of the<br />
vibraphone <strong>and</strong> the marimba in colorful fusion with a gliss<strong>and</strong>o<br />
effect created by goblets filled with water. Building on the traditional<br />
method of rubbing a finger along the ridge of these glasses to
produce a sound, here they are also constantly tilted back <strong>and</strong> forth<br />
to vary the pitch <strong>and</strong> create a very unusual gliss<strong>and</strong>o effect.<br />
El módulo central en forma libre expuesto por el solo de flauta nos<br />
conduce a la reexposición del tema principal, enlaz<strong>and</strong>o con el<br />
segundo tema también en reexposición, concluyendo con una breve<br />
Coda.<br />
The solo flute passage in this central free-form section leads us<br />
onto the recapitulation, where the first two themes are reintroduced<br />
<strong>and</strong> combined, <strong>and</strong> which concludes with a brief Coda.<br />
Ejemplo 4 • Example 4<br />
La simplicidad estructural y la instrumentación transparente son<br />
frutos de la referencia característica hacia dos compositores. La<br />
creación de este movimiento tuvo lugar en el 250 aniversario del<br />
nacimiento de W. A. Mozart y el 100 aniversario del nacimiento de<br />
Dimitri Shostakovitch, por tanto, el reflejo del movimiento interválico<br />
de Shostakovitch y la simplicidad melódica de Mozart son una<br />
constante.<br />
The structural simplicity <strong>and</strong> the transparent instrumentation of<br />
this first movement are influenced by the musical styles of two<br />
composers. This movement was composed in the same year as the<br />
250 th anniversary of the birth of Mozart, <strong>and</strong> in the same year as the<br />
100 th anniversary of the birth of Shostakovich. With this in mind,<br />
this movement reflects both the intervallic style of Shostakovich,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Mozart’s melodic simplicity.<br />
El segundo movimiento, de forma libre (A-B-C-D) intenta plasmar<br />
la fresca calidez del carácter mediterráneo en la primera de sus<br />
secciones.<br />
The second movement is set in free-form A-B-C-D fashion. The<br />
first section strives to capture the freshness <strong>and</strong> warmth of the<br />
Mediterranean.<br />
En la segunda, la<br />
notable influencia de<br />
los Cantos Llanos son<br />
presentados por el<br />
fagot,<br />
The second section<br />
fuses plainchants<br />
presented by the<br />
bassoon,<br />
Ejemplo 5 • Example 5<br />
fusionándose con la metafórica representación de las místicas voces<br />
femeninas Búlgaras expuestas en la trompa.<br />
with the French horn’s metaphoric representation of the choral<br />
music style of the Mystical Bulgarian Women’s Voices (Le Mystère<br />
des Voix Bulgares).<br />
Ejemplo 6 • Example 6<br />
La tercera sección, de características transitorias, nos conduce a la<br />
última de éstas, la cual referencia a su vez las transparencias musicales<br />
que Gabriel Fauré dibuja en su Requiem.<br />
The third section is transitional <strong>and</strong> leads to the final section,<br />
which references the musical transparencies of Gabriel Fauré’s<br />
Requiem.<br />
Éste movimiento sitúa toda su emoción en los diferenciales<br />
referentes europeos.<br />
In conclusion, this second movement incorporates all of its<br />
emotion in a variety of European styles.<br />
El tercer movimiento, en forma quasi Sonata, parte con una<br />
explosiva introducción armónicamente en pertenencia a otra de mis<br />
piezas: Vasa.<br />
The third movement, in quasi-sonata form, leaps out with an<br />
explosive introduction, harmonically much like another one of my<br />
works, Vasa.<br />
La exposición, basada en la danza tradicional española Jota, es<br />
fragmentada por los continuos cambios de compás, los cuales<br />
propician una gran variedad en la acentuación musical del mismo<br />
tema.<br />
The exposition, based on the traditional Spanish dance known as<br />
the Jota, is fragmented by constantly changing meters that yield a<br />
wealth of variety in the accentuation of the theme.<br />
José Suñer-Oriola<br />
was born 1964 in El Puig, Valencia<br />
(Spain). He studied percussion,<br />
analysis, harmony <strong>and</strong> counterpoint<br />
at Valencia Conservatory, <strong>and</strong><br />
composition with Mr. Julio Ribelles,<br />
advancing his studies in Barcelona<br />
(Spain) <strong>and</strong> Luxembourg (Luxembourg).<br />
He has been player <strong>and</strong><br />
teacher for the San Sebastián<br />
Municipal <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>, the San Sebastián Conservatory, the Bilbao<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>Orchestra</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Gran Teatre del Liceu <strong>Symphony</strong><br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong> of Barcelona.<br />
His compositions are published by Catalana d’Edicions<br />
Musicals (Spain), Rivera editores (Spain), Blas-Basen (Sweden)<br />
<strong>and</strong> have been performed in Europe, Japan, Australia <strong>and</strong><br />
America.<br />
He is “Frederick Fennell Special Prize” winner in The First<br />
Tokyo Kosei Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong> Composition Competition 2006,<br />
Prix SACEM, troisième prix Coups de Vents 2008, Lille (France),<br />
<strong>and</strong> finalist in the 2 nd International Frank Ticheli Composition<br />
Contest <strong>2009</strong>, New York (USA).<br />
He is a member of the Valencian Composers Association<br />
(COSICOVA), the Spanish General Publishers <strong>and</strong> Authors<br />
Association (SGAE), <strong>and</strong> the World Association for Symphonic<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>s <strong>and</strong> Ensembles (WASBE).<br />
<strong>No</strong>wadays he plays at Valencia Municipal <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
conducts the Societat Musical Eslava d’Albuixech.<br />
WASBE World 15
Ejemplo 7 • Example 7<br />
Primer desarrollo.<br />
First Development.<br />
Densidad en la instrumentación y clara confrontación entre las dos<br />
líneas expuestas con nuevos motivos en la primera de sus dos<br />
secciones, cre<strong>and</strong>o una secuencia temática del leitmotiv en la segunda<br />
sección. Dicha secuencia será repetida en diferentes cambios instrumentales<br />
y acentuación rítmica durante 13 veces, e interválicamente<br />
por cuartas 11 veces.<br />
Composed in two sections, the first section features dense instrumentation<br />
<strong>and</strong> a clear confrontation between two new motivic lines,<br />
which form the basis of the thematic sequence a la leitmotif in the<br />
second section. This sequence is repeated 13 times with changes in<br />
instrumentation <strong>and</strong> rhythmic accentuation, <strong>and</strong> 11 times with intervallic<br />
changes at the fourth.<br />
Ejemplo 8 • Example 8<br />
Segundo desarrollo.<br />
Second Development.<br />
Caracterizado por motivos de la introducción y el tema principal en<br />
su presentación, deriva en una serie de secuencias, la primera de las<br />
cuales es ejercida por los clarinetes en movimientos cromáticos<br />
descendentes y ascendentes.<br />
The Second Development features a series of sequences based on<br />
motives from the introduction <strong>and</strong> the main theme. The first of these<br />
sequences is performed by the clarinets, with chromatically<br />
ascending <strong>and</strong> descending motions.<br />
Ejemplo 9 • Example 9<br />
La segunda secuencia obedece a un constante y ordenado cambio<br />
de compás.<br />
16 WASBE World<br />
The second sequence follows an ordered pattern of meter<br />
changes.<br />
Ejemplo 10 • Example 10<br />
La tercera, constituida a partir del tema principal del primer<br />
movimiento de la pieza, desarrolla un canon desde los instrumentos<br />
más graves hacia los agudos en una diferenciación interválica de<br />
segundas.<br />
The third sequence, based on the main theme from the first<br />
movement of the work, is fashioned as a canon at the interval of the<br />
second, <strong>and</strong> progresses from the lowest instruments to the higher<br />
ones.<br />
Ejemplo 11 • Example 11<br />
Estas tres secuencias son dominadas por un constante fluir en las<br />
flautas, oboes y clarinetes, mediante una melodía de característica<br />
latina, aport<strong>and</strong>o una mezcla de las influencias populares contemporáneas<br />
en contraste a los temas expuestos en forma tradicional.<br />
These three sequences are dominated by the fluidity of the flutes,<br />
oboes <strong>and</strong> clarinets, <strong>and</strong> are built around a characteristically Latin<br />
melody featuring a mixture of contemporary popular influences in<br />
contrast with traditionally treated themes.<br />
Transición.<br />
Transition.<br />
Como súbito final al segundo desarrollo, se presenta un puente<br />
relajante conducido por flautas y piccolo en una melodía fragmentada<br />
por los tres instrumentos, que será ampliada progresivamente por los<br />
metales.<br />
As a sudden ending to the second development, the flutes <strong>and</strong><br />
piccolo present a relaxing bridge with a melody that is fragmented<br />
by these three instruments, which is then progressively amplified by<br />
the brass.<br />
Ejemplo 12 • Example 12<br />
Variación del segundo desarrollo.<br />
Variation of the Second Development.<br />
Utiliz<strong>and</strong>o el mismo motivo que en la introducción, se desarrolla<br />
una variación de la melodía latina a ritmo de tango, volviendo a
presentar en los metales una variación del tema<br />
principal del primer movimiento, argument<strong>and</strong>o<br />
todo el conjunto una dominación rítmica que<br />
desembocará en el tema principal a tutti.<br />
Using the same motive from the introduction, a<br />
variation of this Latin melody is developed using<br />
the tango rhythm, while the brass present their<br />
own variation of the main theme from the first<br />
movement. This rhythmic drive dominates the<br />
entire group <strong>and</strong> eventually leads to a tutti<br />
restatement of the main theme.<br />
Variación del primer desarrollo.<br />
Variation of the First Development.<br />
Tom<strong>and</strong>o el primer desarrollo como modelo, se<br />
realiza una variante de ampliación instrumental así<br />
como distribución rítmica diferente al acaecido en<br />
el anterior. Contrast<strong>and</strong>o con las dos construcciones<br />
anteriores, esta variación difumina progresivamente<br />
el poder instrumental en un fino hilo que<br />
nos conducirá a la reexposición del tema principal.<br />
Taking the first development as a model, a new<br />
variation is created using a greater number of<br />
instruments <strong>and</strong> a different rhythmic treatment<br />
than used earlier. In contrast to the two earlier<br />
constructions, the instrumental power of this<br />
variation progressively dissolves into a fine<br />
thread, which leads us back to the recapitulation<br />
of the main theme.<br />
Reexposición del tema principal – Reexposición<br />
del primer desarrollo – Coda.<br />
Recapitulation of the Main Theme – Recapitulation<br />
of the First Development – Coda.<br />
Las tres partes restantes cumplen estrictamente<br />
su función, aplic<strong>and</strong>o unas variantes, en el caso de<br />
la primera un sentido irónico por las flautas. En el<br />
segundo, por una ampliación instrumental en las<br />
dos secciones de las que consta, para llegar a una<br />
Coda que fusiona la melodía del segundo<br />
desarrollo con la variación del tema principal del<br />
primer movimiento y el tema principal de éste<br />
mismo, ocult<strong>and</strong>o dos temas unidos en los graves<br />
pertenecientes el primero a mi obra Vasa y el<br />
segundo al Himno Español.<br />
The three remaining sections fulfill their traditional<br />
roles while employing some variation<br />
techniques. The first of these has the flutes set in<br />
a somewhat ironic tone. The second is set in two<br />
parts with exp<strong>and</strong>ed instrumentation. The coda<br />
merges the melody from the second development<br />
with both the variation of the main theme from<br />
the first movement <strong>and</strong> the main theme from this<br />
movement. At the same time, two other themes<br />
Ejemplo 13 • Example 13<br />
Richard Scott<br />
Cohen<br />
is Associate Professor<br />
of Music<br />
<strong>and</strong> Director of<br />
Instrumental<br />
Concert Ensembles<br />
at Ferris State<br />
University in Big<br />
Rapids, Michigan, USA. A native of Chicago,<br />
Cohen is a Phi Beta Kappa scholar from the<br />
University of Illinois, holds masters <strong>and</strong><br />
doctorate degrees in conducting from<br />
<strong>No</strong>rthwestern University, <strong>and</strong> is a former<br />
Fulbright Scholar to Spain. His numerous<br />
professional affiliations include membership<br />
on the boards of directors of the International<br />
Society for the Research &<br />
Promotion of <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Music (IGEB, Austria)<br />
<strong>and</strong> several local arts agencies. He is also<br />
frequent consultant to the Valencia<br />
Federation of Musical Societies (Spain), <strong>and</strong><br />
is a former member of the Editorial Board of<br />
the WASBE Journal. A WASBE member since<br />
1987, Cohen remains active as a conductor,<br />
trombonist, composer, arranger, music<br />
adjudicator, clinician, researcher, author,<br />
translator <strong>and</strong> lecturer throughout the<br />
United States, Canada, Europe <strong>and</strong> Asia.<br />
are hidden in the low instruments, with the first<br />
coming from my composition, Vasa, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
other being the Spanish National Anthem.<br />
Referencias a estilos y formas tradicionales son<br />
comúnmente contrastados en un mismo trabajo<br />
con influencias y temáticas más actuales. El trabajo<br />
de los grupos instrumentales, el constante cambio<br />
de compás y la búsqueda de colores, caracterizan<br />
el virtuosismo de este movimiento.<br />
References to traditional forms <strong>and</strong> styles are<br />
contrasted repeatedly with more present-day<br />
materials <strong>and</strong> influences. The interchange<br />
between various instrumental groups, the<br />
constant changes in meter, <strong>and</strong> the search for<br />
color characterize the virtuosity of this<br />
movement. José Suñer-Oriola<br />
Agradecimientos de ejemplos musicales:<br />
Musical Example Credits:<br />
<strong>Chamber</strong> <strong>Symphony</strong> nº 1: Rivera Editores,<br />
Valencia, España (Spain).<br />
Tres finestres, quinteto de<br />
metales: Instituto Valenciano<br />
de la Música, Valencia, España<br />
(Spain).<br />
Vasa: Blas-Basen Music<br />
Publishing, Stockholm, Suecia<br />
(Sweden).
© copyright by Rivera Editores. Used by permission. All rights reserved.<br />
18 WASBE World
NEWS<br />
WASBE Looking for Camps <strong>and</strong> Students to<br />
Participate in International Scholarship Program<br />
Joseph T. Alme <strong>and</strong> Dr. Evan Feldman, Co-Chairmen<br />
The WASBE International Scholarship<br />
Program was established to assist students<br />
wishing to study at a music camp in a<br />
country other than their own. This youth<br />
cultural exchange would not only add to the<br />
students’ musical development but would<br />
also enable participating students to develop<br />
a greater underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> appreciation of<br />
each other’s culture through their mutual<br />
interest in music.<br />
The scholarships include the cost of meals,<br />
lodging <strong>and</strong> tuition during the student’s stay<br />
at the camp. Each student is responsible for<br />
the cost of his or her own transportation to<br />
the music camp. Students interested in participating<br />
in the program should contact us at<br />
the address below.<br />
During the past 27 years (1982-<strong>2009</strong>),<br />
over 200 students from seventeen countries<br />
Wheaton College, a small, highly selective liberal arts college in <strong>No</strong>rton,<br />
Massachusetts, announces a full-time tenure track position for an<br />
Instrumental Conductor<br />
with an initial two-year appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor.<br />
This faculty member will lead two instrumental ensembles, a <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong> (currently 20 members) <strong>and</strong> a Wind <strong>Symphony</strong> (40 members).<br />
Each ensemble rehearses weekly <strong>and</strong> performs at least one concert per<br />
semester. The ensembles include both student <strong>and</strong> community<br />
musicians, <strong>and</strong> the c<strong>and</strong>idate must be able to effectively conduct students<br />
with varying ability levels. Additional teaching responsibilities include one<br />
course per semester. C<strong>and</strong>idate must be able to teach Music Theory up<br />
through diatonic Tonal Harmony; other courses may include a specialty of<br />
c<strong>and</strong>idate, Conducting, Introduction to Music, or as needed to cover<br />
departmental offerings. Music Department faculty members typically also<br />
have the opportunity periodically to develop a course in an area of their<br />
interest in Wheaton’s interdisciplinary First-Year Seminar program, <strong>and</strong> to<br />
teach the departmental Senior Seminar, a capstone course which rotates<br />
among our faculty <strong>and</strong> offers additional opportunity for course<br />
development. Doctorate, Artist’s Diploma, or equivalent professional<br />
experience required. Ideal c<strong>and</strong>idate will be able to demonstrate a track<br />
record of success in, <strong>and</strong> strong commitment to, teaching music within<br />
the context of a liberal arts education. Please submit letter of application,<br />
detailed c.v., <strong>and</strong> names of three referees electronically to:<br />
https://jobs.wheatoncollege.edu, by January 15, 2010, <strong>and</strong> please ensure<br />
that referees submit their letters of reference by that date. CD or DVD<br />
supplementary submissions should be sent to Search Committee, Music<br />
Department, Wheaton College, <strong>No</strong>rton, MA 02766. Any recordings sent at<br />
this time will be reviewed but will not be returned. Questions about the<br />
position may be directed to Matthew Allen, Music Department Chair<br />
(mallen@wheatoncollege.edu).<br />
For more information about Wheaton College, see http://www.wheatoncollege.edu<br />
Wheaton College seeks educational excellence through diversity <strong>and</strong><br />
strongly encourages applications from women <strong>and</strong> men of minority<br />
groups.<br />
have participated in the International<br />
Scholarship Program. Music camps<br />
throughout the eight nations of Belgium,<br />
Canada, Engl<strong>and</strong>, Finl<strong>and</strong>, <strong>No</strong>rway, Sweden,<br />
Switzerl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> the United States have<br />
provided the scholarships.<br />
If your camp is interested in providing this<br />
opportunity for an international student,<br />
please contact us. This is an excellent way of<br />
providing a unique opportunity for a young<br />
international musician while promoting your<br />
camp worldwide!<br />
Camps interested in providing scholarship<br />
opportunities should contact:<br />
Joseph T. Alme, International Scholarship<br />
Co-Chairman<br />
1930 23 rd Ave SE<br />
Minot, ND 58701, USA<br />
joe@internationalmusiccamp.com<br />
WASBE RECEPTION<br />
WASBE will have their regular<br />
meetings during the <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong> in Chicago this<br />
December.<br />
All WASBE members are welcome<br />
to join our reception on<br />
Wednesday December 16, <strong>2009</strong><br />
5:30 - 7:00 pm<br />
at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom C.<br />
See you there!<br />
WASBE SCHOLARSHIPS<br />
MADE AVAILABLE FOR 2010<br />
SEASON<br />
UNITED STATES/CANADA<br />
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC CAMP<br />
International Peace Garden, <strong>No</strong>rth<br />
Dakota/Manitoba<br />
Number of Scholarships: 2<br />
Dates: June 20-July 3, 2010<br />
June 27-July 10, 2010<br />
July 18-31, 2010<br />
Age Level: 15 – 18<br />
Contact Person: Dr. Timothy Wollenzien<br />
info@internationalmusiccamp.com<br />
Website: www.internationalmusiccamp.com<br />
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WASBE World 19
NEWS<br />
Sir Simon Rattle (UK) has signed a<br />
contract to remain director of the Berlin<br />
Philharmonic until 2018. Rattle has led<br />
Germany‘s top orchestra since 2002. The<br />
orchestra has exp<strong>and</strong>ed its educational <strong>and</strong><br />
youth outreach program, <strong>and</strong> Rattle also<br />
helped shepherd the change of its administrative<br />
structure into a foundation.<br />
Gustavo Dudamel (Venezuela) led the Los<br />
Angeles Philharmonic in the world premiere<br />
of John Adams’ City <strong>No</strong>ir <strong>and</strong> Mahler’s First<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong> for his Inaugural Gala <strong>and</strong><br />
opening night concert at Walt Disney<br />
Concert Hall on October 8. The New York<br />
Times wrote that it was “an exceptional <strong>and</strong><br />
exciting concert by any st<strong>and</strong>ard,” <strong>and</strong> that<br />
Dudamel’s interpretation of the Mahler was<br />
“probing, rigorous <strong>and</strong> richly characterized.”<br />
Marco Pütz’s “…then thy words will take<br />
wind…” for solo cello, children’s choir <strong>and</strong><br />
wind orchestra was premiered by the<br />
University of Osnabrück Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong><br />
under the direction of Jens Schröer at St.<br />
Kathrine’s Lutheran Church in Osnabrück on<br />
10 <strong>No</strong>vember <strong>2009</strong>. The concert took place<br />
in conjunction with an exhibition of the<br />
paintings known as Private Tolkatchev at the<br />
Gates of Hell by the Russian artist Zinovii<br />
Tolkatchev.<br />
Stephen McNeff’s Creation was premiered<br />
by the Birmingham Conservatoire Senior<br />
Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong> under the direction of Guy<br />
Woolfenden on 27 <strong>No</strong>vember <strong>2009</strong> at<br />
Adrian Boult Hall at the Conservatoire. The<br />
work was commissioned by a BASBWE<br />
College Consortium.<br />
Kenneth Hesketh has been commissioned<br />
by the Birmingham Symphonic Winds to<br />
compose a Danceries 2. To finance its<br />
commissions, the Birmingham Symphonic<br />
Winds encourages individuals to donate £25,<br />
£50, or £100 or more to a commission. In<br />
return, the contributers are credited in the<br />
score of the composition, receive an<br />
autographed front page of the score, <strong>and</strong><br />
may observe rehearsals of the Birmingham<br />
Symphonic Winds preparing the premiere of<br />
the work.<br />
Rachel Lockwood’s Fountains: Trafalgar<br />
Square Waking for woodwind dectet was<br />
premiered by the Royal <strong>No</strong>rthern College of<br />
Music in Manchester on 25 October <strong>2009</strong>.<br />
Lockwood sketched the piece while perched<br />
for one hour on the normally unoccupied<br />
20 WASBE World<br />
fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in London<br />
on 1 September <strong>2009</strong> as part of Antony<br />
Gormley’s project One & Other. Concerning<br />
the experience the composer has written:<br />
I work on producing new music, <strong>and</strong><br />
producing a new artwork in the contest of<br />
another new artwork (atop a relatively<br />
venerable piece of architecture) was a rarely<br />
equalled opportunity for meta-art. The top<br />
of the plinth was a bizarre, as well as<br />
unusual, place to compose. On the plinth I<br />
was surrounded by all kinds of people…,<br />
but the height created a separation between<br />
my surroundings <strong>and</strong> me. I was in isolation,<br />
but surrounded by the bustel of Trafalgar<br />
Square as it woke on a truly beautiful<br />
morning.<br />
James Sclater has been commissioned by a<br />
consortium headed by the Mississippi Wind<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong> to compose a concerto for piano<br />
<strong>and</strong> wind b<strong>and</strong>. The proposed three<br />
movement, 20 to 25 minute concerto is to<br />
be premiered in June 2010 by pianist Angela<br />
Willoughby <strong>and</strong> the Mississippi Wind<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong>.<br />
Heinz Friesen, noted Dutch conductor,<br />
received the Amstel Music Award <strong>2009</strong> of<br />
5000 on 30 August <strong>2009</strong> at the final<br />
concert of the annual Grachtenfestival aan<br />
de Maas, where he conducted the<br />
Symphonic Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong> St. Michael of<br />
Thorn. Friesen received the prize for his<br />
outst<strong>and</strong>ing achievement as a conductor <strong>and</strong><br />
his valuable contributions to the promotion<br />
of the wind orchestra.<br />
Andrew Boysen, Jr. has been commissioned<br />
by the Western <strong>and</strong> <strong>No</strong>rthwestern<br />
Divisions of CBDNA to compose a single<br />
movement, Grade 4, seven to eight minute<br />
composition for wind b<strong>and</strong>. The work will be<br />
premiered by the University of Nevada Wind<br />
Ensemble on 12 March 2010 at the Western<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>No</strong>rthwestern CBDNA Conference in<br />
Reno, Nevada.<br />
Willi Vogl’s elegy for symphonic b<strong>and</strong>,<br />
Gelobtes L<strong>and</strong> (The Promised L<strong>and</strong>), was<br />
premiered by the Youth Wind <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> of the<br />
Alemannic <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Association under the<br />
direction of Ulrich Winzer on 4 October<br />
<strong>2009</strong> at the Burghof in Lörrach, Germany.<br />
Jan Cober conducted the Rundfunk<br />
Blasorchester Leipzig on a nineteen day tour<br />
of China in October <strong>2009</strong>. The 32 piece<br />
b<strong>and</strong> played nine concerts in eight cities,<br />
including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou,<br />
Ningbo, Wuhan, <strong>and</strong> Wuxi. The program<br />
included Mendelssohn’s Ouverture für<br />
Harmoniemusik, Op. 24, J.S. Bach’s Toccata<br />
<strong>and</strong> Fugue in D Minor, Leonard Bernstein’s<br />
Overture to C<strong>and</strong>ide, George Enesco’s<br />
Rumanian Rhapsody <strong>No</strong>. 1, <strong>and</strong> Anton<br />
Dvoˇrák’s Slavonic Dance, Opus 46, <strong>No</strong>. 3.<br />
Swiss composer Oliver Waespi won the<br />
second prize <strong>and</strong> the Kouvola audience prize<br />
ex aquo at the Second Uuno Klami-Composition<br />
Competition in Finl<strong>and</strong> for his Double<br />
Concerto for Guitar, Flute <strong>and</strong> <strong>Chamber</strong><br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong>. This is another important<br />
recognition of Waespi’s work as a composer<br />
after the George-Enescu-Prize 2003 <strong>and</strong> the<br />
2005 London Scholarship of the Zuger<br />
Kulturstiftung L<strong>and</strong>is&Gyr.<br />
CBDNA invites to participate in a Wind<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Commission by German composer Rolf<br />
Rudin. The instrumentation is for Symphonic<br />
Wind <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>, Grade 4-5. Commission Fee is<br />
$400 – includes score <strong>and</strong> parts. More information<br />
from Jim Cochran JCochran@shattingermusic.com<br />
The 63rd Annual <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong> will be<br />
held December 15-19, <strong>2009</strong> in Chicago,<br />
USA. To celebrate, The <strong>Midwest</strong> <strong>Clinic</strong><br />
commissioned a new work, Olympic Harvest<br />
(An <strong>Orchestra</strong>l Overture) for <strong>Symphony</strong><br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong>, from renowned violinist,<br />
composer, <strong>and</strong> educator Mark O’Connor. At<br />
the conference, the Las Vegas Academy<br />
Philharmonic will have the honor of giving<br />
the overture its world premiere during their<br />
concert (Wednesday, December 16, 5:30 –<br />
6:30 p.m.).<br />
We Need Your<br />
Correct Address!<br />
As we do the daily business of WASBE,<br />
we use email addresses as well as home<br />
addresses for electronic <strong>and</strong> “hard<br />
copy” mailing. When your email<br />
address, home address, phone number,<br />
or website addresses change, it is very<br />
important that we have that information.<br />
The ePostcard, WASBE World<br />
Magazine <strong>and</strong> WASBE Journal depend<br />
on us having up-to-date contact details.<br />
The listing of that information on the<br />
WASBE website is also the easiest way<br />
for members to locate <strong>and</strong> communicate<br />
with each other, <strong>and</strong> it should be<br />
accurate, too.<br />
Please help us to update your information<br />
by contacting our Treasurer:<br />
Marianne Halder<br />
Unter Nank 32/4<br />
D-72461 Albstadt / Germany<br />
mariannehalder@web.de
CALENDAR<br />
International<br />
Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong> Festival<br />
The Annual International Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong><br />
Festival Berlin will be held at the Admiralspalast<br />
in Berlin, Germany from the 12 th to<br />
the 16 th May 2010. The competition is<br />
exclusively for wind orchestra <strong>and</strong> harmonie<br />
orchestra. All musicians must be active<br />
members of the orchestra. <strong>Orchestra</strong>s can<br />
apply to compete in three categories. For<br />
more information:<br />
Günther Lange, Eventours<br />
Postbus 79, 6170 AB Stein<br />
The Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Tel.: +31-46-410-6565<br />
info@eventtours.nl<br />
www.eventtours.nl/index.en.html<br />
International Wind Music Festival<br />
Coups de Vents is organizing the First<br />
International Wind Music Festival, which will<br />
take place from 10 th to 14 th July 2010, on<br />
the Cote d’Opale (<strong>No</strong>rth Coast of France)<br />
<strong>and</strong> the 1st International <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Competition<br />
which will take place on 9 th <strong>and</strong> 10 th July<br />
2010 in towns of the <strong>No</strong>rd <strong>and</strong> the Pas-de-<br />
Calais regions.<br />
The call for submission for the festival <strong>and</strong><br />
participation for the competition has<br />
officially started. The competition is open to<br />
all non-professional symphonic b<strong>and</strong>s of the<br />
world. More than € 40 000 of prizes can be<br />
awarded. The participation in the competition<br />
implies the participation in the festival.<br />
But wind b<strong>and</strong>s can participate only in the<br />
festival.<br />
For further information: please contact<br />
coupsdevents@domaine-musiques.com<br />
Rules <strong>and</strong> registrations (free) at:<br />
www.coupsdevents.com<br />
International Youth Music Festival<br />
The 11 th Annual International Youth Music<br />
Festival Purmerade 2010 will be held in<br />
Purmerend, Holl<strong>and</strong> from 14 th to 18 th July<br />
2010. During the Purmerade, clinics will be<br />
organised for various instruments <strong>and</strong><br />
instrument groups. The Purmerade jury<br />
consists of a renowned <strong>and</strong> professional<br />
international team. For more information:<br />
Michael Ryan, Public Relations<br />
Purmerade 2010<br />
publicrelations@purmerade.nl<br />
www.purmerade.nl<br />
Singapore International<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Festival<br />
The 3 rd Annual Singapore International<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Festival will be held at the Republic<br />
Cultural Center Theater <strong>and</strong> Esplanade<br />
Concert Hall in Singapore from 21 st to 26 th<br />
July 2010. WBASingapore (formerly WASBE<br />
Singapore) sponsors this event which<br />
includes competition, international b<strong>and</strong><br />
exchange, workshops, <strong>and</strong> outreach<br />
programme. The Open Division 1 st Prize is<br />
S$19000. Applications must be received by<br />
Sunday, March 28, 2010.<br />
For more information:<br />
Mr. Steven Phua, Project Director<br />
Rave Group Pte Ltd<br />
271 Bukit Timah Road #02-05<br />
Singapore 259708<br />
Tel.: +65 6747 3721, Fax: +65 6747 7052<br />
info@sibf.sg, www.sibf.sg<br />
Atlantic Music Festival<br />
The 2010 Atlantic Music Festival<br />
announces its call for entries for Fellowship<br />
Program applicants. Submission forms can<br />
be completed online at the official Atlantic<br />
Music Festival website (http://www.<br />
atlanticmusicfestival.org/the-institute) AMF<br />
provides complete financial coverage for<br />
tuition <strong>and</strong> housing during the four weeks of<br />
residency. The Fellowship Program is open to<br />
orchestral instrumentalists, guitarists,<br />
pianists, opera singers, one composer, one<br />
conductor, <strong>and</strong> one recording engineer<br />
between the ages of 18 <strong>and</strong> 34. Accepted<br />
applicants will be featured as resident artists<br />
at The 2010 Atlantic Music Festival.<br />
Deadline to submit for the U.S. <strong>and</strong> International<br />
applicants for the 2010 Atlantic<br />
Music Festival is January 4, 2010. The<br />
submission form <strong>and</strong> complete information<br />
regarding eligibility <strong>and</strong> entry rules for the<br />
2010 Atlantic Music Festival are available on<br />
the Atlantic Music Festival website. Information<br />
is also available through the Atlantic<br />
Festival by email to community@atlanticmusicfestival.org,<br />
or by regular mail to<br />
Little Feather Works,<br />
228 Park Ave S #31975,<br />
New York, NY 10003.<br />
For more information, visit<br />
http://www.atlanticmusicfestival.org<br />
International Youth Wind <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong><br />
Festival Germany<br />
The 8 th International Youth Wind <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong><br />
Festival of the »Bund Deutscher Blasmusikverbände«<br />
will be held in Wehr, Germany,<br />
from 8 th to 11 th April, 2010. Besides concerts<br />
<strong>and</strong> workshops , youth b<strong>and</strong>s can participate<br />
in the international contest. All young b<strong>and</strong>s<br />
<strong>and</strong> ensembles of chamber music with<br />
musicians up to 27 years can participate.<br />
Applications must be received by December<br />
31, <strong>2009</strong>. For further information, visit<br />
www.jugendkapellentreffen2010.de<br />
or mail to<br />
Bund Deutscher Blasmusikverbände<br />
– Bläserjugend –<br />
Alois-Schnorr-Straße 10<br />
D-79219 Staufen<br />
GERMANY<br />
Conducting Seminars<br />
At the Singapore<br />
International<br />
<strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Festival<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s would be<br />
able to choose<br />
<strong>and</strong> perform<br />
within their most<br />
comfortable<br />
level.<br />
The Royal <strong>No</strong>rthern College of Music<br />
(RNCM) in Manchester is running a<br />
Conductor Training Weekend from 30 th April<br />
to May 2 nd , 2010 with Mark Heron <strong>and</strong><br />
Philippe Bach.<br />
Beside Mahlers 4 th <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Brahms Violin Concerto, participants also will<br />
work on the Stravinsky Octet <strong>and</strong> Mozart<br />
Serenade for wind octet, KV 375. More<br />
information from www.rncm.ac.uk/images/<br />
media/docs/CWLeaflet2010.pdf<br />
WASBE World 21
RECORDING REVIEWS<br />
World Wind (Wisconsin Wind<br />
<strong>Orchestra</strong>, Carroll University Wind<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong>, Global Percussion<br />
Network, Trombones de Costa Rica,<br />
Lawrence Dale Harper, conductor);<br />
Mark Masters, 7393-MCD<br />
This recording features The Wind <strong>and</strong> Percussion<br />
Institute of Carroll University, a comprehensive<br />
program of music education <strong>and</strong><br />
performance experience for the high school<br />
player, the college student, <strong>and</strong> the professional<br />
musician. The institute’s philosophy<br />
<strong>and</strong> that of Carroll University reflect many of<br />
the goals of WASBE. Thus this recording, as<br />
the accompanying booklet tells us, “documents<br />
<strong>and</strong> celebrates the commitment of<br />
Carroll University to global unions, international<br />
relationships, <strong>and</strong> a world brought<br />
together by the fervent power of music to<br />
transcend differences.”<br />
The CD contains three large works – Jean<br />
Françaix’s Sept Danses d’après ballet, Les<br />
Malheurs de Sophie, Andres Åstr<strong>and</strong>’s Sju<br />
Kling<strong>and</strong>e Träd (Seven Pieces of Wood) <strong>and</strong><br />
Vinicio Meza’s Concierto “Trombones de<br />
Costa Rica”. The Sept Danses are played by<br />
the Wisconsin Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong>, the resident<br />
professional wind ensemble at Carroll University<br />
<strong>and</strong> are given a wonderful performance,<br />
capturing all of the clearity, lightness<br />
<strong>and</strong> wit that Françaix’s music dem<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
Françaix wrote the ballet Les Malheurs de<br />
Sophie for orchestra in 1935 <strong>and</strong> transcribed<br />
the seven movements for double wind<br />
quintet in 1970. Whereas the ballet is<br />
seldom performed, the Sept Danses have<br />
become one of Françaix’s most popular <strong>and</strong><br />
frequently performed chamber wind compositions.<br />
The recorded sound is excellent,<br />
22 WASBE World<br />
letting one hear crystal clear all of the lines<br />
of this charming music.<br />
The Swedish composer Andres Åstr<strong>and</strong> is<br />
a percussionist <strong>and</strong> one of the three<br />
members of the percussion ensemble Global<br />
Percussion Network. His music, like that featured<br />
by Global Percussion Network, is<br />
highly improvisatorial <strong>and</strong> combines a wide<br />
variety of popular <strong>and</strong> classical styles. The<br />
seven movement, thirty-eight minute Seven<br />
Pieces of Wood for double wind quintet,<br />
double bass <strong>and</strong> percussion ensemble began<br />
as a four movement suite commissioned by<br />
the Wisconsin Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong>. The premiere<br />
of the work on 24 March 2007 in Waukesha,<br />
Wisconsin was such as success, that<br />
the composer quickly added three movements<br />
to the work. The composition creates<br />
a fascinating sound world with a mixture of<br />
avant-garde, jazz, rock <strong>and</strong> folk idioms. For<br />
example, the aleatoric fourth movement,<br />
Meditation Groove, consists of three melodies<br />
from which the players choose to play<br />
any or all in whatever order they wish <strong>and</strong><br />
sets of chord progressions over an ostinato<br />
bass. Thus, the suite is the kind of work that<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>s complete dedication from all of the<br />
players, <strong>and</strong> that is exactly what Harper <strong>and</strong><br />
his musicians give it. Especially in the minimalistic<br />
sections, there is a commitment <strong>and</strong><br />
conviction rarely heard.<br />
The final work on this CD is Vinicio Meza’s<br />
three movement, eighteen <strong>and</strong> a half minute<br />
Concierto “Trombones de Costa Rica”.<br />
Meza is one of Costa Rica’s leading composers<br />
<strong>and</strong> writes in a wide variety of styles <strong>and</strong><br />
forms, reflecting his studies in both his native<br />
country <strong>and</strong> in the USA. The Concierto was<br />
written especially for the Trombones de<br />
Costa Rica <strong>and</strong> the Carroll University Wind<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>and</strong> provides a fine vehicle for<br />
demonstrating the virtuosity of this outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
trombone quartet. The Latin American<br />
folk music influence of the first movement<br />
makes it quite exciting, <strong>and</strong> the trombone<br />
quartet is in its element. The second movement<br />
contains some beautiful music, but<br />
much of it is too predictable <strong>and</strong> for many<br />
probably too Romantic. The final movement,<br />
like the first one, is a technical show piece,<br />
but this one is more influenced by the music<br />
of <strong>No</strong>rth America than that of Costa Rica.<br />
This is a recording that you will certainly<br />
enjoy. The playing by the trombone <strong>and</strong> percussion<br />
ensembles as well as the ensembles<br />
of The Wind <strong>and</strong> Percussion Institute of<br />
Carroll University is technically precise <strong>and</strong><br />
full of expression <strong>and</strong> emotion. Lawrence<br />
Harper <strong>and</strong> Mark Masters Records are to be<br />
thanked for making this disc available.<br />
Leon J. Bly<br />
Europa Sinfonie, Vol. 1 & 5<br />
(Pannonisches Blasorchester, Peter<br />
Forcher, conductor); Tyrolis Music,<br />
CD352 488 <strong>and</strong> CD352 543<br />
These are the latest two releases in the<br />
Pannonisches Blasorchester’s proposed series<br />
of six discs with symphonies for wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble by European composers.<br />
Volume 4 was reviewed in the September<br />
2008 issue of the WASBE Newsletter.<br />
Volume 1 contains three early symphonies<br />
from the 18th <strong>and</strong> 19th Centuries – François-<br />
Joseph Gossec’s Symphonie militaire, W.70,<br />
Joseph Küffner’s Musique militaire ou Sinfonie,<br />
Opus 163, <strong>and</strong> Hector Berlioz’s Gr<strong>and</strong>e<br />
Symphonie funèbre et triomphale, Opus 15.<br />
Volume 5 couples Johan de Meij’s <strong>Symphony</strong><br />
<strong>No</strong>. 1 “The Lord of the Rings” with Serge<br />
Lancen’s Manhattan <strong>Symphony</strong>.<br />
Gossec’s Symphonie militaire was composed<br />
in 1793 for open-air celebrations during<br />
the French Revolution. Compared with some<br />
of the other works composed for the Revolution,<br />
it is a rather humble composition<br />
more related to the Pre-Classical symphonies<br />
of the late Baroque Period than the symphonies<br />
of the Classical Period. However,<br />
Forcher <strong>and</strong> his musicians give the work an<br />
outst<strong>and</strong>ing performance in the true Viennese<br />
Classical style. In fact, the performance<br />
is so fine that it may convince some who<br />
have long ignored the work to reexamine it.<br />
The exciting thing about a project like<br />
Europa Sinfonie is that one has a chance to
RECORDING REVIEWS<br />
hear <strong>and</strong> evaluate some little known compositions.<br />
That certainly is the case with the<br />
Musique militaire ou Sinfonie, Opus 163 by<br />
Joseph Küffner (1776-1856). Küffner was a<br />
court musician in his native city of Würzburg<br />
until Franconia became a part of Bavaria in<br />
1802. He then served as b<strong>and</strong>master for a<br />
Bavarian military b<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> was given the<br />
task of reorganizing the Bavarian regimental<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s, which led him to arranging <strong>and</strong> composing<br />
for them. After his retirement in<br />
1814, he dedicated himself to composing.<br />
His œuvres include an opera, seven symphonies<br />
for orchestra, numerous compositions<br />
for wind b<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> over 100 works for<br />
guitar, many of which are still performed<br />
today.<br />
There is nothing distinguishing about<br />
Küffner’s music, but the Musique militaire<br />
ou Sinfonie, Opus 163, which was composed<br />
in 1825, is well crafted <strong>and</strong> worthy of<br />
performance. It is a true symphony, quite<br />
typical for the period, with a first movement<br />
in sonata-allegro form preceeded by a slow<br />
introduction, an Andante second movement<br />
marked Romance, a Menuetto third movement<br />
with a tempo marking of Allegro assai<br />
<strong>and</strong> a finale with the tempo marking Allegro<br />
ma non troppo. Forcher <strong>and</strong> his musicians<br />
give it a fine reading that truly captures the<br />
style <strong>and</strong> essence of the work.<br />
Berlioz’s Gr<strong>and</strong>e Symphonie funèbre et<br />
triomphale, Opus 15 was composed for a<br />
large wind b<strong>and</strong> consisting of a minimum of<br />
95 wind players <strong>and</strong> 14 percussionists. For<br />
the performance on this CD, the size of the<br />
b<strong>and</strong> has been reduced in the ratio of about<br />
five to one. Without all of the doubling in<br />
the originial score, the performance here is<br />
very clean <strong>and</strong> exact. However, substituting<br />
a small b<strong>and</strong> for a large one makes for a thin<br />
sound that often lacks the drama intended<br />
by the composer, who never performed the<br />
work with less than 130 instrumentalists.<br />
This problem is most evident in the theatrical<br />
first <strong>and</strong> third movements. However, for<br />
those who find that b<strong>and</strong>s play too loudly,<br />
the controlled performance of the concluding<br />
Apothéose may be exactly what one is<br />
seeking. The beginning of the second movement<br />
is very well played with nicely balanced<br />
chords. The relative lively tempo of M.M. 84<br />
for the Andantino, however, does not allow<br />
for some of this music to breathe. Whereas<br />
with the first two compositions on this CD,<br />
Forcher catches the true spirit of the works,<br />
his reading of this symphony does not<br />
always succeed in reflecting the work’s true<br />
character.<br />
Europa Sinfonie 5 contains two well<br />
known 20 th Century symphonies – Johan de<br />
Meij’s <strong>Symphony</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 1 “The Lord of the<br />
Rings” <strong>and</strong> Serge Lancen’s Manhattan <strong>Symphony</strong>.<br />
The Lord of the Rings was premiered<br />
by the Great Symphonic <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> of the Belgian<br />
Guides under the direction of <strong>No</strong>rbert <strong>No</strong>zy<br />
on 15 March 1988 <strong>and</strong> almost immediately<br />
became popular around the world. The five<br />
movement symphony is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s<br />
novels by the same name, but it is not<br />
program music in the traditional sense, as it<br />
does not attempt to musically tell the<br />
complex story, but rather is a musical portrait<br />
of certain characters <strong>and</strong> settings found in<br />
the novels.<br />
Most readings of this symphony are quite<br />
Romantic, but Forcher’s refined interpretation<br />
is almost Neo-Classical with excellent<br />
control of dynamics <strong>and</strong> attention to details<br />
often lost in other performances. This is<br />
expecially true in the excellent, transparent<br />
playing of the second movement,<br />
Lothlorien, <strong>and</strong> the fourth movement,<br />
Journey in the Dark. Forcher’s reserved portrayal<br />
of G<strong>and</strong>alf in the first movement<br />
reflects more of Tolkien’s description of him<br />
in his letters as being an angel than the gray<br />
wizard he is usually considered to be, while<br />
his playing of the third movement emphasizes<br />
most vividly the grotesqueness of the<br />
monstrous creature Gollum. In the final<br />
movement, the Hobbits are portrayted with<br />
all of their carefree, optimistic character, but<br />
Forcher never lets the music become superficial,<br />
which can happen too easily. Forcher’s<br />
no nonsense reading of this symphony takes<br />
almost five minutes off most other performances.<br />
Serge Lancen composed his Manhattan<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong> in 1961 following a trip to the<br />
USA. As with “The Lord of the Rings”, it<br />
became quite popular very quickly <strong>and</strong><br />
brought Lancen international recognition.<br />
The first movement – Arrival at Manhattan –<br />
depicts Lancen’s first impressions of New<br />
York City as he views it from a slowly arriving<br />
transatlantic steamer. The other four<br />
movements all portray famous locations in<br />
Manhattan – Central Park, Harlem, Broadway,<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Rockefeller Building. This is a<br />
Frenchman’s musical impression of an American<br />
city, <strong>and</strong> although the influences of<br />
American music are obvious, this is vintage<br />
Lancen, steeped in French salon music.<br />
Forcher captures Lancen’s lean, airy style<br />
very well, <strong>and</strong> his choices of tempos make<br />
this music sparkle.<br />
With these two recordings, the Pannonisches<br />
Blasorchester has completed half of<br />
the proposed six recordings documenting<br />
European symphonies for wind b<strong>and</strong>. The<br />
excellent quality of the playing <strong>and</strong> recorded<br />
sound of these first CDs make for a joyous<br />
anticipation of the next three. Leon J. Bly<br />
“Innovare: A Celebration” (University<br />
of Saskatchewan Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong>,<br />
Dr. Glen Gillis – Conductor)<br />
This CD entitled “Innovare: A Celebration”<br />
features all original wind b<strong>and</strong> works<br />
by contemporary composers <strong>and</strong> arrangers.<br />
The first selection, “Ride” by American<br />
composer Samuel Hazo certainly showcases<br />
the ensemble’s energy <strong>and</strong> ability to h<strong>and</strong>le<br />
a rhythmically challenging work. The pace<br />
<strong>and</strong> enthusiasm are evident from the first<br />
note to the last which I am sure would<br />
please the composer <strong>and</strong> an audience ready<br />
for a no holds barred introductory piece.<br />
The second work, “Raise the Roof” is by<br />
University of Michigan composition professor<br />
Michael Daugherty <strong>and</strong> has become one<br />
of his most often played wind b<strong>and</strong> compositions.<br />
The pensive suspended cymbal/tuba<br />
solo entrance slowly gives way to a flute<br />
melody which introduces the timpani. This<br />
instrument, according to Mr. Daugherty, is<br />
the “workhorse of the piece”. While the<br />
intonation <strong>and</strong> security of the opening was<br />
much in doubt throughout, the work gained<br />
WASBE World 23
RECORDING REVIEWS<br />
the proper momentum <strong>and</strong> I found the<br />
timpani playing quite accurate <strong>and</strong> impressive.<br />
The jazz styles were excellent both from<br />
the soloists <strong>and</strong> the various instrumental sections.<br />
“Radiant Joy” by Steven Bryant follows<br />
which garnered the winning composition at<br />
the 2007 National <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Association William<br />
D. Revelli contest. Comprised of a driving<br />
<strong>and</strong> vital rhythmic pulse <strong>and</strong> a tonal<br />
language reminiscent of the 70s/80s<br />
jazz/funk/fusion era, the work features baritone,<br />
piano <strong>and</strong> saxophone solos along with<br />
various members of the percussion family.<br />
This non stop tour de force keeps all instrumentalists<br />
on their toes <strong>and</strong> provides great<br />
fun for performer <strong>and</strong> listener alike. Some of<br />
the tutti faster passages got lost in the acoustics<br />
of the recording hall but the energy was<br />
nonetheless impressive <strong>and</strong> appreciated.<br />
David Gillingham’s “Give Us This Day”<br />
follows which provides us some reflection<br />
after all that went before on this CD. The<br />
title is obviously taken from the Lord’s Prayer<br />
however David Gillingham notes that the<br />
inspiration is actually from Buddhism. Light<br />
<strong>and</strong> introspective clarinets, interspersed with<br />
piano <strong>and</strong> percussion darts open the work to<br />
draw the listener in. The Gillingham trademark<br />
of darkly scored chordal sections follow<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Saskatchewan group h<strong>and</strong>les this<br />
with great care <strong>and</strong> sensitivity. I appreciated<br />
the length <strong>and</strong> breadth of sound while not<br />
overdoing the written dynamics. While intonation<br />
in some of the softer exposed sections<br />
was of concern at times, (as was the<br />
dominance of bells <strong>and</strong> other keyboard percussion)<br />
the work moved inevitably towards<br />
the gr<strong>and</strong> conclusion, a very modal rendition<br />
of the powerful choral setting by J.S. Bach,<br />
24 WASBE World<br />
“Vater Unser IM Himmelreich”. Piccolo <strong>and</strong><br />
flute intonation is of concern here as is the<br />
overplaying of the bass drum but there is no<br />
doubt that the ensemble enjoyed this one.<br />
1949, a young 14-year-old Luigi Zaninelli<br />
was brought to the famous Curtis Institute<br />
of Music by Gian Carlo Menotti where he<br />
studied with Rosario Scalero, the teacher of<br />
Samuel Barber <strong>and</strong> Menotti. Zaninelli later<br />
taught at the University of Calgary (Canada)<br />
<strong>and</strong> is now on the faculty of the University<br />
of Southern Mississippi. His work, “The<br />
Golden Horn” appears next on this CD. The<br />
piece was originally written for the famous<br />
trumpet soloist, Doc Severinsen. The soloist<br />
in this recording is a senior trumpet student<br />
at the University of Saskatchewan, Ryan<br />
Cole. It’s obvious that Mr. Zaninelli was quite<br />
familiar with what “Doc” was capable of<br />
doing on the trumpet as it is not a great<br />
stretch to hear the famous Tonight Show<br />
b<strong>and</strong>leader in these passages. Mr. Cole is to<br />
be congratulated on a fine rendition although<br />
the C trumpet does not convey to me<br />
the dark, almost belligerent quality that Doc<br />
always possessed. It truly seemed as though<br />
the trumpet was his slave, with Doc totally in<br />
charge from note one. While I am not sure<br />
that this work st<strong>and</strong>s out among the many<br />
great solo pieces for trumpet <strong>and</strong> ensemble,<br />
it is one to consider if you have an outst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
trumpet soloist.<br />
Next is Dana Wilson’s, “Day Dreams”.<br />
While not a new work, it certainly is indicative<br />
of Dana’s creative scoring techniques<br />
<strong>and</strong> sometimes me<strong>and</strong>ering compositional<br />
mind. This is not surprising since the piece is<br />
dedicated to <strong>and</strong> celebrates the life <strong>and</strong> work<br />
of Frank Battisti, WASBE founding member<br />
<strong>and</strong> retired faculty member of the New<br />
Engl<strong>and</strong> Conservatory. Most everyone in the<br />
ensemble gets a chance to shine <strong>and</strong> showcase<br />
their talents in this one. I don’t know if<br />
this take was done all in one setting but<br />
there seems to be some fatigue in the<br />
players towards the end.<br />
More frenzy follows with another Samuel<br />
Hazo work entitled “Rush”. The composer<br />
confesses that he actually wrote “Ride II”<br />
<strong>and</strong> most every trait that I identified earlier<br />
with “Ride” you can find in this sequel. It<br />
might be interesting to use these works as<br />
bookends on a concert program. However,<br />
much energy would need to be saved –<br />
especially for this work. It is a non-stop adrenaline<br />
rush.<br />
The penultimate work on the CD is the<br />
“Suite on Canadian Folk Songs” by countryman<br />
Morley Calvert. The three movements<br />
feature two French Canadian folk songs<br />
while the middle movement is taken from a<br />
popular Newfoundl<strong>and</strong> folk tune. Originally<br />
written for brass b<strong>and</strong>, the wind ensemble<br />
setting is charming but certainly not in the<br />
technical range of other selections on this<br />
CD. Consequently, I do not feel the ensemble<br />
paid as strict attention to detail (intonation,<br />
correct notes, etc) however these do<br />
prove pleasant listening.<br />
The final work on this ambitious CD is the<br />
paso doble, “Sol y Sombra” by American<br />
George Gates <strong>and</strong> edited by Van Ragsdale.<br />
Although the tempo taken is a bit brisk for<br />
works of this genre, I enjoyed the trumpet<br />
solo that leads to the final section <strong>and</strong> of<br />
course the final Spanish flair that is so typical<br />
of these marches.<br />
Overall the CD is a fine edition to anyone’s<br />
collection. I am somewhat dismayed at<br />
times with the recording quality <strong>and</strong> the<br />
acoustics of the room. The percussion is<br />
quite prominent throughout, even when<br />
they shouldn’t be <strong>and</strong> much of that (no<br />
doubt) can be attributed to the hall. The<br />
b<strong>and</strong> achieves a wonderful tutti wind b<strong>and</strong><br />
sound at times <strong>and</strong> plays with a great underst<strong>and</strong>ing<br />
of the literature before them. This is<br />
a wonderful tribute to their fine conductor. I<br />
highly recommend this CD for its vitality <strong>and</strong><br />
depth of literature <strong>and</strong> challenge.<br />
Dennis L. Johnson
BOOK REVIEW<br />
Great Music for Wind <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> –<br />
A Guide to the Top 100 Works in<br />
Grades IV, V, VI by Chad Nicholson.<br />
Galesville, MD, USA; Meredith Music<br />
Publications, <strong>2009</strong>; Language:<br />
English; US$ 19.99; 193 pages;<br />
ISBN-13 978-1-57463-092-3<br />
Putting a title like this on a book is bound<br />
to make it controversial. Most wind b<strong>and</strong>/<br />
ensemble conductors would probably agree<br />
that all of the works listed in this book are<br />
compositions of quality. If it is all great music<br />
or not, time will decide. However, who<br />
decides which works are the top 100?<br />
Although a well known conductor <strong>and</strong><br />
arranger in his own right, Nicholson did not<br />
select the “Top 100” himself, but as it states<br />
on the book’s cover, the compositions were<br />
selected by fourteen well known, current<br />
<strong>and</strong> past, university wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble<br />
conductors in the USA: Frank Battisti, Ray<br />
Cramer, James Croft, Thomas Dvorak,<br />
Richard Floyd, Michael Haithcock, Gary Hill,<br />
Jerry Junkin, Craig Kirchhoff, Thomas Lee,<br />
Stephen Pratt, H. Robert Reynolds, Mark<br />
Shatterday, <strong>and</strong> Richard Strange. Thus one<br />
can expect a partiality for American composers,<br />
<strong>and</strong> one might easily argue that the<br />
compositions listed here are most appropriate<br />
for performances by collegiate wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>/ensembles in the USA.<br />
However, if one is willing to lay aside the<br />
American bias <strong>and</strong> the notion that these are<br />
the “Top 100” works, one has here an<br />
excellent reference book full of valuable<br />
information about 100 major compositions<br />
for the wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble. The book is<br />
divided into three units according to grade<br />
of difficulty, <strong>and</strong> the entries are listed alphabetically<br />
according to composer. In addition<br />
to the composer, title <strong>and</strong> grade of difficulty,<br />
each entry includes the date of composition,<br />
duration, availability, publisher, information<br />
concerning instrumentation <strong>and</strong> any solos<br />
included, incipits, reference recordings, <strong>and</strong><br />
helpful comments by the author.<br />
As always with such a catalogue, some<br />
readers may find a few works graded as<br />
more difficult or easier than they may personally<br />
consider them to be. For example, most<br />
catalogues list Richard Wagner’s Trauermusik,<br />
WWV73 as a Grade IV composition.<br />
Nicholson lists it as Grade V but presents a<br />
good argument for doing so.<br />
The Grade IV listing contains Richard<br />
Franko Goldman’s transcription of J.S. Bach’s<br />
Fantasia in G Major, John Barnes Chance’s<br />
Elegy, Aaron Copl<strong>and</strong>’s Variations on a<br />
Shaker Melody, Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune<br />
from County Derry, Shephard’s Hey <strong>and</strong><br />
Molly on the Shore, Howard Hanson’s<br />
Chorale <strong>and</strong> Alleluia, Gustav Holst’s two<br />
Suites for Military <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>, Gordon Jacob’s Old<br />
Wine in New Bottles, <strong>and</strong> Ralph Vaughan<br />
Williams’s English Folk Song Suite.<br />
More than half of the compositions are<br />
listed as Grade V, meaning that they are<br />
playable by fine amateur b<strong>and</strong>s, whereas<br />
most of the compositions listed as Grade VI<br />
need conservatory students or professional<br />
players in order to be performed properly.<br />
Among the Grade V works, one finds compositions<br />
for various instrumental <strong>and</strong> vocal<br />
combinations, such as Anton Bruckner’s<br />
Messe in e-Moll, Antonin Dvoˇrák’s Serenade<br />
in D Minor, Reynaldo Hahn’s Le Bal de Béatrice<br />
d’Este, Robert Kurka’s The Good<br />
Soldier Schweik Suite, Gustav Mahler’s Um<br />
Mitternacht, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s<br />
Serenades <strong>No</strong>. 10 <strong>and</strong> <strong>No</strong>. 11, Francis Poulenc’s<br />
Suite Française d’après Claude Gervaise,<br />
Igor Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind<br />
Instruments <strong>and</strong> Richard Strauss’s Serenade,<br />
Opus 7 <strong>and</strong> Suite in Bb, Opus 4.<br />
The Grade V listing also contains a few<br />
transcriptions, including Donald Hunsberger’s<br />
transcription of Dmitri Shostakovich’s<br />
Festive Overture, Clare Grundman’s transcription<br />
of Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to<br />
C<strong>and</strong>ide <strong>and</strong> Frank Bencrisutto’s transcription<br />
of the “Profanation” from the Jeremiah<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong>. Although three American transcriptions<br />
of Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral<br />
by Richard Wagner are cited, no comparison<br />
is unfortunately presented. This is also<br />
the case with the various editions of the<br />
Ouvertüre für Harmoniemusik, Opus 24 by<br />
Felix Mendelssohn-Barthody, the Music for<br />
the Royal Fireworks by George Frederick<br />
H<strong>and</strong>el, <strong>and</strong> the Trauermusik, WWV73 by<br />
Richard Wagner.<br />
The other composers who have works in<br />
the Grade V list are Robert Russell Bennett,<br />
Warren Benson, Aaron Copl<strong>and</strong>, <strong>No</strong>rman<br />
Dello Joio, David Del Tredici, Morton Gould,<br />
Charles Gounod, Percy Grainger, Donald<br />
Grantham, Paul Hindemith, Gustav Holst,<br />
Karel Husa, Charles Ives, Gordon Jacob,<br />
Darius Milhaud, Roger Nixon, Vincent Persichetti,<br />
Walter Piston, H. Owen Reed,<br />
Joaquin Rodrigo, William Schuman, Frank<br />
Ticheli, Fischer Tull, Ralph Vaughan Williams,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Dan Welcher.<br />
Most of the conductors who have wind<br />
b<strong>and</strong>s/ensembles capable of performing the<br />
compositions listed as Grade VI will be well<br />
familiar with most of the compositions listed<br />
here. However, one does find a few works<br />
like Ross Lee Finney’s Skating on the Sheyenne<br />
<strong>and</strong> Verne Reynolds’s Scenes, which<br />
are not often programmed. The list also<br />
reminds conductors of the two great choral<br />
works with winds by Igor Stravinsky – the<br />
<strong>Symphony</strong> of Psalms <strong>and</strong> the Mass for<br />
Mixed Chorus <strong>and</strong> Double Wind Quintet.<br />
It really does not matter if the compositions<br />
listed in this book are everyone’s “Top<br />
100 Works” or not, they are all important<br />
works in the core repertoire of the contemporary<br />
wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble, <strong>and</strong> every<br />
serious wind b<strong>and</strong>/ensemble conductor<br />
should know them. This fine reference guide<br />
should be a part of your library. Leon J. Bly<br />
WASBE World 25
NEWS FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY<br />
• Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. now publishes<br />
Matthew Tommasini’s ASCAP/CBDNA<br />
Frederick Fennell Prize winning Three<br />
Spanish Songs for Soprano <strong>and</strong> Wind<br />
Ensemble as part of the Donald Hungsberger<br />
Wind Library.<br />
• Meredith Music Publications has released<br />
the fourth volume of A Composer’s Insight:<br />
Thoughts, Analysis <strong>and</strong> Commentary on<br />
Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>.<br />
This volume inludes eleven composers:<br />
Samuel Adler, David Bedford, Daniel<br />
Bukvich, David Del Tredici, Eric Ewazen,<br />
Walter Hartley, Joseph Willcox Jenkins, Joan<br />
Tower, Joseph Turrin, Dan Welcher, <strong>and</strong><br />
Dana Wilson.<br />
• Molenaar Edition BV recently released<br />
wind b<strong>and</strong> transcriptions of four major<br />
symphonic works: Bastiaan Blomhert’s<br />
transcription of Claude Debussy’s La Mer,<br />
Juan Mas Quiles’s transcription of Nicolai<br />
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Desiré<br />
Dondeyne’s transcription of Edward Elgar’s<br />
Enigma Variations <strong>and</strong> Ton van Grevenbroek’s<br />
transcription of Modest Mussorgsky’s<br />
Pictures at an Exhibition. Other new publications<br />
include two arrangements by<br />
Lorenzo Della Fonte: the overture to Gioacchino<br />
Rossini’s La Scala di Seta <strong>and</strong> Davide<br />
Della Cese’s Inglesina.<br />
• Beriato Music now publishes Jörg<br />
Murschinski’s arrangement of Leroy Anderson’s<br />
Concerto in C for Piano <strong>and</strong><br />
Symphonic Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong>. Although the<br />
solo part is grade 5, the wind orchestra parts<br />
for this three movement, twenty minute<br />
concerto can be played by a good grade 4<br />
b<strong>and</strong>.<br />
• Scomegna has announced the publication<br />
of two transcriptions for wind b<strong>and</strong> by<br />
Donato Semeraro: the Russian Easter<br />
Overture from Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov <strong>and</strong><br />
the Konzertstück <strong>No</strong>. 1 in F-Moll für Klarinette<br />
und Bassethorn, Opus 113 by Felix<br />
Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, which is playable<br />
with two B-flat clarinets.<br />
• Amstel Music recently published two<br />
transcriptions for wind b<strong>and</strong> by Johan de<br />
Meij: the symphonic suite from the opera<br />
Edgar by Giacomo Puccini <strong>and</strong> the Dance of<br />
the Amazon by Anatoli Liadow.<br />
26 WASBE World<br />
• HAFABRA Music new publications include<br />
five wind b<strong>and</strong> transcriptions by José Schyns:<br />
Ballad for Flute by Carl Reinecke, Nuraghi<br />
by Ennio Porrino, the first suite from the<br />
ballet Spartacus by Aram Khatchaturian,<br />
Caprice Brillant on a Theme from “Jota<br />
Aragonesa” by Mikhail Ivanovich Glinka,<br />
<strong>and</strong> Polka de W.R. by Sergi Rachmaninoff.<br />
HAFABRA also recently published Trevor<br />
Ford’s arrangement of the Galatea Waltz,<br />
which was composed by Prince Albert, the<br />
Duke of Edinburgh around 1867.<br />
• <strong>No</strong>rsk <strong>No</strong>teservice AS recently published<br />
two 19 th Century marches by Oscar Borg:<br />
<strong>No</strong>rsk Gard Marsj arranged by Bjorn<br />
Mellemberg <strong>and</strong> Revue Marsj arranged by<br />
Jan Eriksen.<br />
• Editions Robert Martin recently released<br />
Roger Boutry’s transcription for wind b<strong>and</strong><br />
of Claude Debussy’s Fêtes.<br />
• De Haske now publishes Tohru Takahashi’s<br />
transcription for wind b<strong>and</strong> of Hector<br />
Berlioz’s Benvenuto Cellini Overture as part<br />
of its Great Classics Series.<br />
• Danzón no. 2 by Arturo Márquez was a<br />
very successful piece on the program of the<br />
Simón Bolívar Youth <strong>Orchestra</strong> of Venezuela<br />
conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. This work<br />
is now available in a transcription for<br />
Symphonic Wind <strong>Orchestra</strong> by Oliver Nickel,<br />
published by Baton Music from the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s.<br />
• The Journal of <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Research is an official<br />
publication of the American <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong>masters<br />
Association <strong>and</strong> was begun in 1964.<br />
Contact for Advertising<br />
THANK YOU!<br />
Thanks to our <strong>2009</strong> sponsors of the<br />
WASBE Newsletter <strong>and</strong> WASBE World<br />
• World Projects (USA)<br />
• Biblioservice Gelderl<strong>and</strong><br />
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• Mark Custom Recording Service<br />
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If you are interested in sponsoring<br />
WASBE World please contact the<br />
Executive Director Markus Mauderer<br />
Published twice a year, in the Fall <strong>and</strong> in the<br />
Spring, the Journal of <strong>B<strong>and</strong></strong> Research is a<br />
scholarly publication devoted to b<strong>and</strong> music,<br />
b<strong>and</strong> history <strong>and</strong> b<strong>and</strong> methodology in the<br />
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available for purchase. More information on<br />
www.journalofb<strong>and</strong>research.org<br />
• How to improve breath, voice <strong>and</strong> posture<br />
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Andrea Iven<br />
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Von-Quadt-Str. 179<br />
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T. +49 221 297708-11<br />
F. +49 221 297708-29<br />
E. <strong>and</strong>rea.iven@<br />
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