This week is a personal milestone for me, as it marks the end of the second year of my three-year residency with VYOA. It has been an awesome first two years!
During my most recent VYOA week, I visited three schools: Winooski High School, Burlington High School and Edmunds Middle School. I have visited Winooski High and Edmunds Middle School before, but this was my first time visiting Burlington High School. Each experience was incredibly unique and each classroom filled with talented and thoughtful music students that represented a large cross-section of Chittenden County’s youth.
At Burlington High School, I spoke about my music for a guitar class and also a combined class of students taking band and chorus, and they asked some great questions. They seemed very intrigued by what my wife does (she’s the concertmaster for The Addams Family on Broadway) and also by how I structure my day. It seems that a common concern is how to deal with modern distractions such as Facebook and Twitter. I explained my daily schedule and how weekends basically don’t exist in my world. They seemed fascinated by this.
In Winooski High School, I once again sat in on a piano class led by Cathy Mander-Adams. This class consists of ELL (English Language Learning) students from all over the world. I also attended her choir class and listened to a nice choral arrangement of “These Green Mountains” that Cathy was teaching the class. We had an in-depth discussion about the challenges of working with kids from around the world, particularly with regard to communicating, since many speak little or no English when they arrive to the school.
At Edmunds Middle School, I met with band director Tim Buckingham and choral instructor Betsy Nolan, talked to students in just about every grade level and listened to pieces they had composed. Many of the students are currently participating in the VT MIDI Project, so it’s encouraging to see that composing music is being so successfully integrated into the music curriculum. The titles of their pieces were quite colorful, even one about squirrels being run over by a tractor, (or something like that). Interestingly, their titles were often not really related to the music they’d composed, so we discussed how to create titles that better reflect what the music sounds like. I also participated in a huge drumming circle led by UVM student teacher Allie Campbell, with approximately twenty students playing African-style hand drums. As a percussionist, I’ll be the first one to say that keeping twenty kids in line while holding anything that makes a loud noise is pretty difficult, but Allie did a great job as ringleader. We all had fun with call and response and playing small pieces Allie had written on the board.
I received a lot of intriguing questions at all of the schools, everything from “What’s your favorite note?” (for the record, I love them all equally!), to the disturbingly frequent question of how much money I make (that varies considerably depending on the length of the piece, instrumentation, etc.), to how long it takes me to write a piece of music (also variable
, but I can usually write anywhere from 10 seconds to a half a minute of music a day).
At the invitation of UVM composition professor David Feurzeig, I gave a lecture for his composition students and played a few of my pieces. The class even included a VYO alum who is now studying composition! That made my heart proud.
Towards the end of the week, I met with the two Jeff’s for the first time: Jeffrey Buetner, VYOA Choral Conductor, and Jeffrey Domoto, the new VYOA Music Director. I am trying to come up with a way to distinguish between the two in conversation, so I propose either calling them CJ and OJ (choral Jeff and orchestral Jeff, respectively) or JB and JD.
Brief survey:
[polldaddy poll=4901018]
We discussed the Big Commission for 2012: the twenty-minute work for The VYO & VYO Choruses that I will be composing for next season’s spring concert – my final event with VYOA. Our discussion centered on what, exactly, the piece will be about (top secret for now). The choir will most likely be greatly expanded for this performance and we hope to incorporate additional local singers not currently involved with VYOA. I may also design the piece so that a few of the choral parts can be extracted and programmed on separate choral concerts as arrangements for piano instead of orchestra. We are at the beginning stages so there is still a lot to figure out, but I am certain it will turn out to be an amazing project that will bring the VYOA a lot of positive attention.
My next blog entry will be about Did You Hear?, my most recent work written for the VYO Chorus & VT Youth Concert Chorale that was premiered by last week in Stowe and in Colchester. I will also write about my experiences with the choruses during the past week. Until then…
Robert Paterson is the Music Alive Composer-in-Residence with the VYOA. Music Alive is a national residency program of the League of American Orchestras and Meet The Composer.
Mid-Season Auditions Begin Next Week!
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffNow is the chance to audition for placement in one of the VYOA Choruses or Orchestras! Rehearsals will begin in January 2012.
Orchestral Auditions – December 7 from 5:45-8 pm & Thursday, December 15 from 5-8 pm Young String Players – Friday, December 16 from 4-6 pm & Saturday, December 17 from 2-4 pm Choral Auditions – Monday, December 19 from 5-8 pm & Tuesday, December 20 from 3:30-6:30 pmFor detailed information and to schedule an audition appointment, please email auditions@vyo.org
Choral Ticket Sales for Middlebury Concert
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffAdvance ticket sales are NOW available for those planning to attend the Middlebury Choral Concert on 12/16
7:30 pm – Mahaney Center for the Arts, MiddleburyTickets: Adults $8; Seniors $6; Students $5
Advance tickets available at http://boxoffice.middlebury.edu
Information:802-443-6433
Quick ‘Palooza Update
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffThere are two things to note about this weekend’s Orchestrapalooza performance:
1. Please pick up your tickets in advance to avoid long lines!
2. The Box Office will be opening at 2:00 pm on concert day.
Tickets are still available at the Flynn Box Office by calling 802-655-5030 or visiting www.flynntix.org.
‘Tis The Season For Concerts
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffRehearsals are getting mighty festive at the Music Center as our instrumentalists and singers prepare for upcoming December concerts!
Orchestrapalooza – Sunday, December 4 at 4:00 pm
Flynn Center for the Performing Arts
Jeffrey Domoto, Anne Decker & David Gusakov, conductors
Cara Turnbull, contrabass
An oversized concert featuring all the VYOA Orchestras & Choruses.
Tickets: $15 Adults/Seniors; $5 Students
Call 802-86-FLYNN or visit www.flynntix.org
Sponsored by Advance Music
VYO Chorus & Concert Chorale – “And On Earth, Peace”
Jeffrey Buettner, conductor
Annemieke Spoelstra, accompanist
Featuring Hans Leo Hassler’s “Gloria,” Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Rejoice, O Virgin” from All Night Vigil, Op. 37 & selections from Carl Orff’s choral work Carmina Burana.
Friday, December 16 at 7:30 pm
Mahaney Center for the Arts, Middlebury College
Adults $8; Seniors $6; Students $5
Information & Tickets: 802-443-6433 or boxoffice@middlebury.edu
Saturday, December 17 at 7:30 pm
Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael’s College
Adults/Seniors $12; Students $7
Call 802-86-Flynn or visit www.flynntix.org
Sponsored by JA Milne, Wealth Management Inc.
Robert Paterson Update
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffVYOA Composer-in-Residence Robert Paterson received the Composer of the Year Award for his recent recording The Book of Goddesses from the Classical Recording Foundation. It was presented to him at Carnegie Hall by Christopher Rouse, with a performance by MAYA on November 21, 2011. Congratulations, Rob!
Happy Thanksgiving
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffThe Elley-Long Music Center will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday from 1pm on Wednesday, November 23 until Monday, November 28 at 9:00 am. Our best wishes for a safe, healthy and happy holiday to all.
The VYOA Staff
VYOA Mid-Season Auditions
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffNew students interested in playing music or singing with one of the VYOA orchestras or choruses are welcome to audition during this unique, mid-year opportunity. Students who are accepted into a VYOA ensemble during this audition period will begin rehearsals in January 2012.
Orchestral Auditions – Wednesday, December 7 from 5:45-8 pm & Thursday, December 15 from 5-8 pm
Young String Players – Young String Players – Friday, December 16 from 4-6 pm & Saturday, December 17 from 2-4 pm
Choral Auditions – Monday, December 19 from 5-8 pm & Tuesday, December 20 from 3:30-6:30 pm
All auditions held at the Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael’s College, Colchester. All auditions by appointment only. Schedule your audition by emailing auditions@vyo.org complete the information and registration form at: https://vyo.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k7/Congratulations to the 2011-2012 VYO Soloists!
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffEvery time I step on the podium with the VYO, I’m reminded of all the wonderful musicians who taught and mentored me during my student and early professional years. It’s a wonderful feeling share that legacy to these dedicated young musicians.
Jeffrey Domoto
VYOA Music Director
Congratulations to this season’s VYO soloists!
Perry Emerson is a twelfth grade student at St. Johnsbury Academy. Perry has played music since he was a member of his fourth grade elementary school band. His favorite VYO highlight? This summer’s tour of Germany and the Czech Republic. “World expanding” is how he described the concert tour, adding that he visited beautiful new places and thoroughly enjoyed bonding with his fellow VYOA musicians. Perry’s future will include further music study at a conservatory or music school. Currently he resides in Lyndonville. Perry studies the flute with Montpelier instructor Karen Kevra.
Justin Truell is a senior at the Mid Vermont Christian School. He has played the violin since the age of five. His VYOA experience has allowed him greater understanding for the music he’s played and an appreciation for the work and skill it takes to be a member of such a large ensemble. A memorable experience for him was last season’s fall concert which he felt was one of the VYO’s best live performances. Justin’s future includes music school and a career as an educator. Currently he lives in Woodstock. Justin studies the violin with Burlington’s Evelyn Read.
It is amusing to note that when Cara first came to the VYOA, she did not enjoy playing for people! She says, “As I continued to participate in orchestra, however, I’ve become more confident with myself and my playing,“ adding, “Now, I play with more strength and conviction, which has made me a better overall musician.” Cara will demonstrate her talent at Orchestrapalooza on December 4 at the Flynn Center. The Essex High School senior hopes to continue her music studies at college next fall, potentially studying bass performance or musicology. Cara studies privately with bass instructor Bill Tilley.
Victoria Bergeron is a senior at Essex High School. She has played the violin – and participated in the VYOA – for 12 years. As the concertmaster for the VYO, she says, “Being concertmistress has taught me how to be an effective leader… this orchestra is really a family, and this allowed me to experience classical music in a remarkable way.” One of her favorite VYO moments was being asked to lead the string sections during last year’s First Night concert on New Year’s Eve. Admittedly, the experience was terrifying for her, but rewarding in hindsight. New Year’s Eve appears to be a lucky night for Victoria; she will perform as a soloist during the 2011 VYO First Night concert at the Flynn Center. Victoria plans to attend a music conservatory to major in violin performance. An Essex resident, she studies privately with Ann Cooper.
Quinn Parker is a senior at Mount Mansfield Union High School. A VYOA member for the past seven years, his trombone career began at age eight on an old Conn trombone that belonged to his great-grandfather. Quinn’s “Ah Ha” moment as a musician happened during Mr. Peters’ tenure, when he was kicked out of a Sinfonia rehearsal for blowing spitballs out of his trombone mouthpiece. Lesson learned? “The experience taught me the importance of focus, not only in concert, but also in practice. The trombone section still has plenty of fun, but we get more done when we concentrate and actively participate in the rehearsal of our music.” Quinn plans to continue in music, studying musical performance or music education. A resident of Richmond, he is a trombone student of Bob Wigness.
Liam John is a senior at Essex High School. His desire to play the cello was fueled by his great-aunt, a cellist who visited every summer from Connecticut. Intrigued by the big sound of her cello, he began his own music studies in the fourth grade. In his six years as a VYOA member, Liam has become closely connected to his fellow musicians and to the organization. “I have become more than a cellist. I have grown as a musician and as an individual. I have become a part of an orchestra and the VYOA family,” he states. A defining moment for Liam came when he played Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony with the VYO at last year’s winter concert – he felt the orchestra played together as never before. He describes this experience using the words of Israeli conductor Zubin Mehta: “…in the cosmos…” A resident of Essex, Liam currently studies with cellist John Dunlop.
VYO Winter Concert – scores and recordings!
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffFor the VYO Winter Concert, here is a guide to some online resources and favorite recordings!
Franck, Symphony in D-Minor
Scores
PDF: via IMSLP (the single movement scans are better quality than the complete score scan)
Dover reprint: purchase via Amazon
Fancy-pants: The Breitkopf critical edition is quite nice, but not revelatory (via Juilliard Bookstore)
Hard core: View Bernstein’s score from the NY Phil digital archive!
Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I0scAMBz9g (not quite the entire first movement, Bernstein & Orchestra Nationale de France)
Recordings
Index of recordings in print at Arkivmusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xVMfD_V3ac (in 5 parts, Carlo Maria Giulini/Philharmonia Orchestra, 1959)
One of the greatest recordings of any piece by anyone: Pierre Monteux conducting the Chicago Symphony (not available on ITunes, unfortunately)
Other recommended recordings: Muti & Philadelphia, De Sabata & NYPO.
Rossini, Overture to La Gazza Ladra (aka The Thieving Magpie, Die diebische Elster)
Scores
Edition note: Rossini’s authentic version is scored for a single trombone and two snare drums; the more frequently heard German edition has a full low brass section and one snare drum part. We are playing the German edition with corrections to dynamics and articulations that bring it closer to Rossini’s original; we also will use the original version’s percussion scoring.
PDF (of German edition): via IMSLP
Dover reprint (of German edition): For purchase via Amazon (includes 5 overtures). These are the “old school” German reorchestrations. Flashy but inauthentic.
Ricordi critical edition: For purchase via Compumusic (includes 6 overtures). Edited based on original sources using contemporary musicological standards; worth having.
Videos
Abbado on New Year’s Day 1991 with Vienna Phil
The Dude with Vienna Phil
Recordings
Fascinating recording of Sergiu Celibidache conducting the Curtis Orchestra at Carnegie Hall in 1984. Note the testimonial from one of the performers (David McGill, principal bassoon of Chicago SO) in the comments below the clip
Arkivmusic.com index — can’t go wrong with Abbado or Muti
Happy listening/viewing!
— Jeff
One Jeff, Two Jeffs… And So Much More
/0 Comments/by VYOA StaffDuring my most recent VYOA week, I visited three schools: Winooski High School, Burlington High School and Edmunds Middle School. I have visited Winooski High and Edmunds Middle School before, but this was my first time visiting Burlington High School. Each experience was incredibly unique and each classroom filled with talented and thoughtful music students that represented a large cross-section of Chittenden County’s youth.
At Burlington High School, I spoke about my music for a guitar class and also a combined class of students taking band and chorus, and they asked some great questions. They seemed very intrigued by what my wife does (she’s the concertmaster for The Addams Family on Broadway) and also by how I structure my day. It seems that a common concern is how to deal with modern distractions such as Facebook and Twitter. I explained my daily schedule and how weekends basically don’t exist in my world. They seemed fascinated by this.
At Edmunds Middle School, I met with band director Tim Buckingham and choral instructor Betsy Nolan, talked to students in just about every grade level and listened to pieces they had composed. Many of the students are currently participating in the VT MIDI Project, so it’s encouraging to see that composing music is being so successfully integrated into the music curriculum. The titles of their pieces were quite colorful, even one about squirrels being run over by a tractor, (or something like that). Interestingly, their titles were often not really related to the music they’d composed, so we discussed how to create titles that better reflect what the music sounds like. I also participated in a huge drumming circle led by UVM student teacher Allie Campbell, with approximately twenty students playing African-style hand drums. As a percussionist, I’ll be the first one to say that keeping twenty kids in line while holding anything that makes a loud noise is pretty difficult, but Allie did a great job as ringleader. We all had fun with call and response and playing small pieces Allie had written on the board.
I received a lot of intriguing questions at all of the schools, everything from “What’s your favorite note?” (for the record, I love them all equally!), to the disturbingly frequent question of how much money I make (that varies considerably depending on the length of the piece, instrumentation, etc.), to how long it takes me to write a piece of music (also variable
, but I can usually write anywhere from 10 seconds to a half a minute of music a day).
At the invitation of UVM composition professor David Feurzeig, I gave a lecture for his composition students and played a few of my pieces. The class even included a VYO alum who is now studying composition! That made my heart proud.
Towards the end of the week, I met with the two Jeff’s for the first time: Jeffrey Buetner, VYOA Choral Conductor, and Jeffrey Domoto, the new VYOA Music Director. I am trying to come up with a way to distinguish between the two in conversation, so I propose either calling them CJ and OJ (choral Jeff and orchestral Jeff, respectively) or JB and JD.
Brief survey:
[polldaddy poll=4901018]
We discussed the Big Commission for 2012: the twenty-minute work for The VYO & VYO Choruses that I will be composing for next season’s spring concert – my final event with VYOA. Our discussion centered on what, exactly, the piece will be about (top secret for now). The choir will most likely be greatly expanded for this performance and we hope to incorporate additional local singers not currently involved with VYOA. I may also design the piece so that a few of the choral parts can be extracted and programmed on separate choral concerts as arrangements for piano instead of orchestra. We are at the beginning stages so there is still a lot to figure out, but I am certain it will turn out to be an amazing project that will bring the VYOA a lot of positive attention.
My next blog entry will be about Did You Hear?, my most recent work written for the VYO Chorus & VT Youth Concert Chorale that was premiered by last week in Stowe and in Colchester. I will also write about my experiences with the choruses during the past week. Until then…
Robert Paterson is the Music Alive Composer-in-Residence with the VYOA. Music Alive is a national residency program of the League of American Orchestras and Meet The Composer.