Contemporary Ensemble Program Essay Sample

On April 11th, 2017 in the Louis Armstrong Theatre, I attended the GVSU “University Band”. This up-beat ensemble lasted about 90 minutes; the talented students of GVSU’s university band joined together to perform multiple different songs ranging from a Waltz to a Dixieland Jamboree. All of the songs that the band played for the audience were all well-known, popular songs that they all enjoyed. Having the opportunity to attend this concert has opened new musical paths for myself and has allowed me to enjoy and kindly critique something that I perhaps would have never had the chance to otherwise.

I attended a Senior Recital performed by Travis Hogue-Smith. This concert took place at Barry University’s chapel on March 28, 2017 at 7:30 PM. The instruments used in this concert are a clarinet, played by Travis Hogue-Smith, and a piano, play Dr. Beverly Coulter. Music from both Romantic and Classical genres were played in this concert.

The performance program was chosen to stretch the soloist in ways unfamiliar and uncomfortable while still showing abilities previously acquired. The program is as follows: The Osborne Rhapsody for Bassoon by, Sonatine by Alexander Tansman, Concertino by Paulo Mignone, Bassoon Sonata by Gustav Schreck, and Hungarian Fantasy by Carl von Weber.

The second talk featured Kerry Brunson and focused on the Atlanta model for how to integrate new works into a standard repertoire. Analyzing the work that Robert Spano did in terms of inclusion, the difference in his efforts to other music directors was the extensive commitment to a group of composers, which was later branded the Atlanta School. Not only was his endeavor successful in popularizing the composers he championed, but his overall strategy boiled down to a simple three part model: plant,

Besides John Armstrong’s son are a handful of professional-level students more than qualified to meet the challenges and expectations with interpreting John Armstrong’s compositions. The challenges for these performers include exploring atmospheric colours and timbres while showing the overall narrative and dramatic flow of the piece. Like every composer, John Armstrong only asks his performers “to make me sound good!” and the line-up of performers on November 5th will most certainly be apt to the

As a member of the orchestra, Stephen distinguished himself by his solid musicianship, dependability, and leadership. Always on time for rehearsals with his music well prepared, Stephen’s supportive attitude and musical skill inspired his fellow performers. Greatly respected by members of the orchestra, he was appointed concertmaster in his freshman year, a rare accomplishment. In 2005 he won the orchestra concerto competion, and soloed with the orchestra, performing Pablo de Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen. I have engaged him to solo again with

In my opinion, performing is one of the most selfless professions out there. Getting on a stage whether it be in an opera, ballet, or orchestral concert, and creating an alternative world that both actors and audiences alike can participate in is something special. As artists, I believe it is our responsibility to be well rounded and at the very least understand art in all its disciplines. This is what specifically drew me towards New England Conservatory. Classical singers, jazz trumpeters, and composers, all practice and perform within the same vicinity. Ask any performance major and they will tell you that stylistically their approach to their specific discipline is a culmination of inspired thoughts and ideas from other artists. You can’t help but be inspired by your peers every day at NEC. With the opportunity to study at this great institution with its extremely knowledgeable and hospitable instructors, I plan to better my craft and use it for the common good. The world needs a little more music and it is our obligation as artists to make it more accessible to those who wouldn't have the chance to experience it otherwise. I'm truly grateful for this

The reason why I am reaching out to you, as Michelle may have briefly mentioned, is to solicit your participation in what we are calling a "Flute Weekend at the UofR." Sara, Michelle, and myself have been in discussion these past few weeks about hosting a series of masterclasses, workshops, and recital over the weekend of the final RSO concert. I have attached an tentative draft of the schedule to this email for you consideration.

Should I be selected for the Ellen P. Williams Professorship in Music, I would apply the funds towards the research, editing for performance and/or publication, and the public performance of unknown or unpublished works of diverse, traditionally underrepresented classical composers, with an emphasis on women and black composers. This research/performance

Never could I have thought that my first concert experience was going to be in a college class, performed by various composers of classical music. During the concert, I got to listen to four performances. First, the Oxycotton was played by Tim Sanchez. Second, Samantha Post played Acht Stucke on flute, followed by Nicholas Gledhill, playing Blues and Variations for Monk on horn. Finally, the CSU Graduate Brass Quintet performed a piece named Misty. In this essay, I will share my personal experience of the concert and discuss the different elements of music seen in the different performances.

On November 10, 2016, the jazz guitar ensemble at Palm Beach State College had their first concert for the fall semester with a special performance by the 2:00 Jazz Sextet directed by Neil Bacher and co-directors David Gibble and Stephen Scott. The Jazz Guitar Ensemble performed five pieces including “Bittersweet,” “On Green Dolphin Street,” and “Bill’s Bay” – Last two pieces very different in style had allowed the audience to enjoy the variety sounds of jazz music.

On Sunday evening, I had the honor of watching Grant Ebert and Pamela Haynes perform Grant Elbert’s trumpet recital. However, the past Friday I was able to have a little preview before the actual recital. During Friday’s practice, Grant and Pamela only performed one song which was “Sonata for Trumpet and Piano” by Kent Kennan. This specific piece had three parts, which intertwined with the songs tittle. Since it was only a practice on Friday, the class was not able to hear the whole recital which made tonight much more interesting. At Sunday evenings recital, Grant and Pamela performed “Sonata for Trumpet and Piano” by Kent Kennan along with two new pieces called “Concert in E-flat” by Franz. Josef Haydn and “Concert Etude” composed by Alexander

It was through chamber music that I met JP, performing in a concert at Baruch College in New York. We quickly realized how much we had in common; both of us had come from Spanish speaking countries to New York City to study and create a path for ourselves. Discussing musical ideas and composers, we both discovered our common love for Bernstein’s Serenade for violin and orchestra. After much thinking and planning, four orchestras came on board (Alabama Symphony, San Antonio Chamber Orchestra, Metropolis Ensemble and Balearic Islands Symphony Orchestra) to co-commission a double concerto to honor Bernstein’s Centennial in 2018. Chamber music brought us together and we were happy to put our minds to work and come up with an interesting project. We are now in the planning stages for all the other performances outside the co-commissioners and excited to bring it to a variety of places and people in the next few years. It will hopefully aid expanding the repertoire and the connections through different music genres and audiences, just like Bernstein did decades

Marking the start of a new musical session, there is much anticipation of what the new season offers. I wen to the concert featured three instrumentalists of the Arizona State University Orchestra.on November 4th at Ketzin Concert hall. Led by conductor Jeffery Meyer," The concert begins with Benjamin Britten's evocative " Four Sea Interludes," Nuyts’s "Tumbleweed Concerto"and ends with Prokofiev's powerful “Symphony No. 5”.

Being a part of the orchestra also allowed me to be a part of the Celebration of the Arts. This event allowed me to witness the various forms of art, performing and visual, that the school hosts. All around the school, there are art galleries that showcase students’ paintings, drawings, photographs, wooden crafts, ceramic sculptures, and, of course, musical performances. Participating in the festival has permitted me to be a part of a larger artistic community in the school.