tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-125511492024-03-07T14:22:19.119-06:00blake's blogBlakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-89539660720405934132011-06-21T09:34:00.041-05:002011-06-27T09:15:01.225-05:00January to June 2011The first half of 2011 was an exciting (and busy) time for me. The UCA Percussion Studio was involved in many performances both at the University of Central Arkansas and around the state. I also had the chance to perform and work with students both in Arkansas and around the country.<br /><div><div><div><br /></div><div>In January, we loaded up the bus and headed out on tour with UCA's Bearly Contained ensemble. The Bearly Contained tour takes us to high schools around the state. This year's stops included Greenbrier, Yellville, Prairie Grove, Mountain Home, and Siloam Springs High Schools.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9LRl4uV2HEWNgcoNyaAlrgsJBgdrXBy-5SAcxlrY037UQexpPqbTq_YDz0GxFWXtGRlIrvsYlBBNPZqtRX8pAVVuiXcj0VPmlz01CedYPez4ev-YSepz7EtxiLeMiySm2F4JQ/s1600/Bearly+Contained+group.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC9LRl4uV2HEWNgcoNyaAlrgsJBgdrXBy-5SAcxlrY037UQexpPqbTq_YDz0GxFWXtGRlIrvsYlBBNPZqtRX8pAVVuiXcj0VPmlz01CedYPez4ev-YSepz7EtxiLeMiySm2F4JQ/s320/Bearly+Contained+group.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620712648528694658" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: members of the UCA Drumline</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>The show is a hybrid of our concert and marching programs at UCA and the group consists of a reduced hornline and drumline along with a small guard. Part of the program was my piece <span style="font-style: italic; ">Cloud Forest</span>. In addition to the usual percussion quartet accompaniment, graduate student Logan Smith arranged horn parts and we added a lot of extra hand drums (and triangles) to the mix.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXp19AjQzVMCxBMhVWwVaX8khX-msw7bostY1GW2nfYlj6UWhrY72TyThRq50pRlF0u-QSv45cabSSEbbblscCEiNlPubdWziUPgmRmOwmRVDm5RTpWnzIc1WYLeS2LUUfSnNuQ/s1600/Bearly+Contained+at+GHS.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXp19AjQzVMCxBMhVWwVaX8khX-msw7bostY1GW2nfYlj6UWhrY72TyThRq50pRlF0u-QSv45cabSSEbbblscCEiNlPubdWziUPgmRmOwmRVDm5RTpWnzIc1WYLeS2LUUfSnNuQ/s400/Bearly+Contained+at+GHS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620828555999899426" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: A shot of Cloud Forest at Greenbrier High School with the expanded ensemble.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">photo credit: Marcy Wells</span></i></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GXdlvcaJwer8eEg31W3gxLQDnTu5RgV56D7nVVqbfOQip0ZrobWrrlRCFr7kSpc5mUiStSzNsGBUKE-k_dJgX0_jhDslKUAjwzO2vTeUvOSMJphOd8ivRIYcCrZQ1ojajqLMwQ/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0GXdlvcaJwer8eEg31W3gxLQDnTu5RgV56D7nVVqbfOQip0ZrobWrrlRCFr7kSpc5mUiStSzNsGBUKE-k_dJgX0_jhDslKUAjwzO2vTeUvOSMJphOd8ivRIYcCrZQ1ojajqLMwQ/s400/IMG_3467.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620714197789939410" /></a></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: A shot of the dress rehearsal for the opening number at Mountain Home High School.</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Not long after our return from the Bearly Contained tour, the Wind Ensemble headed to Jonesboro, Arkansas for an evening runout concert. In addition to some other percussion heavy pieces, I joined my students Brant Blackard, Ashlee Burnam and Brian Elizondo for a performance of Gillingham's <i>Concertino for Four Percussion and Wind Ensemble. </i>We also performed <i>Cloud Forest</i> that night(the original version).</div><div><br /></div><div>In February I headed down to Florida State University as part of John Parks' paternity leave. FSU enlisted a number of percussionists to visit campus in John's absence. I had a great week teaching classes, teaching lessons, and conducting rehearsals. Thanks to the students at FSU, who were not only incredible players, but who always made sure I had plenty of caffeine and Thai food!</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEtksMfBUxdd34aPk9ic8GnzKqnGkROM3vNNqpH58MnQ8Pc0z8F56Qj3ZnK_BvqL5GMTosWx7Hij_Crvu5TgGtn5K4_JyWjVmaACJ0Ct0PUBUSTYQ7TQoGeV2RIXibEeMuBZtug/s1600/FSU+studio.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 115px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEtksMfBUxdd34aPk9ic8GnzKqnGkROM3vNNqpH58MnQ8Pc0z8F56Qj3ZnK_BvqL5GMTosWx7Hij_Crvu5TgGtn5K4_JyWjVmaACJ0Ct0PUBUSTYQ7TQoGeV2RIXibEeMuBZtug/s400/FSU+studio.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620716389707043426" /></a><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: with the FSU Percussion Studio</span></i><br /><br /></div><div>In March, I hosted the UCA Percussion Festival. The festival began ten years ago as a way to bring well-known and talented percussionists to campus and give students at UCA (and from around the state) a chance to work with them. The first festival was attended by only 25 people. This year there were over 150 attendees. </div><div><br /></div><div>As usual, we had many amazing percussionists as part of this year's festival. This year, though, almost all of them were former members of the UCA Percussion Studio. The alumni guest artists included Ben Finley, Justin Alexander, Jason Edwards, and Josh Knight along with Prairie Grove High School Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Neal Moss, and the Episcopal Collegiate School Steel Drum Band under the direction of Eric Saoud. The UCA Percussion Ensemble also performed on the festival. It was one of three concerts the ensemble presented last semester.<br /><br />Our very special guest for the festival was Payton MacDonald. Although not a UCA alum, Payton is a great composer, performer, and one of my best friends in the world. He's a brilliant musician and I'm glad that my students had a chance to see him perform his compositions. In addition to his solo performances, Payton and I performed my piece <span style="font-style:italic;">Vertical River</span> and his new duo, <span style="font-style:italic;">Gemini</span>, on the festival. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqfuWHux474MPfbPTBbObCVYJNink_5xS4E4pdAfbouvwQfU_9uc7nYBrIO_BePUKO-ydBZDv2QdJDWgxSqy7SdQxvblkPg5vxSNMr3mKliBhdFsULfgrjxgPH1NiT1xUv9cXyw/s1600/Percussion+Festival+2011.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqfuWHux474MPfbPTBbObCVYJNink_5xS4E4pdAfbouvwQfU_9uc7nYBrIO_BePUKO-ydBZDv2QdJDWgxSqy7SdQxvblkPg5vxSNMr3mKliBhdFsULfgrjxgPH1NiT1xUv9cXyw/s400/Percussion+Festival+2011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620716779789406130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: with Payton MacDonald and UCA Percussion Studio alumni</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In late April, I headed up to Elmhurst College just outside of Chicago. Bob Rummage and I had been talking about a visit to the campus for a while, and we were finally able to make the scheduling work. I spent time working with the students in rehearsals and in private lessons. I conducted the ensemble in <i>A Ceiling Full of Stars</i>, saw great student performances of <i>Cloud Forest</i> and <i>Vertical River</i>, and played a few solo pieces for the audience. Not only was the concert amazing, so was the pizza afterwards. Thanks to Bob Rummage for his flawless organization of the event...and for the pizza!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISh0p04afu8OkHwa-eNdrQ6lZOu7e9l3J1eXXxlKNVh1Jmmvzf4CXCZi8S8eeTAjznO4BcCL_MQrJF9mQh09qO2wtiR3TjIqGSWMptMUATYaMIbyO9y5TelxVIp1-Su-nVWQwmw/s1600/Blake+with+Elmhurst+Percussion+Ensemble.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISh0p04afu8OkHwa-eNdrQ6lZOu7e9l3J1eXXxlKNVh1Jmmvzf4CXCZi8S8eeTAjznO4BcCL_MQrJF9mQh09qO2wtiR3TjIqGSWMptMUATYaMIbyO9y5TelxVIp1-Su-nVWQwmw/s400/Blake+with+Elmhurst+Percussion+Ensemble.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620717085463407874" /></a><br /><br /><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: with Bob Rummage and the Elmhurst College Percussion Ensemble.</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Photo credit: David Gross</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>In May, I had the great honor of returning to my old high school to work with students and perform with the percussion ensemble. North Gwinnett High School has developed one of the best music programs in Georgia, and the percussion program there (and at North Gwinnett Middle School) is really terrific.</div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwqvyC6W40EOo7UqT199So7c64Lf7mXmpuxcahdmmPkwRFTVH6_LiYO_ddjJreBpg3SdaK7RfekhMkiN9wVpuyAJjV0P9nP_nfwHttZy-mkFP21F-aG9ABPUx7eL8Ze-fan-LnA/s1600/North+Gwinnett+Percussion+with+BT.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwqvyC6W40EOo7UqT199So7c64Lf7mXmpuxcahdmmPkwRFTVH6_LiYO_ddjJreBpg3SdaK7RfekhMkiN9wVpuyAJjV0P9nP_nfwHttZy-mkFP21F-aG9ABPUx7eL8Ze-fan-LnA/s400/North+Gwinnett+Percussion+with+BT.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620719706189587346" /></a><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: with the percussion ensembles of North Gwinnett High school and North Gwinnett Middle School</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>I performed <i>Anubis</i> and <i>Cloud Forest</i> with a student quartet, and <i>Vertical River</i> with Ryan Smith. (I met Ryan when I performed at UGA in 2009. I really appreciated that he agreed to perform with me. He's a talented musician and is doing many great things as a teacher in Georgia.)<br /><br />I also played some solo pieces, presented a clinic, taught some private lessons and worked with the percussion class. As an added bonus, I got to see a lot of old friends, teachers, and family at the concert. Thanks to Hunter McCrae and Joe Higgins for having me in and for the incredible work they have done at North Gwinnett!<br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mN8Ijh8YwBQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><i>Click through to YouTube to see this video in widescreen</i><br /><br /></div><div>Just a few days ago I finished up my work at Dixie Band Camp at UCA. DBC is one of the oldest music camps in the country and celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. There were over 60 high school percussionists at the camp (and 500 students in all). Each year, Dixie Band Camp brings in well-known band conductors and composers to work with the students. Past guests have included Francis McBeth, Claude W. Smith, James Croft, David Holsinger, Richard Saucedo and Robert W. Smith. I spent the week working with students in masterclasses, clinics, sectionals, and percussion ensemble rehearsals. It's always a lot of fun working with enthusiastic students and colleagues.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26I2BhvdUvzKc4U57auJolz4UKa-VsVlDOIzeI53nq_tkjkDAK9aEQBSfUI9rmR4e_cdDreBXE3BCf_VGZxv6uU-ogtgf3WB3Yv7738ELTnN_NPX8qirQXPkmE_WlIKsX6lqNdA/s1600/DBC+Percussion+Ensemble.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26I2BhvdUvzKc4U57auJolz4UKa-VsVlDOIzeI53nq_tkjkDAK9aEQBSfUI9rmR4e_cdDreBXE3BCf_VGZxv6uU-ogtgf3WB3Yv7738ELTnN_NPX8qirQXPkmE_WlIKsX6lqNdA/s400/DBC+Percussion+Ensemble.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620720852547695650" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: with the DBC Percussion Ensemble made of of students from the top three bands</span></i><br /><br /></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKC-BDYS_Blf3tPaSABTxI4R9ZBF5stGpN9z0tBOgzwjuWB8sGSFvn_xV6KWY2F5u8WzBsBBLMd8GlDTmoefxlVZ08v_VNjbzeeiDKCFU39YmkQ_DawY_C5oGpFenV501uBLTWSg/s400/DBC+Perc+Masterclass.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620720845997595522" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: with the DBC Percussion Masterclass students</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, in addition to all of this, the usual day to day work of the percussion studio at UCA went on as well, with amazing recitals and ensemble performances by my students. When I see and hear my students perform in our symphonic bands, jazz bands, orchestras and percussion ensembles, I am always immensely proud of the work they do. New videos of the percussion ensemble's performances will be posted soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOJbTnJVwVM613Iu95QAyUo2009GkEJwy-kdJrdT3-R07gZYj_GD05gdmX83m27aVCZuJVOXN8o7dx7H1DDG4XJgdaZPErd2t46J67VV_k8vV1SlDObDJ1_RpKHHmPzhJ5Wgnlw/s1600/UCA+Percussion+Ensemble+2011.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOJbTnJVwVM613Iu95QAyUo2009GkEJwy-kdJrdT3-R07gZYj_GD05gdmX83m27aVCZuJVOXN8o7dx7H1DDG4XJgdaZPErd2t46J67VV_k8vV1SlDObDJ1_RpKHHmPzhJ5Wgnlw/s400/UCA+Percussion+Ensemble+2011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620720358365736818" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: The 2011 UCA Percussion Ensemble</span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>We also had a visit from <span style="font-style:italic;">line upon line</span> percussion trio (amazing concert) and the biggest turnout ever at auditions for next fall's drumline. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFu1-uXpxrmeUCCKiohjygMcQFmZPIbbBTM0hHlb_yWjSYzPCD2RLrJ5r1tIALQNvKLhsnVra7IYNZb2Q03lzw2Ud539fELKjmRi-knHHbor9lmG_rJi05l9-WILek_qYq1sNAw/s1600/line+upon+line.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFu1-uXpxrmeUCCKiohjygMcQFmZPIbbBTM0hHlb_yWjSYzPCD2RLrJ5r1tIALQNvKLhsnVra7IYNZb2Q03lzw2Ud539fELKjmRi-knHHbor9lmG_rJi05l9-WILek_qYq1sNAw/s400/line+upon+line.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620804272350985186" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: line upon line and composer (and UCA graduate) Zack Stanton talk with UCA </span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span">students before the concert.</span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda9CQdhyQJl28sp6tcLEtxqBLmBflF4yGkenH38wzD8lxdnyIXmfUIWJd3U2uWDsqjQ40FUnnO4C33Ya1g4ndUkLLAUO5m_fs-r8GDjdvaBN_W0e5AcRFeQun7jNlgOMRiPQIyg/s320/Drumline+tryouts.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 187px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620720063982843698" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><div style="display: inline !important; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Above: Drumline auditions at UCA.</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></i></div></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div>I recently finished up a short new piece for solo marimba called <i>Not far from here</i>, continued work on my percussion trio <i>Vagabond of Light</i> (commissioned by the Caixa Trio) and started working on a new large percussion ensemble piece commissioned by Eric Willie and the Tennessee Tech University Percussion Ensemble.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>I never forget how lucky I am to have the opportunities that I do. I get to work with great students at UCA and around the country, to perform my compositions with great ensembles, and work with great performers and composers. I can't imagine anything better.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year was incredible and, with a terrific freshman class and four incoming grad students, it looks like the coming year will be an amazing one for percussion at UCA!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i>As always, thanks to Dynasty, Pro-Mark and Zildjian for their support. They helped make my concert appearances and the UCA Percussion Festival possible.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Specific dates of the events mentioned above can be found on my calendar at <a href="http://www.blaketyson.com/">www.blaketyson.com</a></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you've performed one of my compositions and don't see your performance listed on the calendar, please email me with the details and I'll post it right away. – BT</i><br /><br /></div></div></div></div>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-29394723408011663642010-03-13T07:10:00.006-06:002010-03-13T07:39:26.939-06:00Fishers High School Winter PercussionFishers High School Winter Percussion is using some of my pieces in their show this year. Here are their very impressive performances from last weekend's Regionals in Indiana. Thanks to the students and teachers at Fishers for their amazing work. I am honored to have my music be a part of their show.<br /><br />Blogspot doesn't always display the wide screen view. If you can't see the whole picture, just click the video twice to open up the full screen version.<br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L9qZ80yZKtI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L9qZ80yZKtI&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/voVJhjv6K2c&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/voVJhjv6K2c&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-13732355214674113722010-02-11T07:58:00.004-06:002010-02-11T08:45:52.415-06:00Calling all performers!Lately, I've been trying to list every performance of pieces I have written on my website calendar. If you are performing one of my pieces, or if you know of any performances, let me know.<br /><br />I promise not to investigate if you bought the music, photocopied it, found it on the subway, etc. I will not ask you for a recording or show up unannounced at your recital. I really am incredibly thankful that people perform the pieces and I just want to have an idea of where they are being performed and who's performing them.<br /><br />If you've played a piece of mine in the past, let me know that, too. I'm working on an archive. It's probably impossible to find every performance over the last ten years or so, but it's worth a go!<br /><br />So, if you've played<br /><br />Anubis<br />A Ceiling Full of Stars<br />Cloud Forest<br />A cricket sang and set the sun<br />the trees are quiet<br />Vertical River<br /><br />or (coming soon)<br />Firefish<br />Inside the Shining Stone<br /><br />or some other piece I've forgotten I wrote...<br /><br />just head to the <a href="http://blaketyson.com/page16/page16.html">Contact</a> page of my website or leave a comment here.<br /><br />Thanks!<br />BlakeBlakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-14593069087192378282009-11-28T21:47:00.003-06:002009-11-28T22:10:40.206-06:00A Ceiling Full of StarsI've finally gotten around to starting up a real <a href="http://www.youtube.com/blaketysonmusic">YouTube channel</a> and posting video there. The first video I posted was <span style="font-style: italic;">A Ceiling Full of Stars</span> performed by the UCA Percussion Ensemble. My students gave a wonderful performance of the work.<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g1qiPGmYJA4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g1qiPGmYJA4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br /><br />The work was premiered in Spring of 2009 by the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble with Brian West conducting. The video above was recorded just a couple of weeks later.<br /><br />We also performed the work at the Arkansas Day of Percussion at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. This fall I have been lucky to have had a number of performances of the piece, including one by the LSU Percussion Ensemble at PASIC in Indianapolis. It was also performed by the percussion ensembles at the Eastman School of Music, Ithaca College, the University of South Carolina, East Central Oklahoma University, Florida State University, the University of Georgia, the University of Central Florida, Northwestern University and Jacksonville State University. I'm excited that there are also quite a few performances scheduled for the spring.<br /><br />In addition to the live performances, there are two great recordings of the work coming out soon. On December 1st the TCU Percussion Ensemble's recording of <span style="font-style: italic;">A Ceiling Full of Stars</span> will be released on their CD <span style="font-style: italic;">Escape Velocity</span>. In the spring of 2010 the FSU Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of John Parks, will release it on their CD <span style="font-style: italic;">Ten Windows</span>. You can get a preview of that recording by heading over to my <a href="http://blaketyson.com/">website</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">A Ceiling Full of Stars</span>, along with most of my other compositions, is now available from <a href="http://www.steveweissmusic.com">Steve Weiss Music</a>.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-61089502174123041402009-05-28T14:36:00.002-05:002009-05-28T14:45:32.830-05:00Cloud Forest - Now AvailableThe score and parts for <span style="font-style: italic;">Cloud Forest</span> are now available at www.blaketyson.com<br /><br />I'm also running a Summer Sale Spectacular! Buy <span style="font-style: italic;">Cloud Forest</span> and get <span style="font-style: italic;">A cricket sang and set the sun</span> for free. The total price is $25 and it includes shipping (within the US).<br /><br />To paraphrase Michael Daugherty's <span style="font-style: italic;">Used Car Salesman</span>...<br /><br />"You can't afford NOT to buy this piece!"<br /><br />If you haven't heard them, recordings of both pieces are available on my website.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-87308739165163258512009-05-26T19:32:00.003-05:002009-05-26T19:39:40.127-05:00New work for percussion ensembleLast summer, Brian West and the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble commissioned me to write a new work for percussion ensemble. On April 7th, they gave an incredible premiere performance in Ft. Worth. I was there to hear it along with the premiere of Eric Ewazen's<span style="font-style: italic;"> Symphony for Percussion Ensemble</span> and the premiere of Till Meyn's <span style="font-style: italic;">Zzzzing</span>. Both are amazing pieces and TCU has recorded all three works for a CD release later this year.<br /><br />The piece I wrote is called <span style="font-style: italic;">A Ceiling Full of Stars</span>. You can hear (and see) the UCA Percussion Ensemble performing the work by following <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1qiPGmYJA4">this link</a><br /><br />If you'd like to read more about the inspiration for the piece, head on over to <a href="http://www.blaketyson.com">blaketyson.com</a> and check out the "Compositions" page.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-44166586299566780462009-03-28T18:39:00.002-05:002009-03-28T18:51:44.157-05:00The National Symphony is in town tonight. They're playing <span style="font-style: italic;">Dvorak 7</span> along with <span style="font-style: italic;">Three Dance Episodes</span> by Bernstein and some Wagner. I'm looking forward to it, except that I have to go outside to get there. I am not particularly happy that it "feels like" 33 degrees here in Conway....and it's raining.<br /><br />Tomorrow and Monday, I'll be playing timpani with the Pine Bluff Symphony. A new work by Schwantner is on the program along with <span style="font-style: italic;">West Side Story</span>(the short medley), <span style="font-style: italic;">Lincoln Portrait</span>, Barber's <span style="font-style: italic;">First Essay</span> and the Korngold <span style="font-style: italic;">Violin Concerto</span>.<br /><br />By the way, if you ever need a narrator for <span style="font-style: italic;">Lincoln Portrait</span>, give me a call. It is one of my secret dreams (not that secret, I suppose) to perform the work. I'll do it from memory, and I promise to speak clearly. Since I read music and know the piece well, you won't even have to give me those awkward cues or hold out those fermatas for 30 seconds each.<br /><br />The best way to get the gig, it seems, is to be a senator, or president, or famous actor. I will most likely never be any of those things, but maybe things will work out anyway.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-4744207954620369642008-12-16T11:06:00.001-06:002008-12-16T11:07:57.777-06:00Beakerthovens 9th<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xpcUxwpOQ_A&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xpcUxwpOQ_A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-43293381973097181092008-11-16T08:44:00.001-06:002008-11-16T08:46:08.264-06:00This one's for you, Parksie<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XAg5KjnAhuU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XAg5KjnAhuU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-13020443103633486982008-08-27T19:22:00.000-05:002008-08-27T19:22:51.972-05:00Steady Decline"Most people reach their mental peak between the ages of 35 and 40, then begin a steady decline that speeds up in the years before death"<br /><br />Having just attending my 20th high school class reunion (you do the math), I was glad to read that in the news today.<br /><br />Looks like I've got two good years left. I'd better get that application for <a href="http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/jeopardy/indexflash.php">Jeopardy</a> in while there's still a chance.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26426721/">Mental skills fade earlier than thought - Aging- msnbc.com</a>:Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-13939976669333999272008-08-26T13:43:00.003-05:002008-08-26T13:49:40.211-05:00Josh Knight plays Cloud ForestHere's a video of Josh Knight, a DMA student at OU, playing my piece <span style="font-style: italic;">Cloud Forest</span>. Josh is a former student and is one of only two people other than me to play the piece (as far as I know)<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>. That will hopefully change soon. I'm finalizing the score and parts and will make it available on my website in the next week or two. Thanks to Josh and the quartet for putting this up on YouTube!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IF0oBhpPDRw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IF0oBhpPDRw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-55640155262238666512008-08-25T18:05:00.002-05:002008-08-25T19:19:29.927-05:00Summer SummarySchool is back in session at UCA. That was a fast summer! It was a good one though. I went to Boston and New York and Atlanta, wrote a piece for Texas Christian University's percussion ensemble, attended my 20th high school reunion, hung out with friends old and new, and redecorated my house (or at least part of it). I'll get some pictures together and share the magic of the summer soon (for the 3 of you that might be interested).<br /><br />In the meantime, here's a few things that I have enjoyed this summer.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.hbo.com/entourage/">Entourage</a> - I finally gave in and watched all the episodes. One day, I watched twelve in a row. Once you get past the first season, everything really comes together. You gotta love Ari. He has the courage (or the stupidity) to say what the rest of us think :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fxnetwork.com/shows/originals/sunny/#/home/">It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia</a> - Funny show. Low budget, character driven insanity. Danny Devito is the best!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.drhorrible.com/">Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog</a> - Joss Wheedon continues to be the man. Neil Patrick Harris, Cap'n Mal, Felicia Day, and Moist are funny (and heartbreaking).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.watchtheguild.com/">The Guild</a> - Speaking of Felicia Day, The Guild is a little something she put together. Talk about low-budget character driven insanity, this is it. Second season coming soon (with a slightly higher budget).<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirah">Mirah</a> - Check her out. I especially like the Advisory Committee CD, but it's all worth listening to. I've got a couple of new ones that I've barely had a chance to check out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.elviscostello.com/">Elvis Costello</a> - has been amazing me since the 80's (and amazing others since the 70's). Both his old and new stuff continue to blow me away.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.1964thetribute.com/">1964 The Tribute</a> - You can't see the Beatles in concert anymore, but you can see these guys. It's a great concert and a recreation which is both eerily accurate and moving. They tour a lot, so check them out when they stop in your town.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/1573223026">A Long Way Down</a> - A great book by Nick Hornby. Give it a read!Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-21340861881747240072008-07-11T23:43:00.003-05:002008-07-11T23:46:38.179-05:00This is your brain on bass!More inspiration for composing!<br /><br /><a href="http://gizmodo.com/5024242/cornstarch-%252B-water-%252B-subwoofer--amazing-physics-video">Weird Fluid And Subwoofer: Cornstarch Water Subwoofer = Amazing Physics Video</a><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Px9jcA4decA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Px9jcA4decA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-16750593593652120192008-07-10T23:42:00.001-05:002008-07-10T23:44:10.883-05:00Dear Dr. ParksThis may not be what you had in mind, but I hope that it brings you some small joy as I finish my composition for percussion ensemble. Perhaps the contents of the video will inspire me to create the finale I have been searching for.<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eDn8y7j8kSk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eDn8y7j8kSk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-35109991380034651092008-02-15T10:06:00.003-06:002008-02-15T10:10:55.900-06:00Mallets<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZsaMrffnUxk7UQnNGtjmw5m5msUh7wBuZhiF__jadomdnFmepVBDKFDg6O7_Pn4Cjs06AzdE25TNzYdFl7A8eEWj-58CzZkyzu5F4AkihKoBPY-ilAHYGP8wZoNzvT24e_tiKA/s1600-h/promarkad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZsaMrffnUxk7UQnNGtjmw5m5msUh7wBuZhiF__jadomdnFmepVBDKFDg6O7_Pn4Cjs06AzdE25TNzYdFl7A8eEWj-58CzZkyzu5F4AkihKoBPY-ilAHYGP8wZoNzvT24e_tiKA/s400/promarkad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5167239896417134818" border="0" /></a><br />Pro-Mark has an ad for the new Autograph Series mallets (including mine) in the latest Percussive Notes.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-34985336658215786722008-02-13T14:57:00.002-06:002008-02-13T15:22:47.199-06:005 Days...5 Concerts<span style="font-family: arial;">The past week has been incredibly busy. Three orchestras and five concerts in five days (with all the rehearsals that go with them...plus my job, of course). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The first was the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Broadway Pops concert on Friday and Saturday nights. It was the</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> usual mix of Lloyd Weber, Sondheim, Les Mis, Wicked, Mama Mia, etc. The singers from Broadway that came in were really excellent. If you want to look them up, search for Teri Hansen, Leah Hocking and Aaron Lazar. Teri and Leah did a spectacular job on the Wicked medley and Aaron does a pretty mean Jean Valjean and Phantom.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Then off to Pine Bluff to play </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Harlem </span><span style="font-family: arial;">by Duke Ellington for jazz band and orchestra (which I really enjoyed) plus </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Three Dance Episodes from On the Town</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> and Gershwin's </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Cuban Overture</span><span style="font-family: arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Then on the children's concert the following day, we did some Smetana, some Handel, some Stravinsky, some Debussy, and many other things that are just a blur in my memory.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally</span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial;">, last night with Conway Symphony we did </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">Overture to Candide</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> and Shostakovich's </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: arial;">9th Symphony</span><span style="font-family: arial;">. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">A lot off driving, and a lot of rehearsing, but somehow none of the rehearsals conflicted (although I only made in back for the CSO rehearsal Sunday night with five minutes to spare).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, it's time to get back to practicing the Ewazen marimba concerto. I'll be doing that at the Montana Day of Percussion in about a month along with a clinic and a performance with their percussion ensemble. If you're in Bozeman, be sure to stop by.</span><br /></span></span><h3 style="font-family: arial; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><h3><span class="name"><br /></span></h3></span></h3>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-29739538454798637652008-02-06T21:52:00.001-06:002008-02-06T22:07:01.299-06:00StormsThere were some pretty rough storms in Arkansas last night. Everything is ok here in Conway and in Little Rock, but about an hour up the road, it's a different story. Incredibly powerful tornadoes destroyed a lot of property and caused many fatalities. An aunt of one of my students was injured (concussion, broken bones) in a building collapse in Clinton. We were on alert here for hours, but by the time the storm got here it was just high winds and small hail. So, we're fine here, but the destruction just up the road is unbelievable.<br /><br />Just a week ago, what the weather people call a "wind event" took down 120 feet of the privacy fence in our back yard. When I say "took down" I really mean destroyed, as in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1060277/">"Cloverfield"</a> destroyed. Our neighbors lost part of their roof in that "event" and there was damage to fences, roofs, trees, etc., all over town.<br /><br />It's winter, right? I'm ready for a nice, quiet snow flurry.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-31042264127970163532008-01-22T18:33:00.000-06:002008-01-22T19:06:12.927-06:00GONGGONGGONGGONGGGGGGGGGGI recently visited Immaculate Conception School in North Little Rock where Liana teaches music to the K-5 classes. I spent all day playing some marimba, derabucca, riq, talking drum, and, most importantly, THE GONG. These kids love a gong more than I can tell you. I don't have any photos of the day, but a lot of the students drew some pictures and wrote thank you letters. Thanks to them, you can get some idea of what the day was like<br /><br />Here's a drawing of me and my marimba by Meredith R.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl0eQWFCqm9seDiNIhI2pPoO2zCIZZLzyU20KxRDAmeWhUGuEV76t6aZzQbAiZ_hW_RgUlMoHCz21QcSpUMkD0_iCjLrAXFzbKcM-ekgevoJbXAoLwnjZBP6VaIp5qq5a29Wxcw/s1600-h/BT+drawing1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdl0eQWFCqm9seDiNIhI2pPoO2zCIZZLzyU20KxRDAmeWhUGuEV76t6aZzQbAiZ_hW_RgUlMoHCz21QcSpUMkD0_iCjLrAXFzbKcM-ekgevoJbXAoLwnjZBP6VaIp5qq5a29Wxcw/s400/BT+drawing1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158464923701617090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />They have a large collection of Orff instruments at ICS, so the marimba wasn't completely unfamiliar to them.<br /><br />The most popular instrument of the day was probably the derabucca...oh, except for the GONG, of course. I'm pretty sure that I could have done a thirty minute gong solo for each class and it would have been the greatest day of their lives. They REALLY love the gong!!<br /><br />Here's a picture of me and the gong by Kaitlyn R.<br />Just to give you an idea of the scale, the gong I took that day was 28 inches in diameter. I'm taller than I look. Oh, and that's Kaitlyn herself standing beside me.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt-ZWaXmi2JWPLQgugEhL4y4Glt6eADY9fCeCTLL6sVDrOF-0qY4KtC6B5vij4JJvXI5yn-YKPDfdNwl9AM3XXwiUGvWFVm6RgBOHZzEzW-ynjoRISUUE_FF0UDAU378JsHx0tg/s1600-h/sc00a3c23f.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbt-ZWaXmi2JWPLQgugEhL4y4Glt6eADY9fCeCTLL6sVDrOF-0qY4KtC6B5vij4JJvXI5yn-YKPDfdNwl9AM3XXwiUGvWFVm6RgBOHZzEzW-ynjoRISUUE_FF0UDAU378JsHx0tg/s400/sc00a3c23f.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158464932291551698" border="0" /></a>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-45304248557682403862008-01-13T09:00:00.000-06:002008-01-13T09:03:35.145-06:00100 people banging a drumThis film is beautiful, and funny, and inspiring, and heartwarming. It will make you feel old.....and young. I find myself wanting to watch it over and over. Check it out!<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GUHLa1qSy24&rel=1"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GUHLa1qSy24&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="355" width="425"></embed></object>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-81181470691142289192008-01-03T10:12:00.001-06:002008-01-03T12:00:23.220-06:00PASIC 2007I've got a little catching up to do on the blog. Let's start with PASIC.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyHcKe8qBxIt5W_JvOrFUReircFBkcBYmbQmt7eV18u9WCiFPu_jXxpBMIuim5tKPogaZZ6DELMZqhMLut27zEzf0Mc6Dcr3UcSJ6UB1aQTENzX8aaxgEU2zD_qZDxWEeN-mqwA/s1600-h/BT+and+JB.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyHcKe8qBxIt5W_JvOrFUReircFBkcBYmbQmt7eV18u9WCiFPu_jXxpBMIuim5tKPogaZZ6DELMZqhMLut27zEzf0Mc6Dcr3UcSJ6UB1aQTENzX8aaxgEU2zD_qZDxWEeN-mqwA/s400/BT+and+JB.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151284339678126434" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I had a great time at PASIC this year. I premiered a new work for solo timpani by Halim El-Dabh, my new marimba mallets launched with Pro-Mark, I met a lot of people who are playing the pieces that I've written, and I got to see a lot of my classmates at the reception in honor of John Beck and his 49 years at Eastman.<br /><br />Halim's new piece, <span style="font-style: italic;">In search of Three Goddesses</span>, is a great new work for timpani. I premiered it on October 31st at the end of a VERY long session. Moving all those timpani around after each piece makes for a lengthy concert. I still had a good crowd and the piece seemed to go over very well. I was very excited that Halim was able to be at the performance. Here's a pic of me with Halim after the final concert of the day.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlnUkcZCtMZthjSkAPaP3ZQtkiyL-e8WIjRceMydgTkysiQn5Ixg4imrLdXACgwgUZ0TmHk2zqSIQ8hxXpOEWfj5WWURPDyC-OS33_yqg7xIK-ddRyBgGMxQQN9jEGNZgQ7oNpQ/s1600-h/Blake+and+Halim.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlnUkcZCtMZthjSkAPaP3ZQtkiyL-e8WIjRceMydgTkysiQn5Ixg4imrLdXACgwgUZ0TmHk2zqSIQ8hxXpOEWfj5WWURPDyC-OS33_yqg7xIK-ddRyBgGMxQQN9jEGNZgQ7oNpQ/s400/Blake+and+Halim.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151285061232632210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The reception for John Beck was an amazing experience. The room was packed with people who have been part of percussion history over the past half decade (or longer). Even Louie Bellson stopped by to congratulate JB.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxCp8Ov584kiUc7Bhjys2RwG5IgKopIBBRnXszgk6HHvqevfOLyFr1UMaUYgrmBhzYtzcCGN38WCwIVIB0xlblGhO4DaKk1TbPLhfO-BUWmGAczx34JeWva91ctrhxetHFRjXIg/s1600-h/Beck+and+Bellson.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzxCp8Ov584kiUc7Bhjys2RwG5IgKopIBBRnXszgk6HHvqevfOLyFr1UMaUYgrmBhzYtzcCGN38WCwIVIB0xlblGhO4DaKk1TbPLhfO-BUWmGAczx34JeWva91ctrhxetHFRjXIg/s400/Beck+and+Bellson.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151285056937664898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My former classmates Rob Bridge, Brian Bennett and Conrad Alexander listen in amazement and disbelief at the fantastical tales of Dr. John W. Parks, IV and his magical tambourine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7zKU5d-bUGSpVOZXFEC0nWKykYgWKbp1qJn58sRk51yWq35D8nIGNLp0gE9ENv-M4VPcmbi8iiy-KFIA6Gn0GHNs2ZFYwSKvq1wiFNH5V3agD9ykfJ3Ql-vYQc4Hf4Kf1bU3uQ/s1600-h/JPRBBBCA.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_7zKU5d-bUGSpVOZXFEC0nWKykYgWKbp1qJn58sRk51yWq35D8nIGNLp0gE9ENv-M4VPcmbi8iiy-KFIA6Gn0GHNs2ZFYwSKvq1wiFNH5V3agD9ykfJ3Ql-vYQc4Hf4Kf1bU3uQ/s400/JPRBBBCA.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151285052642697586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Speaking of which, another big event at PASIC was something I like to call "The Attack of the 50 Foot Parksie". There's a picture out there of me with it (them), but until said attacker forwards it to me, I cannot share it with you.<br /><br />UPDATE!!! The picture has arrived. For those of you that weren't there, let me assure you that this involved no trick photography. It is indeed a giant picture of John at the Pearl booth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH5CnnhFQf8PuVNc0tRYi5cLewqqjJ3He0SdC83xL03BQUC9CapeApWutrS6pTBY7C3AnlTZBs5rAPgRP2JCsCX5Nc6g3AtfyqXTkom1-KvgWB1fi60mNN0zBzBixP7oElJGFWQ/s1600-h/PASIC+015a.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH5CnnhFQf8PuVNc0tRYi5cLewqqjJ3He0SdC83xL03BQUC9CapeApWutrS6pTBY7C3AnlTZBs5rAPgRP2JCsCX5Nc6g3AtfyqXTkom1-KvgWB1fi60mNN0zBzBixP7oElJGFWQ/s400/PASIC+015a.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151310276985627042" border="0" /></a>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-59810362100562683042007-12-07T07:52:00.000-06:002007-12-07T07:52:55.737-06:00Do I sound like a musical robot?This is pretty cool....and fairly creepy.<br />Watch the videos and be amazed. And, afraid. Not perfect yet, but it will only get better.<br /><br />Robots will soon have the ability to take our orchestral jobs AND sign the paychecks.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071206/ap_en_mu/japan_toyota_robots">Toyota shows violin-playing robot - Yahoo! News</a>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-71426463303569784652007-10-27T21:08:00.000-05:002007-10-27T21:35:20.290-05:00PASICPASIC starts Wednesday!<br /><br />I'll be performing Wednesday around noon. I'm very excited about premiering <span style="font-style: italic;">In Search of Three Goddesses</span> by Halim El-Dabh. The piece is fantastic and I think that it's a great addition to the timpani repertoire. It requires the performer to create number of interesting sound effects and also has some fast tuning changes. It's not easy, but it is beautifully written and very playable. I'm happy to report that Halim will be at the performance and will say a few words about the piece before I play.<br /><br />It's been busy here because, in addition to learning the piece, I somehow managed to book myself with three orchestras this past week. I've done <span style="font-style: italic;">Firebird,</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Night on Bald Mountain</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Egmont Overture</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Symphonie Fantastique</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Peer Gynt</span>, Stokowski's arrangement of <span style="font-style: italic;">Tocatta and Fugue in D minor</span>, etc, etc, etc.... Still, I've been able to put in a lot of time on the piece and the next few days will be full of timpani practice for me.<br /><br />I'll post more details about the new work after PASIC, but for now, I've got to go practice. I hope to see you on Wednesday.<br /><br />....OH, I got the Mozart book in (from the previous post). It is SPECTACULAR! More on that later.Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-72585495412768586142007-10-10T06:51:00.000-05:002007-10-10T06:51:06.315-05:00The Best Book on Mozart - The New York Review of BooksThe New York Review of Books has an excellent review of the new translation of Abert's <span style="font-style: italic;">W.A. Mozart</span>. The review is a lengthy one, but since the book comes in at 1600 pages, not as long as it could have been.<br /><br />I think I am going to have to order it right away. Despite all the great music out there, if I had to pick a favorite composer I would go with Mozart. He and I go way back. By the time I was in 10th grade I had two complete editions of his piano sonatas, a few piano concertos, a complete score to Don Giovanni, and all of his string quartets.<br /><br />Those were just the scores of course. I had many more recordings. In fact, I spent a lot of afternoons playing viola along with my records of the Guarneri Quartet (yes, I did indeed play viola, but am now retired).<br /><br />So, as you can imagine, I was pretty much the coolest guy in school....carrying around my viola case, my Vic Firth percussion case, and a complete score to Don Giovanni. Then, rushing home to work on the <a href="http://imslp.org/index.php?title=Piano_Sonata_K.333_%28Mozart%2C_Wolfgang_Amadeus%29">Piano Sonata in B-flat Major</a> after telling everyone how excited I was about having tickets for the Atlanta Opera's production of Abduction from the Seraglio.<br /><br />Yes sir, the coolest!!<br /><br />Anyway, check out the link for the review.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nybooks.com/articles/20694">The Best Book on Mozart - The New York Review of Books</a>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-14031810413031801482007-10-02T20:28:00.001-05:002007-10-02T20:42:27.406-05:00MACKEY!!!I am proud to announce the arrival of Mackey!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIfNVmby-ajBjRrR7Dqe9Cuww4RnYZqOv5VHRdDf5JeqHkdjWTe0_3Y1RVt2IWSTogvrWPEHwaMsLforG4lxiB_jE7lyxTfmldObs5IE_nEVa5yZauq9e1vSvneDFmbtVWj4j_A/s1600-h/Mackey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtIfNVmby-ajBjRrR7Dqe9Cuww4RnYZqOv5VHRdDf5JeqHkdjWTe0_3Y1RVt2IWSTogvrWPEHwaMsLforG4lxiB_jE7lyxTfmldObs5IE_nEVa5yZauq9e1vSvneDFmbtVWj4j_A/s400/Mackey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116916470232900258" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />She's 7 or 8 months old (that's the vet's best guess). She was abandoned and living on the streets until a rescue shelter in Little Rock took her in.<br /><br />Mackey is super-fantastic and, luckily, gets along very well with the three cats already in residence at the Tyson Estate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZtwOUNd_TW-blWUE3DEj9_g553UEpGsDZVgHkGNYXi5Ki67Gv0Xiqq_25p_U4bh2p-wqx22Fvd6t7nLtrgW_yyWCl_ZmEa8cW3C7v0MPffmH7ky03lr23EkiFEE1xHCTAMtidA/s1600-h/mackey+and+blake.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ZtwOUNd_TW-blWUE3DEj9_g553UEpGsDZVgHkGNYXi5Ki67Gv0Xiqq_25p_U4bh2p-wqx22Fvd6t7nLtrgW_yyWCl_ZmEa8cW3C7v0MPffmH7ky03lr23EkiFEE1xHCTAMtidA/s400/mackey+and+blake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116916680686297778" border="0" /></a>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12551149.post-89412189213038812322007-09-29T10:05:00.000-05:002007-09-29T10:08:06.990-05:00WNYC - Radio LabThere is a show on the radio that I never miss. Of course, saying "on the radio" doesn't mean what it used to. In fact, I guess I should say I almost always miss this show on the radio, but thanks to the magic of the podcast I can always hear it (and listen to it again...and again).<br /><br />One of my new favorite shows is called<br /><a href="http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/">Radio Lab</a>. It's from WNYC in New York. It is kind of difficult to describe the show, so I'll just use the summary from prx.org.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Radio Lab is an investigation. Each episode is a patchwork of people, sounds, stories and experiences centered around One Big Idea. On Radio Lab, science bumps into culture...information sounds like music."</span><br /><br />or, from their website<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Radio Lab is designed for listeners who demand skepticism but appreciate wonder, who are curious about the world but who also want to be moved and surprised."</span><br /><br />Check it out. The way the show is edited together can be sonically overwhelming or off-putting to some at first. Give it a chance. I think that it's (usually) quite brilliant.<br /><br />Subscribe to the podcast over at itunes. It's free! The latest episode is about music. It is fascinating stuff.<br /><br />Note: If you have a music degree or two, you may a few small quibbles with terminology and historical facts in the music episode. Don't let it bother you. The information about perfect pitch is really interesting and there's a computer that writes some pretty good Bach (although I'm less convinced by it's Chopin).<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.wnyc.org/shows/radiolab/">Radio Lab</a>Blakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08542608250509791137noreply@blogger.com0