Saturday, March 31, 2012

On Becoming a Conductor: Lessons and Meditations on the Art of Conducting

On Becoming a Conductor: Lessons and Meditations on the Art of Conducting Review



This incredible book by one of the world's foremost authorities on conducting contains no conducting patterns, and no advice on how to conduct any piece. Instead, it focuses on the skills, knowledge and experiences needed to become and function as a conductor-teacher. "This text is a 'must have' for all serious musicians. It captures the legacy and wisdom of one of the most important conductors of our time. This is what can happen when a focused and inquisitive mind meets up with a uniquely creative imagination." - Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Director of Wind Studies, College of Music - University of North Texas


Friday, March 30, 2012

First in the World: The Story of the National Youth Orchestra Wales

First in the World: The Story of the National Youth Orchestra Wales Review



This volume celebrates 50 years of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, the first national youth orchestra in the world. The authors cover the contributions of significant individuals, such as Irwyn Walters and Arthur Davison, and record the names of hundreds of past members.


Monday, March 26, 2012

Philharmonia Orchestra. A record of Achievement. 1945 - 1985

Philharmonia Orchestra. A record of Achievement. 1945 - 1985 Review



From the Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales: I am delighted to have this opportunity of joining the Philharmonia Orchestra in their celebration of forty years of making music. This book chronicles the fascinating story of their growth and development.


Sunday, March 25, 2012

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (Cambridge Music Handbooks)

Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra (Cambridge Music Handbooks) Review



Bartók's Concerto for Orchestra has proven to be one of the most popularly successful concert works of the twentieth century. It is seen by its champions as an example of Bartók's seamless blend of Eastern European folk music and Western art music, and by its detractors as indicative of the composer's artistic compromise. This book contains a discussion of the historical and musical contexts of the piece, its early performance history and critical reception. It also includes the first complete movement-by-movement synopsis of the Concerto, as well as detailed technical information about the work.


Friday, March 23, 2012

Jazz Suite for Solo Violin and String Orchestra

Jazz Suite for Solo Violin and String Orchestra Review



This three-movement work for solo violin, string orchestra, and optional rhythm section brings life to any concert. The first movement is in 6/4 and alternates between swing and straight eighths. The second movement is a jazz ballad and the third is pure jazz. Chord changes are provided for the soloist, as well as written-out melodies. / String Orchestra / String Orchestra, Conductor's Score


Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Bass Player Book: Equipment, Technique, Styles & Artists

The Bass Player Book: Equipment, Technique, Styles & Artists Review



The Bass Player Book: Equipment, Technique, Styles & Artists Feature

  • Published by Backbeat Books 224 Pages
  • edited by Karl Coryat
  • Author: Karl Coryat
This is the right-hand man for players who live and breathe bass, or for beginners who want an all-in-one guide to the instrument that "shakes the low end" of rock, pop, jazz and more. This handbook details the ins and outs of buying basses and equipment; provides set-up and electronics tips; and explores unique characteristics of landmark bass models. Chapters on technique cover bass basics, theory, fretless playing, acoustic bass, the essentials of various music styles, recording, gigging, and more. Seminal interviews with great bassists include Jeff Berlin, Stanley Clarke, John Pattitucci, Bill Wyman, and many others. 44 pages, 8 3/8 inch. x 10 7/8 inch.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

The Creative Band & Orchestra

The Creative Band & Orchestra Review



The Creative Band & Orchestra Feature

  • Published by Huiksi Music Company 108 Pages
  • by Julie Lyonn Lieberman foreword by Justin DiCioccio
  • Composer: Julie Lyonn Lieberman
The first book of its kind in the world, The Creative Band & Orchestra provides conductors, directors and educators with over one hundred ideas, techniques, exercises and musical examples. Through this book, you will be able to: enliven ensemble interaction; introduce five approaches to improvisation; heighten listening skills; stimulate new brainstyles; develop innovative scores; incorporate rotational seating; implement motivational ideas; present playing healthy techniques; and more! "If you're a music educator struggling to maintain your students' interest, this book is right up your alley. Presenting alternatives to the mainstream approaches to teaching music, Lieberman gives us a host of techniques, games and approaches that will horrify your stuffy music theory teacher. But get this: kids might actually enjoy them!" - Jazz Times


Monday, March 19, 2012

Now Go Home and Practice Book 1 Flute: Interactive Band Method for Students, Teachers & Parents

Now Go Home and Practice Book 1 Flute: Interactive Band Method for Students, Teachers & Parents Review



An interactive band method for students, teachers and parents. By Jim Probasco, David Grable, Dan Meeks ... arranged by James Swearingen. Promotes Parental Involvement...each page features PARENT POINTERS - helpful hints written by Jim Probasco (author of several "Parent's Guides" / Band Method / Flute


Sunday, March 18, 2012

Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing the Complete Band Program

Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing the Complete Band Program Review



This book is a unique resource for both novice and experienced band directors, gathering effective teaching tools from the best in the field. Includes more than 40 chapters on: curriculum, "then and now" of North American wind bands, the anatomy of music making, motivation, program organization and administrative leadership, and much more. "A wonderful resource for all music educators! Dr. Jagow's book is comprehensive and impressive in scope. An excellent book! Bravo!" - Frank L. Battisti, Conductor Emeritus, New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble


Friday, March 16, 2012

Haskell W. Harr Drum Method - Book Two: For Band and Orchestra

Haskell W. Harr Drum Method - Book Two: For Band and Orchestra Review



Haskell W. Harr Drum Method - Book Two: For Band and Orchestra Feature

  • Published by M.M. Cole Publishing Company 128 Pages
  • Book 2 with CD Book/CD Pack
  • Composer: Haskell Harr
Now available with CD! This best-selling instruction book was developed to meet the needs of the young student aspiring to become a drummer in the school band or orchestra. Book 1 spans 52 lessons and includes: rudiments * study of various time figures found in every day playing * care and maintenance of drums * and more. Building on the lessons from Book 1, Book 2 covers 26 rudiments and contains additional studies in various time signatures utilizing the 26 rudiments.


Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio No. 2

Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio No. 2 Review



Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio No. 2 Feature

  • Published by Hal Leonard 152 Pages
  • Score & Parts
  • Composer: Various Artist: Claude Bolling
This suite was recorded by Bolling, along with flutist Jean-Pierre Rampal. Best suited for college-level musicians and above, this includes parts for piano, bass, drums and flute.


Monday, March 12, 2012

The Beginning Band Fun Book's FUNsembles: Book of Easy Duets (Clarinet/Trumpet): for Beginning Band Students

The Beginning Band Fun Book's FUNsembles: Book of Easy Duets (Clarinet/Trumpet): for Beginning Band Students Review



• More than thirty easy duets for the beginning band student • Great supplement to The Beginning Band Fun Book • Works with any instrumentation of flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet and trombone Get up to 40% discount for multiple orders for your school band program. Contact info@childrensmusicworkshop.com


Friday, March 9, 2012

Leader of the Band: The Life of Woody Herman

Leader of the Band: The Life of Woody Herman Review



Few people know jazz as well as Gene Lees. As a musician, songwriter, former editor of Down Beat, and creator of the acclaimed Jazzletter, he has steeped himself in the music for decades. And no one writes about jazz better than Lees. He is widely acknowledged to be one of the leading jazz historians. The Washington Post called him "one of those writers who's a joy to read on any subject at all." No less than Dizzy Gillespie has called Lees "the glowing jewel of jazz" for his perceptive writing about the music. Now comes the book that jazz lovers (and Lees's fans) have been waiting for--Leader of the Band, a vivid, full-scale biography of Woody Herman.
Asked by Herman in 1986 to write his biography, Gene Lees has spent close to a decade working on it, interviewing many of Herman's childhood friends and lifelong acquaintances as well as numerous musicians, including Les Brown, Milt Jackson, Peggy Lee, Tony Martin, and Red Norvo. The result is a strikingly immediate and well informed portrait of one of the great figures in jazz history--a musical giant whose career spanned the big band and bebop eras. Lees unfolds Herman's dramatic life from his childhood in Milwaukee to his final tragic days hounded by the IRS. We follow his rise to prominence in the 1930s as leader of "the band that plays the blues," when he quickly earned the love and respect of his peers that became the enduring hallmark of his career. Lees illuminates Herman's great success between 1945 and 1950, when bebop rapidly developed, revealing how Herman successfully made the transition with bands that became famous as Herman's "First Herd" and "Second Herd." (The Second Herd in particular won a stellar place in the annals of bebop, boasting many brilliant musicians, most notably, tenor saxophonist Stan Getz.) Lees also captures the ultimate tragedy that broke Herman's career--when Herman's manager diverted the band's withholding tax to settle gambling debts. Herman was tormented by the IRS for decades, until he died, penniless, in 1987. Along the way, Lees brings to life the weary routine of performing on the road, with its constant one-night engagements and unending travel, broken only by brief stays at home and moments of camaraderie. And perhaps most important, we not only see Herman's legion of friends and admirers, we see why this commanding figure was so loved and respected, even by that fractious bunch who make their living by playing jazz.
Woody Herman played a central role in the development of jazz--and he played it, as he did the music, with dignity and breathtaking ability. In Leader of the Band, one of our finest writers captures the life of this great bandleader, vividly portraying the triumph and tragedy of a life in jazz.


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Essential Elements 2000 Percussion Book 1 Plus DVD and CD

Essential Elements 2000 Percussion Book 1 Plus DVD and CD Review



Essential Elements was the major breakthrough for beginning band methods in the Õ90s. Now Essential Elements 2000 will take band programs into the next millennium! EE2000 features:¥ A CD featuring a professional soloist in every Student Book 1 ¥ Great performance music with planned first concert. ¥ Even more great tunes, motivating students to practice and stay in band. ¥ Special Rubank¨ Studies ¥ Better pacing, sequencing and reinforcement. ¥ Theory, history and creativity exercises integrated into each student book.


Tuesday, March 6, 2012

The Beginning Band Fun Book (Clarinet): for Elementary Students

The Beginning Band Fun Book (Clarinet): for Elementary Students Review



SAVE UP TO 40% ON SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM ORDERS Contact us for details at www.bandfunbook.com Written specifically for elementary students by elementary band teachers! • Extra-large sized notation • Letter names inside the note heads • Limited material per page • Fun, child-centered graphics • Available separately: CD, DVD and online videos


Saturday, March 3, 2012

Essential Elements 2000: Book 1 (Flute)

Essential Elements 2000: Book 1 (Flute) Review



Essential Elements was the major breakthrough for beginning band methods in the Õ90s. Now Essential Elements 2000 will take band programs into the next millennium! EE2000 features:¥ A CD featuring a professional soloist in every Student Book 1 ¥ Great performance music with planned first concert. ¥ Even more great tunes, motivating students to practice and stay in band. ¥ Special Rubank¨ Studies ¥ Better pacing, sequencing and reinforcement. ¥ Theory, history and creativity exercises integrated into each student book.


Friday, March 2, 2012

Music Minus One Trombone: Northern Lights (Canadian All-Star Stage/Jazz Band; Sheet Music and 2-CD Set) (Music Minus One (Numbered))

Music Minus One Trombone: Northern Lights (Canadian All-Star Stage/Jazz Band; Sheet Music and 2-CD Set) (Music Minus One (Numbered)) Review



Play your instrument with a top Big Band! Perfect for practice, performance, auditions, and more! Here's the finest band that Canada fielded in 1970 and Music Minus One was fortunate enough to bring them to a studio for these performances from their extensive library. Listen to a pro play with this dynamite ensemble, then you step in for your own solo gig! Includes a high-quality music book featuring solo parts for each tune; and two compact discs featuring a complete digital stereo reference recording, plus recordings of the accompaniments minus you, the soloist. Track Listing: Suite Fortune * Dorian Rock Pile * Ballad * Ascendancy * How To Say It * PeteÂ’s Thing * My Bones * Get Down * SteveÂ’s Theme * Warm * Set-Up Goes Bananas