Sunday, December 13, 2009
Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale & University Singers
Humboldt Symphony plays Beethoven’s First and joins forces with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for a rarely heard baroque Christmas Midnight Mass, in their annual holiday concert on Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Humboldt Symphony conducted by Paul Cummings, Humboldt Chorale by Carol McWhorter Ryder, and University Singers by Harley Muilenburg. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Humboldt Symphony plays Beethoven’s First and joins forces with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for a rarely heard baroque Christmas Midnight Mass, in their annual holiday concert on Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Humboldt Symphony conducted by Paul Cummings, Humboldt Chorale by Carol McWhorter Ryder, and University Singers by Harley Muilenburg. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Sweet Jubilation at Humboldt Symphony, Chorale and University Singers Holiday Concert
In what’s becoming a holiday tradition, the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers perform a work for voice and orchestra that celebrates the season.
This year it’s a Christmas Midnight Mass by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Not only is this work rarely performed, it is a rare example of a baroque Mass that uses melodies from popular music of the time— the Christmas carols that the French call noels.
“The carols give this Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation,” said Harley Muilenburg, HSU professor of Choral & Vocal Music and director of the University Singers. “The use of organ and soloists provide contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.”
In the evening’s first half, the Humboldt Symphony plays a varied program of short works (a bold overture by Verdi, a popular prelude by Debussy, and one of Dvorak’s best-known chamber work, the Serenade in D) before performing Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. Considered by some to be Beethoven’s most accessible symphony, on its debut it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece, a witty and innovative introduction to a great composer still just 29 years old.
Paul Cummings conducts the Humboldt Symphony. The Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Vocal soloists for the Midnight Mass are Kevin Sharkey, Kevin Richards, Katherine Kinley, Sarah Benzinger, Bill Ryder and Sara Young.
The combined Symphony, Chorale and University Singers concert is Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
In what’s becoming a holiday tradition, the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers perform a work for voice and orchestra that celebrates the season.
This year it’s a Christmas Midnight Mass by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Not only is this work rarely performed, it is a rare example of a baroque Mass that uses melodies from popular music of the time— the Christmas carols that the French call noels.
“The carols give this Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation,” said Harley Muilenburg, HSU professor of Choral & Vocal Music and director of the University Singers. “The use of organ and soloists provide contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.”
In the evening’s first half, the Humboldt Symphony plays a varied program of short works (a bold overture by Verdi, a popular prelude by Debussy, and one of Dvorak’s best-known chamber work, the Serenade in D) before performing Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. Considered by some to be Beethoven’s most accessible symphony, on its debut it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece, a witty and innovative introduction to a great composer still just 29 years old.
Paul Cummings conducts the Humboldt Symphony. The Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Vocal soloists for the Midnight Mass are Kevin Sharkey, Kevin Richards, Katherine Kinley, Sarah Benzinger, Bill Ryder and Sara Young.
The combined Symphony, Chorale and University Singers concert is Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
Conductors Notes
Paul Cummings
Conductor, Humboldt Symphony:
"Before being joined by the Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for the second half of the concert, the Humboldt Symphony will perform the first half on its own.
I like to structure the concerts with a lot of variety. So we begin with Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, which is very Italian, employing Italian folk songs and melodic writing-- everything is prototypical Verdi.
You can’t get much farther from the Italian lyrical style than Debussy. The Verdi is fast and loud, with a lyrical middle. The Debussy really changes the mood—it’s a completely different musical world: slow, with muted strings, a very serene piece. The Sunken Cathedral is a transcription of a popular piano prelude from Debussy’s first book of preludes. It’s got large proportions and a symphonic character to it. There are a couple of different transcriptions—we’re doing one by Henri Mouton, a French transcriber. It’s about seven minutes long.
That’s followed by Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor—one of his famous pieces of chamber music, for 11 instruments, all winds except for one cello and one bass. It’s a unique instrumentation, and it requires all the instruments to be featured prominently, so all the musicians do solos. We’re playing the first and fourth movements. Each is about six or seven minutes.
We close the first half with by far our longest work (at about 25 minutes): Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. It doesn’t require a large orchestra, as the Verdi does—no trombones, two horns instead of four, no tuba, but it’s got symphonic proportions.
Then in the second half we’re joined by the two choral groups for the Charpentier, commonly known as the Midnight Mass. It’s historically the earliest piece on the program, from the middle of the baroque era. Like the piece we did last year, it’s from France and it employs noels as thematic material. These noels are different, their melodies are not as familiar, unless you grew up in France. But they’re recognizable as Christmas carols.
This piece uses a small orchestra, no brass or percussion, no woodwinds except for two flutes, the string orchestra, and organ to play the continuo part. Though Carpentier is known mostly for his sacred choral music, this is not done very often, but it’s a lovely piece of French baroque. It alternates between sections of orchestra and full chorus with sections for soloists, so it’s got variety within it: the full chorus and orchestra sound rich and full, followed by more intimate sections with soloists and a greatly reduced orchestra accompaniment—cello and organ with occasional string interludes.
We’re so happy to have Greg Granoff to play the organ part, because he really understands baroque music, and he is a wonderful guide and model for our students to listen to.”
Dr. Harley Muilenburg
Professor of Choral & Vocal Music:
Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704):
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Offertory
Interlude
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Messe de Minuit pour Noël is one of 12 settings of the Mass Ordinary found among Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts in Paris. It is a rare example of a Baroque parody Mass—a mass which uses Melodies from other musical works—In this case, 11 French noels—popular, monophonic songs associated with Christmas. The carol melodies are derived from secular songs that in fact are traceable to Renaissance and early-baroque dance melodies.The carols used by the composer give the Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation.
There is also intense, serious expression of deep sobriety and imaginativeness, particularly in the third movement “Credo”. Variety and interest is achieved by the use of organ and soloists providing contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.
Paul Cummings
Conductor, Humboldt Symphony:
"Before being joined by the Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for the second half of the concert, the Humboldt Symphony will perform the first half on its own.
I like to structure the concerts with a lot of variety. So we begin with Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, which is very Italian, employing Italian folk songs and melodic writing-- everything is prototypical Verdi.
You can’t get much farther from the Italian lyrical style than Debussy. The Verdi is fast and loud, with a lyrical middle. The Debussy really changes the mood—it’s a completely different musical world: slow, with muted strings, a very serene piece. The Sunken Cathedral is a transcription of a popular piano prelude from Debussy’s first book of preludes. It’s got large proportions and a symphonic character to it. There are a couple of different transcriptions—we’re doing one by Henri Mouton, a French transcriber. It’s about seven minutes long.
That’s followed by Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor—one of his famous pieces of chamber music, for 11 instruments, all winds except for one cello and one bass. It’s a unique instrumentation, and it requires all the instruments to be featured prominently, so all the musicians do solos. We’re playing the first and fourth movements. Each is about six or seven minutes.
We close the first half with by far our longest work (at about 25 minutes): Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. It doesn’t require a large orchestra, as the Verdi does—no trombones, two horns instead of four, no tuba, but it’s got symphonic proportions.
Then in the second half we’re joined by the two choral groups for the Charpentier, commonly known as the Midnight Mass. It’s historically the earliest piece on the program, from the middle of the baroque era. Like the piece we did last year, it’s from France and it employs noels as thematic material. These noels are different, their melodies are not as familiar, unless you grew up in France. But they’re recognizable as Christmas carols.
This piece uses a small orchestra, no brass or percussion, no woodwinds except for two flutes, the string orchestra, and organ to play the continuo part. Though Carpentier is known mostly for his sacred choral music, this is not done very often, but it’s a lovely piece of French baroque. It alternates between sections of orchestra and full chorus with sections for soloists, so it’s got variety within it: the full chorus and orchestra sound rich and full, followed by more intimate sections with soloists and a greatly reduced orchestra accompaniment—cello and organ with occasional string interludes.
We’re so happy to have Greg Granoff to play the organ part, because he really understands baroque music, and he is a wonderful guide and model for our students to listen to.”
Dr. Harley Muilenburg
Professor of Choral & Vocal Music:
Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704):
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Offertory
Interlude
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Messe de Minuit pour Noël is one of 12 settings of the Mass Ordinary found among Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts in Paris. It is a rare example of a Baroque parody Mass—a mass which uses Melodies from other musical works—In this case, 11 French noels—popular, monophonic songs associated with Christmas. The carol melodies are derived from secular songs that in fact are traceable to Renaissance and early-baroque dance melodies.The carols used by the composer give the Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation.
There is also intense, serious expression of deep sobriety and imaginativeness, particularly in the third movement “Credo”. Variety and interest is achieved by the use of organ and soloists providing contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
HSU Jazz Orchestra
HSU Jazz Orchestra plays a Mingus suite and Latin sounds on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
HSU Jazz Orchestra plays a Mingus suite and Latin sounds on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Mingle with Mingus, Then Go Latin with the Jazz Orchestra
It’s a concert in two parts.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra begins with a suite of compositions by jazz bassist, pianist, band leader and composer, the legendary Charles Mingus. His long career stretched from the 1940s into the 1970s. “These are social-political pieces from the 1950s,” said Jazz Orchestra director Shao Way Wu. “They showcase his unique approach and his highly personalized sound.”
The second part of the program features Latin sounds, including Fusion classic “La Fiesta” by jazz pianist Chick Corea, the fiery Afro-Cuban “Sandunga” by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and two tunes by jazz pianist Horace Silver.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra presents its winter concert on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
It’s a concert in two parts.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra begins with a suite of compositions by jazz bassist, pianist, band leader and composer, the legendary Charles Mingus. His long career stretched from the 1940s into the 1970s. “These are social-political pieces from the 1950s,” said Jazz Orchestra director Shao Way Wu. “They showcase his unique approach and his highly personalized sound.”
The second part of the program features Latin sounds, including Fusion classic “La Fiesta” by jazz pianist Chick Corea, the fiery Afro-Cuban “Sandunga” by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and two tunes by jazz pianist Horace Silver.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra presents its winter concert on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Friday, December 11, 2009
Holiday Concert Benefit
HSU Trumpet and Brass Consort play Monteverdi and Purcell, and Elisabeth Harrington leads a holiday sing-along accompanied by pipe organ and brass, in a charity event on Friday December 11 at 5 PM in Armstrong Hall (Room 131) on the HSU campus in Arcata. Free admission, but $2 donation goes to Arcata Open Door Clinic and canned food donations to local food banks. Cider and cookies follow the music! Organized by Gil Cline and Elisabeth Harrington, for the HSU Music Department.
HSU Trumpet and Brass Consort play Monteverdi and Purcell, and Elisabeth Harrington leads a holiday sing-along accompanied by pipe organ and brass, in a charity event on Friday December 11 at 5 PM in Armstrong Hall (Room 131) on the HSU campus in Arcata. Free admission, but $2 donation goes to Arcata Open Door Clinic and canned food donations to local food banks. Cider and cookies follow the music! Organized by Gil Cline and Elisabeth Harrington, for the HSU Music Department.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Madrigal and Mad River Transit Singers
Madrigal Singers in traditional Elizabethan costume celebrate the season with madrigals and songs of Shakespeare’s time, then Mad River Transit sings jazz, swing and blues in their combined concert on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Madrigal Singers in traditional Elizabethan costume celebrate the season with madrigals and songs of Shakespeare’s time, then Mad River Transit sings jazz, swing and blues in their combined concert on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Let Your Heart Be Singing with Madrigal and MRT Singers
Beginning with the “Fanfare For Christmas Day” by English composer Martin Shaw, the HSU Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit celebrate the season with their patented mixture of 16th century tradition and 20th century jazz in their annual holiday concert on Sunday, December 6.
The Madrigal Singers, clad in Elizabethan costume, sing solos, duets and trios as well as traditional madrigals. This year the selections are by England’s John Dowland, Thomas Arne and Thomas Ravenscroft, and Welsh composer William Mathias. The Singers will perform versions of three madrigals by contemporary American composer Emma Lou Diemer, and “Come, Let Your Hearts Be Singing” by late Renaissance Italian composer Giovanni Gastoldi.
Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, accompanied by the instrumental trio of Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
Among the selections, soprano Kelly Whitaker and baritone Bryan Lieser sing “When Sunny Gets Blue” by Marvin Fisher, and soprano Brandy Rose goes solo for Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe in Spring.”
Claire Bent revives Frank Sinatra’s early hit, “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers. The song was written about Frank’s daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Ensemble tunes include “Sugar Turrentine” and “Cookin’ At the Continental.”
Both groups are directed by Harley Muilenburg, HSU Professor of Choral & Vocal Music.
The annual Madrigal Singers and MRT holiday concert is performed on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Beginning with the “Fanfare For Christmas Day” by English composer Martin Shaw, the HSU Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit celebrate the season with their patented mixture of 16th century tradition and 20th century jazz in their annual holiday concert on Sunday, December 6.
The Madrigal Singers, clad in Elizabethan costume, sing solos, duets and trios as well as traditional madrigals. This year the selections are by England’s John Dowland, Thomas Arne and Thomas Ravenscroft, and Welsh composer William Mathias. The Singers will perform versions of three madrigals by contemporary American composer Emma Lou Diemer, and “Come, Let Your Hearts Be Singing” by late Renaissance Italian composer Giovanni Gastoldi.
Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, accompanied by the instrumental trio of Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
Among the selections, soprano Kelly Whitaker and baritone Bryan Lieser sing “When Sunny Gets Blue” by Marvin Fisher, and soprano Brandy Rose goes solo for Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe in Spring.”
Claire Bent revives Frank Sinatra’s early hit, “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers. The song was written about Frank’s daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Ensemble tunes include “Sugar Turrentine” and “Cookin’ At the Continental.”
Both groups are directed by Harley Muilenburg, HSU Professor of Choral & Vocal Music.
The annual Madrigal Singers and MRT holiday concert is performed on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Madrigal Singers
Emily Smith, Claire Bent, Georgia Bertolini, Aubrey Costa, Jasha Evans, Amy Chalfant, Tiffany Guenter, Susan Stewart, Jacqueline Hernandez, Kashana Tonozzi, Cheryl Lincoln, Kristina Toomata, Carrie O’Neill, Todd Herriott, Elliott Pennington, Hiro Kobayashi, John Pettlon, Chelsea Rothchild, Clint Rebik, Michael Shelly, Blake Rouzer, Christopher Werner.
Mad River Transit Singers
Brandy Rose, Kelly Whitaker, Claire Bent, Calista LaBolle, Elizabeth Holverson, Kaeden Williams, Emmy Smith, Sara Scibetta, Cate Ross, Gabriel Holman, Bryan Lieser, Samuel Kaplan-Good, Michael Scott, Shosaku Matsushima.
Darius Brotman, Piano
Robert Amirkhan, Bass
Jonathan Kipp, Drums
Emily Smith, Claire Bent, Georgia Bertolini, Aubrey Costa, Jasha Evans, Amy Chalfant, Tiffany Guenter, Susan Stewart, Jacqueline Hernandez, Kashana Tonozzi, Cheryl Lincoln, Kristina Toomata, Carrie O’Neill, Todd Herriott, Elliott Pennington, Hiro Kobayashi, John Pettlon, Chelsea Rothchild, Clint Rebik, Michael Shelly, Blake Rouzer, Christopher Werner.
Mad River Transit Singers
Brandy Rose, Kelly Whitaker, Claire Bent, Calista LaBolle, Elizabeth Holverson, Kaeden Williams, Emmy Smith, Sara Scibetta, Cate Ross, Gabriel Holman, Bryan Lieser, Samuel Kaplan-Good, Michael Scott, Shosaku Matsushima.
Darius Brotman, Piano
Robert Amirkhan, Bass
Jonathan Kipp, Drums
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Calypso Band, World Percussion & Percussion Ensemble
An HSU alum’s cult hit, John Cage’s heavy metal plus African rhythms, samba and the ever-popular calypso dance music highlight the HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band concert on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman, produced by HSU Department of Music.
An HSU alum’s cult hit, John Cage’s heavy metal plus African rhythms, samba and the ever-popular calypso dance music highlight the HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band concert on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Cult Classic and Dance Rhythms with the Calypso Band and Percussion Groups
A cult classic by HSU alumnus Trey Spruance brings star power to the HSU Percussion Ensemble portion of the annual percussion concert in the Van Duzer Theatre on Saturday December 5.
“Ma Meesha Mow Skwoz” was featured on the 1995 Mr. Bungle album, “Disco Volante.” The Percussion Ensemble does it up big. “This arrangement features 15 percussionists playing almost every percussion instrument imaginable,” said Ensemble director Eugene Novotney. “It will be sure to bring down the house.”
The Ensemble’s featured work is First Construction in Metal by 20th century avant-garde composer John Cage. “Many consider this Cage’s finest early work,” Novotney said. “It calls for 58 instruments constructed of metal, including gongs, anvils, cymbals, bells and thunder sheets. In addition, a pianist plays a grand piano but with live sound alteration and manipulation by a percussionist who performs on the interior piano strings.”
The first half of the concert concludes with the World Percussion Group, directed by Howard Kaufman, performing a suite of traditional Mandeng drumming selections, and Brazilian Samba played on indigenous instruments from Brazil.
After intermission, the Humboldt State Calypso Band, directed by Eugene Novotney, performs its ever-popular high-energy dance music from the Caribbean, which this year will include the classic panorama composition “Pan Rising” by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe.
The HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band winter concert happens on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
A cult classic by HSU alumnus Trey Spruance brings star power to the HSU Percussion Ensemble portion of the annual percussion concert in the Van Duzer Theatre on Saturday December 5.
“Ma Meesha Mow Skwoz” was featured on the 1995 Mr. Bungle album, “Disco Volante.” The Percussion Ensemble does it up big. “This arrangement features 15 percussionists playing almost every percussion instrument imaginable,” said Ensemble director Eugene Novotney. “It will be sure to bring down the house.”
The Ensemble’s featured work is First Construction in Metal by 20th century avant-garde composer John Cage. “Many consider this Cage’s finest early work,” Novotney said. “It calls for 58 instruments constructed of metal, including gongs, anvils, cymbals, bells and thunder sheets. In addition, a pianist plays a grand piano but with live sound alteration and manipulation by a percussionist who performs on the interior piano strings.”
The first half of the concert concludes with the World Percussion Group, directed by Howard Kaufman, performing a suite of traditional Mandeng drumming selections, and Brazilian Samba played on indigenous instruments from Brazil.
After intermission, the Humboldt State Calypso Band, directed by Eugene Novotney, performs its ever-popular high-energy dance music from the Caribbean, which this year will include the classic panorama composition “Pan Rising” by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe.
The HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band winter concert happens on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Background: Humboldt State Calypso Band
The Humboldt State Calypso Band prides itself in maintaining an accurate and authentic connection to the roots of the steel band movement and the innovative musicians of Trinidad, the island on which this unique percussion phenomenon was born. The band is dedicated to the performance of traditional and contemporary music from the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, and the United States.
In addition to its regular performances at Humboldt State and throughout Northern California, the band has undertaken tours to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Eugene, OR and Seattle, WA.
The Humboldt State Calypso Band prides itself in maintaining an accurate and authentic connection to the roots of the steel band movement and the innovative musicians of Trinidad, the island on which this unique percussion phenomenon was born. The band is dedicated to the performance of traditional and contemporary music from the Caribbean, Africa, Brazil, and the United States.
In addition to its regular performances at Humboldt State and throughout Northern California, the band has undertaken tours to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Oakland, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Eugene, OR and Seattle, WA.
Friday, December 04, 2009
Symphonic Band
HSU Symphonic Band presents Jonathan Kipp on 16 different percussion instruments in a concert on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
HSU Symphonic Band presents Jonathan Kipp on 16 different percussion instruments in a concert on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Symphonic Band Cuts to the Chase
The HSU Symphonic Band’s bright and bracing winter concert includes a Sousa march, Armenian Dances and a tribute to classic Warner Brothers cartoon chases, but the most novel work may involve 16 different percussion instruments played by one musician.
Senior Jonathan Kipp is the percussion soloist for Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra by French composer and teacher Darius Milhaud. “It’s a dramatic work that stresses the interplay between the band and the soloist,” noted Kenneth Ayoob, conductor of the Symphonic Band.
Greatly influenced by American jazz, Milhaud was among the 20th century’s most prolific composers. He was also noted as a teacher: his students included jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and contemporary composer Philip Glass.
Philip Glass also studied with American composer Vincent Persichetti, whose Psalm for Band is on the evening’s program. “ It’s one of the cornerstones of the band repertoire,” Ayoob said. “It uses the separate choirs of instruments extensively supported by thematic rhythms in the percussion.”
Armenian Dances (Part I) by Alfred Reed—another prolific and popular American composer—is built upon 15 folk songs. “ It evokes many moods from soulful ballad, to driving asymmetric meters, and fully exploits the colors of the wind band.”
The Symphonic Band also plays Fortress by contemporary American composer Frank Ticheli, Pas Redouble by modern French composer Camille Saint-Saens and The Gallant Seventh by John Philip Sousa.
In a reprise from its fall concert with the Jazz Orchestra, the Symphonic Band once again presents Cartoon by Paul Hart, a merry melody that conjures the action of classic chase cartoons starring the Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny and Tweety.
The HSU Symphonic Band performs on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
The HSU Symphonic Band’s bright and bracing winter concert includes a Sousa march, Armenian Dances and a tribute to classic Warner Brothers cartoon chases, but the most novel work may involve 16 different percussion instruments played by one musician.
Senior Jonathan Kipp is the percussion soloist for Concerto for Percussion and Small Orchestra by French composer and teacher Darius Milhaud. “It’s a dramatic work that stresses the interplay between the band and the soloist,” noted Kenneth Ayoob, conductor of the Symphonic Band.
Greatly influenced by American jazz, Milhaud was among the 20th century’s most prolific composers. He was also noted as a teacher: his students included jazz pianist Dave Brubeck and contemporary composer Philip Glass.
Philip Glass also studied with American composer Vincent Persichetti, whose Psalm for Band is on the evening’s program. “ It’s one of the cornerstones of the band repertoire,” Ayoob said. “It uses the separate choirs of instruments extensively supported by thematic rhythms in the percussion.”
Armenian Dances (Part I) by Alfred Reed—another prolific and popular American composer—is built upon 15 folk songs. “ It evokes many moods from soulful ballad, to driving asymmetric meters, and fully exploits the colors of the wind band.”
The Symphonic Band also plays Fortress by contemporary American composer Frank Ticheli, Pas Redouble by modern French composer Camille Saint-Saens and The Gallant Seventh by John Philip Sousa.
In a reprise from its fall concert with the Jazz Orchestra, the Symphonic Band once again presents Cartoon by Paul Hart, a merry melody that conjures the action of classic chase cartoons starring the Roadrunner, Bugs Bunny and Tweety.
The HSU Symphonic Band performs on Friday, December 4 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
Saturday, November 21, 2009
North Coast Wind Ensemble
The North Coast Wind Ensemble kicks off its second season with a festive overture, orchestral music and wind band classics on Saturday November 21 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5 general, $2 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble kicks off its second season with a festive overture, orchestral music and wind band classics on Saturday November 21 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5 general, $2 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Festive Overture: Wind Ensemble Begins Second Year
The North Coast Wind Ensemble begins its second year with a concert of festive orchestral music and wind band classics at Fulkerson Hall on Saturday, November 21.
Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, the North Coast Wind Ensemble gathers some of the best wind and percussion players on the North Coast. The ensemble is “dedicated to performing the best of the wind band repertoire regardless of genre,” Ayoob asserts, “and strives to present entertaining and thought-provoking concerts to the North Coast.”
The November 21 concert features adaptations of orchestral works: “The Festive Overture” by Dmitri Shostakovich, and “La Procession Du Rocio” by early 20th century Spanish composer Joaquin Turina.
Band music is a wind ensemble staple, so the program includes selections by two American and two British composers. “Sinfonia No. 4” is by contemporary American Walter Hartley, and “Symphonic Songs for Band” is by Robert Russell Bennett, best known for his orchestrations of classic Broadway and Hollywood musicals.
“First Suite for Military Band” by Gustav Holst and “Toccata Marziale” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, both distinguished 20th century British composers, complete the evening.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble performs on Saturday November 21 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5 general, $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble begins its second year with a concert of festive orchestral music and wind band classics at Fulkerson Hall on Saturday, November 21.
Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, the North Coast Wind Ensemble gathers some of the best wind and percussion players on the North Coast. The ensemble is “dedicated to performing the best of the wind band repertoire regardless of genre,” Ayoob asserts, “and strives to present entertaining and thought-provoking concerts to the North Coast.”
The November 21 concert features adaptations of orchestral works: “The Festive Overture” by Dmitri Shostakovich, and “La Procession Du Rocio” by early 20th century Spanish composer Joaquin Turina.
Band music is a wind ensemble staple, so the program includes selections by two American and two British composers. “Sinfonia No. 4” is by contemporary American Walter Hartley, and “Symphonic Songs for Band” is by Robert Russell Bennett, best known for his orchestrations of classic Broadway and Hollywood musicals.
“First Suite for Military Band” by Gustav Holst and “Toccata Marziale” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, both distinguished 20th century British composers, complete the evening.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble performs on Saturday November 21 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5 general, $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Piano Extravaganza
Eleven HSU faculty, staff and student pianists play compositions by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Debussy and others to benefit the Guest Pianist Series, in a matinee concert on Sunday, November 15 at 2 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8, $3 students and seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Daniela Mineva, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Eleven HSU faculty, staff and student pianists play compositions by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Debussy and others to benefit the Guest Pianist Series, in a matinee concert on Sunday, November 15 at 2 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8, $3 students and seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Daniela Mineva, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Pianists for Pianists in Benefit Concert
What do you get when eleven pianists play selections from eight composers in a single concert? A Piano Extravaganza, of course— on Sunday afternoon, November 15 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall, to benefit the HSU Guest Pianist Series.
The lineup of pianists includes HSU Music professor Daniela Mineva and staff pianist John Chernoff, as well as students Emily Loeffler, Ellen Marie, Molly Newkirk, Robert Spencer, Jonathan Webster, Joe Welnick, Melanie Kuhnel, Biranne Gill and Valerie Reed.
The program includes the first movement of Beethoven’s “Emperior” Concerto, Bach’s Tocatta in E Minor and Prelude in E Major, Mozart’s Sonata in G Major, and Debussy’s “The Little Shepherd.” The pianists will also play compositions by Brahms, Grieg, Haydn and Scarlatti, with each selection introduced by student Jonathan Webster.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the HSU Music Department Guest Pianist Series, begun by Deborah Clasquin in 2002. The series not only sponsors public performances by renowned guest artists, but master classes offered without charge to HSU students and the community.
The Piano Extravaganza to benefit the Guest Pianist Series is a matinee concert on Sunday, November 15 at 2 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8, $3 students and seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal.
What do you get when eleven pianists play selections from eight composers in a single concert? A Piano Extravaganza, of course— on Sunday afternoon, November 15 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall, to benefit the HSU Guest Pianist Series.
The lineup of pianists includes HSU Music professor Daniela Mineva and staff pianist John Chernoff, as well as students Emily Loeffler, Ellen Marie, Molly Newkirk, Robert Spencer, Jonathan Webster, Joe Welnick, Melanie Kuhnel, Biranne Gill and Valerie Reed.
The program includes the first movement of Beethoven’s “Emperior” Concerto, Bach’s Tocatta in E Minor and Prelude in E Major, Mozart’s Sonata in G Major, and Debussy’s “The Little Shepherd.” The pianists will also play compositions by Brahms, Grieg, Haydn and Scarlatti, with each selection introduced by student Jonathan Webster.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the HSU Music Department Guest Pianist Series, begun by Deborah Clasquin in 2002. The series not only sponsors public performances by renowned guest artists, but master classes offered without charge to HSU students and the community.
The Piano Extravaganza to benefit the Guest Pianist Series is a matinee concert on Sunday, November 15 at 2 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8, $3 students and seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal.
The Program
Debussy- Arabesque #1, First Etude, "The Little Shepherd" from Children corner. Bach- Toccata in E minor, Prelude in E major.
Scarlatti- Sonata in D minor.
Beethoven- Concerto # 5 " Emperor, first movement.
Brahms- Rhapsody in G minor.
Haydn- Sonata in C major, first movement; Sonata in E minor, first movement.
Mozart- Sonata in G major, first movement.
Grieg- Sonata, first movement " Nocturne"
Debussy- Arabesque #1, First Etude, "The Little Shepherd" from Children corner. Bach- Toccata in E minor, Prelude in E major.
Scarlatti- Sonata in D minor.
Beethoven- Concerto # 5 " Emperor, first movement.
Brahms- Rhapsody in G minor.
Haydn- Sonata in C major, first movement; Sonata in E minor, first movement.
Mozart- Sonata in G major, first movement.
Grieg- Sonata, first movement " Nocturne"
The Guest Pianist Series
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Music Department’s Guest Pianist Series. Dr. Deborah Clasquin started the series in 2002 and many internationally artist and pedagogues have been presented, including Leon Flesher( Peabody), Peter Takacs (Oberlin), John Perry( Colbrun School), Menahem Pressler ( Indiana University) and Rebecca Penneys ( Eastman School of Music).
This season, we are fortunate to host concerts and master classes by Yuja Wang, Anton Nel ( Concert Pianist/ Piano Professor at University of Autstin, TX) and Caleb Harris ( Pianist/ Vocal Coach/ Conductor at University of Colorado at Greeley.)
All of the master classes are free to HSU students and the community. These classes have been made possible through generous donations from the public.
--Daniela Mineva
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Music Department’s Guest Pianist Series. Dr. Deborah Clasquin started the series in 2002 and many internationally artist and pedagogues have been presented, including Leon Flesher( Peabody), Peter Takacs (Oberlin), John Perry( Colbrun School), Menahem Pressler ( Indiana University) and Rebecca Penneys ( Eastman School of Music).
This season, we are fortunate to host concerts and master classes by Yuja Wang, Anton Nel ( Concert Pianist/ Piano Professor at University of Autstin, TX) and Caleb Harris ( Pianist/ Vocal Coach/ Conductor at University of Colorado at Greeley.)
All of the master classes are free to HSU students and the community. These classes have been made possible through generous donations from the public.
--Daniela Mineva
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Composers Concert
New works in a variety of styles by HSU musical composition students and faculty on Saturday November 14 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by J. Brian Post, produced by HSU Department of Music.
New works in a variety of styles by HSU musical composition students and faculty on Saturday November 14 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by J. Brian Post, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Music Guaranteed Fresh at Composers Concert
Composing music alone in a room is only part of the process that HSU composition students experience—they also hear their compositions performed in public. That public in turn gets to hear something completely new.
Describing the works to be presented for the first time in Fulkerson Hall on November 14, composition professor J. Brian Post said, “These works will contain influences from American folk music, jazz, rock and roll, film scores and European Art music from Vivaldi's time to the present.”
Composers experimenting with new and more established compositional techniques and instrumentation include James Puzey, Adolpho Acuna and John Garritano.
The Composers Concert, featuring new compositions by faculty as well as students, takes the Fulkerson Recital Hall stage on Saturday November 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye.
Composing music alone in a room is only part of the process that HSU composition students experience—they also hear their compositions performed in public. That public in turn gets to hear something completely new.
Describing the works to be presented for the first time in Fulkerson Hall on November 14, composition professor J. Brian Post said, “These works will contain influences from American folk music, jazz, rock and roll, film scores and European Art music from Vivaldi's time to the present.”
Composers experimenting with new and more established compositional techniques and instrumentation include James Puzey, Adolpho Acuna and John Garritano.
The Composers Concert, featuring new compositions by faculty as well as students, takes the Fulkerson Recital Hall stage on Saturday November 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Jazz Combos
HSU Jazz Combos play swing, Latin, bop, funk, early and modern jazz on Friday, November 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
HSU Jazz Combos play swing, Latin, bop, funk, early and modern jazz on Friday, November 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
From Samba to “Superfly”: Jazz Combos in Concert
“The program is diverse and true to the mercurial nature of jazz,” said Shao Way Wu, director of this year’s Jazz Combos. Five small ensembles will perform tunes in a range of styles, including swing, Latin, hard bop, funk and both early and modern jazz, as well as original compositions.
For example, The Peanut Gallery Quartet (led by guitarist Clayton Bennet) will play the bop classic “Airegin” by Sonny Rollins, and The Austin Power Trio (led by guitarist Colin Gaddie) will offer “La Samba” by Ray Obiedo.
Led by drummer Brett Huska, The Slippery Society will do a set of New Orleans style early jazz. The Bird Like Quintet, a co-op band with two horns, performs the bluesy “Cornbread” by Lee Morgan, and the funk combo Watermelonperson plays the 70s hit, “Superfly.”
The HSU Jazz Combos perform on Friday, November 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye.
“The program is diverse and true to the mercurial nature of jazz,” said Shao Way Wu, director of this year’s Jazz Combos. Five small ensembles will perform tunes in a range of styles, including swing, Latin, hard bop, funk and both early and modern jazz, as well as original compositions.
For example, The Peanut Gallery Quartet (led by guitarist Clayton Bennet) will play the bop classic “Airegin” by Sonny Rollins, and The Austin Power Trio (led by guitarist Colin Gaddie) will offer “La Samba” by Ray Obiedo.
Led by drummer Brett Huska, The Slippery Society will do a set of New Orleans style early jazz. The Bird Like Quintet, a co-op band with two horns, performs the bluesy “Cornbread” by Lee Morgan, and the funk combo Watermelonperson plays the 70s hit, “Superfly.”
The HSU Jazz Combos perform on Friday, November 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Humboldt Bay Brass Band
Humboldt Bay Brass Band plays a Veterans Day tribute, classics by Handel and Rossini, and an interactive world premiere in its only HSU concert of the year on Saturday November 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Gil Cline. An HSU Department of Music Production.
Humboldt Bay Brass Band plays a Veterans Day tribute, classics by Handel and Rossini, and an interactive world premiere in its only HSU concert of the year on Saturday November 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Gil Cline. An HSU Department of Music Production.
This low E-flat rotary valve trumpet is seen in the 1880 Weaverville Cornet Band in the hands of Richard Holman, who later moved to the Matole region.The instrument spent many years with his Ferndale relatives, and last year was passed via three local musicians to Dr. Gilbert Cline, who continues to research bands and musicians of the region.
Many Moods of the Humboldt Bay Brass Band
From a contemporary Veterans Day tribute and works by classical composers Handel, Holst and Rossini, to a show-piece for tubas and an interactive premiere, the Humboldt Bay Brass Band performs its only HSU concert of the year on Saturday, November 7.
The Veterans Day tribute is a recent American composition called “Images,” which commemorates the World War II battles on Iwo Jima. Humboldt Bay Brass Band director and HSU Music professor Gilbert Cline describes it as “ an intense, impressive composition.”
The evening’s program includes Handel’s rousing “Hallelujah Chorus,” Rossini’s famous “Tancredi Overture” and “A Moorside Suite” by Gustav Holst, composer of “The Planets.” Another familiar tune, “Scarborough Fair," will feature a baritone horn solo by Phil Sams.
The audience will get its chance to participate in the world premiere of an interactive work, appropriately titled “Reciprocity.” It includes Gil Cline’s invention, “The Helicopter Doppler Trumpet.”
The Band will also premiere its version of “Them Basses,” by 20th century American composer Getty Herschel Huffine. “It’s one of the only pieces of music ever written in which the basses—the tubas—carry the melody from start to finish,” Cline said.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band is a British-style brass band, comprised of 24 brass players and three percussionists. Members include HSU students and alumni, as well as community players from a wide area ranging from the Eel River Valley to northern Humboldt and southern Oregon. They include players for such other local ensembles as the Humboldt and Eureka symphonies, the Marching Lumberjacks, the Crabgrass Band, Bandemonium, and the Mel Bay Hotel Biscuit Band.
Most villages and towns in Great Britain have a brass band of this type, and many compete for national honors, often playing some of the selections the Humboldt Bay Brass Band performs in this concert.
Humboldt Bay Brass Band plays its only HSU concert of the year on Saturday November 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Times-Standard Northern Lights, Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye.
From a contemporary Veterans Day tribute and works by classical composers Handel, Holst and Rossini, to a show-piece for tubas and an interactive premiere, the Humboldt Bay Brass Band performs its only HSU concert of the year on Saturday, November 7.
The Veterans Day tribute is a recent American composition called “Images,” which commemorates the World War II battles on Iwo Jima. Humboldt Bay Brass Band director and HSU Music professor Gilbert Cline describes it as “ an intense, impressive composition.”
The evening’s program includes Handel’s rousing “Hallelujah Chorus,” Rossini’s famous “Tancredi Overture” and “A Moorside Suite” by Gustav Holst, composer of “The Planets.” Another familiar tune, “Scarborough Fair," will feature a baritone horn solo by Phil Sams.
The audience will get its chance to participate in the world premiere of an interactive work, appropriately titled “Reciprocity.” It includes Gil Cline’s invention, “The Helicopter Doppler Trumpet.”
The Band will also premiere its version of “Them Basses,” by 20th century American composer Getty Herschel Huffine. “It’s one of the only pieces of music ever written in which the basses—the tubas—carry the melody from start to finish,” Cline said.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band is a British-style brass band, comprised of 24 brass players and three percussionists. Members include HSU students and alumni, as well as community players from a wide area ranging from the Eel River Valley to northern Humboldt and southern Oregon. They include players for such other local ensembles as the Humboldt and Eureka symphonies, the Marching Lumberjacks, the Crabgrass Band, Bandemonium, and the Mel Bay Hotel Biscuit Band.
Most villages and towns in Great Britain have a brass band of this type, and many compete for national honors, often playing some of the selections the Humboldt Bay Brass Band performs in this concert.
Humboldt Bay Brass Band plays its only HSU concert of the year on Saturday November 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Times-Standard Northern Lights, Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye.
Humboldt Bay Brass Band: Background and Personnel
For those new to HBBB, the band is comprised of some 30 HSU students, HSU alumni, and Humboldt County community members ranging from the Eel River Valley to the north Humboldt Bay region, and even to southern Oregon. Members include: Cornets - Joe Severdia, Branden Lewis, Tom Cover, Frederic Belanger, Stephanie Douglass, John Ferreira, Melissa Gussin, William Zoller, Clara Navarro, and Joyce Carter. Horns - Gary Ross, Matthew Morgan, Anwyn Halliday, Kate Williams, Phil Sams, and Toshi Noguchi. Trombones - George Epperson, Talon Nansel, and Kearney Vander Sal. Euphoniums: George Ritscher and Bill Evans. Tubas/Basses: Wilson Bowles, Elizabeth Cruz, Jerry Carter, Damien Adams, Ryan Egan. Percussion: Grace Kerr, Jessica Bishop, Jackie Robertson, and Adara Friley.
These musicians are part of a larger web of local activity which includes the Humboldt Symphony, the Eureka Symphony, and diverse ensembles extending to Bandemonium, the Mel Bay Hotel Biscuit Band, the Marching Lumberjacks, and the Crabgrass Band.
For those new to HBBB, the band is comprised of some 30 HSU students, HSU alumni, and Humboldt County community members ranging from the Eel River Valley to the north Humboldt Bay region, and even to southern Oregon. Members include: Cornets - Joe Severdia, Branden Lewis, Tom Cover, Frederic Belanger, Stephanie Douglass, John Ferreira, Melissa Gussin, William Zoller, Clara Navarro, and Joyce Carter. Horns - Gary Ross, Matthew Morgan, Anwyn Halliday, Kate Williams, Phil Sams, and Toshi Noguchi. Trombones - George Epperson, Talon Nansel, and Kearney Vander Sal. Euphoniums: George Ritscher and Bill Evans. Tubas/Basses: Wilson Bowles, Elizabeth Cruz, Jerry Carter, Damien Adams, Ryan Egan. Percussion: Grace Kerr, Jessica Bishop, Jackie Robertson, and Adara Friley.
These musicians are part of a larger web of local activity which includes the Humboldt Symphony, the Eureka Symphony, and diverse ensembles extending to Bandemonium, the Mel Bay Hotel Biscuit Band, the Marching Lumberjacks, and the Crabgrass Band.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
CITY OF ANGELS
Hollywood comes to Humboldt in the acclaimed musical comedy CITY OF ANGELS, October 22-24, 29-31 at 7:30 PM, November 1 at 2 PM, in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. It’s sexy, witty—and definitely PG13. Tickets: $15/$10, students/seniors $10/$8 from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928). HSU Theatre, Film & Dance and Music Department co-production. Directed by Rae Robison, musical direction by Elisabeth Harrington.
Previews at Humboldt State Now and Times-Standard Northern Lights.
Hollywood comes to Humboldt in the acclaimed musical comedy CITY OF ANGELS, October 22-24, 29-31 at 7:30 PM, November 1 at 2 PM, in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. It’s sexy, witty—and definitely PG13. Tickets: $15/$10, students/seniors $10/$8 from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928). HSU Theatre, Film & Dance and Music Department co-production. Directed by Rae Robison, musical direction by Elisabeth Harrington.
Previews at Humboldt State Now and Times-Standard Northern Lights.
Hear the City Angels Sing at HSU
From October 22 to November 1, the HSU Music Department joins the Theatre, Film & Dance Department in presenting the musical comedy City of Angels on the Van Duzer Theatre stage. Known for its wit and stage sparkle, this satirical clash of Hollywood romance and reality depends at least as much on its sophisticated music. You don’t win the Tony for Best Musical without quality music, and City of Angels is particularly innovative.
The show’s composer, the legendary Cy Coleman, won the Tony for Best Score. With his background in classical and jazz, and a number of pop standards to his credit (including “Hey, Look Me Over” and “Witchcraft”), Coleman wrote what some believe is the first jazz score for a Broadway show: City of Angels.
[text continues after photos]
From October 22 to November 1, the HSU Music Department joins the Theatre, Film & Dance Department in presenting the musical comedy City of Angels on the Van Duzer Theatre stage. Known for its wit and stage sparkle, this satirical clash of Hollywood romance and reality depends at least as much on its sophisticated music. You don’t win the Tony for Best Musical without quality music, and City of Angels is particularly innovative.
The show’s composer, the legendary Cy Coleman, won the Tony for Best Score. With his background in classical and jazz, and a number of pop standards to his credit (including “Hey, Look Me Over” and “Witchcraft”), Coleman wrote what some believe is the first jazz score for a Broadway show: City of Angels.
[text continues after photos]
Musical director Elisabeth Harrington lists some of the styles this show employs: “Big Band, jazzy, movie soundtrack, super-fast patter songs, and the usual musical theatre mix: the big numbers, the ballad, the love duet, the arguing about love song with tons of double entendre.”
Harrington will be in the orchestra pit for the show, conducting a twelve piece ensemble, with horns, reeds, keyboards, bass and percussion.
Harrington will be in the orchestra pit for the show, conducting a twelve piece ensemble, with horns, reeds, keyboards, bass and percussion.
There’s also a vocal group onstage, although it’s now more Andrew Sisters than the Modernaires. “Instead of a quartet we’ve written it for a quintet—and all women. So the vocal sound is a little different, but, Harrington adds, “they all wear flashy dresses.”
From the performers’ point of view, Harrington said, “it’s a tough score. A lot of key changes, diminished chords, and the band and the singers have to really listen to each other. It’s challenging, but everybody’s working hard.”
From the performers’ point of view, Harrington said, “it’s a tough score. A lot of key changes, diminished chords, and the band and the singers have to really listen to each other. It’s challenging, but everybody’s working hard.”
Another unusual musical element is the use of themes, deliberately reminiscent of Hollywood movie soundtracks. “Some of the characters have their own little themes repeated throughout the show, and there’s a ‘kiss theme’," said Harrington. "It’s all part of the fun of remembering these great old Hollywood films.”
City of Angels Band
Clarinet, Saxophone: Michelle Marenberg, Vanessa Thomas
Flute/Piccolo: Caitlin Denning
Trumpet: Ari Davie, Brian Gill
Trombone: Bryan Vittori, Kaeden Williams
Bass: Tyler Machado
Percussion: Brett Huska, Nev Mattinson
Piano: John Chernoff
Synthesizer: Jonathan Webster
Conductor: Elisabeth Harrington
Clarinet, Saxophone: Michelle Marenberg, Vanessa Thomas
Flute/Piccolo: Caitlin Denning
Trumpet: Ari Davie, Brian Gill
Trombone: Bryan Vittori, Kaeden Williams
Bass: Tyler Machado
Percussion: Brett Huska, Nev Mattinson
Piano: John Chernoff
Synthesizer: Jonathan Webster
Conductor: Elisabeth Harrington
CITY OF ANGELS plays Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays October 22-24, 29-31 at 7:30 PM, with a 2 PM matinee on Sunday November 1, in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. It’s sexy, witty—and definitely PG13. Tickets: $15/$10, students/seniors $10/$8 from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928). HSU Theatre, Film & Dance and Music Department co-production.
For more information and photos go to HSU Stage.
See also Humboldt State Now.
For more information and photos go to HSU Stage.
See also Humboldt State Now.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Symphonic Band & Jazz Orchestra
HSU Symphonic Band plays a Shaker dance, a poignant elegy and a tribute to cartoon chases, followed by the Jazz Orchestra playing Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland in their joint concert on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. An HSU Department of Music Production. Symphonic Band conducted by Kenneth Ayoob. Jazz Orchestra directed by Shao Way Wu.
HSU Symphonic Band plays a Shaker dance, a poignant elegy and a tribute to cartoon chases, followed by the Jazz Orchestra playing Duke Ellington, Wayne Shorter and Dave Holland in their joint concert on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. An HSU Department of Music Production. Symphonic Band conducted by Kenneth Ayoob. Jazz Orchestra directed by Shao Way Wu.
What’s Up, Doc? Symphonic Band and Jazz Orchestra Concert
The HSU Symphonic Band begins the new school year with a short but eclectic program, featuring “Cartoon” by composer Paul Hart, a tribute to the classic cartoon scores of the golden age of Warner Brothers: the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote, Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, Tweety and Sylvester, in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.
“One can hear the cat chase the mouse, the anvil fall from the sky, and the rousing overture under the opening credits,” said Symphonic Band conductor Kenneth Ayoob.
In contrast, the Symphonic Band also plays “Elegy” by John Barnes Chance, “one of the most poignant and expressive works in the band literature.” “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by John Zdechlik is based on the classic Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts.”
For the concert’s second half, the HSU Jazz Orchestra takes over, performing “Razor’s Edge” by Dave Holland, the classic “Caravan” by Duke Ellington, and “Yes or No” by Wayne Shorter. This year the Jazz Orchestra is directed by noted bassist Shao Way Wu, now teaching at HSU.
The Symphonic Band and Jazz Orchestra perform their joint concert on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: HSU Now, Arcata Eye.
The HSU Symphonic Band begins the new school year with a short but eclectic program, featuring “Cartoon” by composer Paul Hart, a tribute to the classic cartoon scores of the golden age of Warner Brothers: the Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote, Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, Tweety and Sylvester, in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies.
“One can hear the cat chase the mouse, the anvil fall from the sky, and the rousing overture under the opening credits,” said Symphonic Band conductor Kenneth Ayoob.
In contrast, the Symphonic Band also plays “Elegy” by John Barnes Chance, “one of the most poignant and expressive works in the band literature.” “Chorale and Shaker Dance” by John Zdechlik is based on the classic Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts.”
For the concert’s second half, the HSU Jazz Orchestra takes over, performing “Razor’s Edge” by Dave Holland, the classic “Caravan” by Duke Ellington, and “Yes or No” by Wayne Shorter. This year the Jazz Orchestra is directed by noted bassist Shao Way Wu, now teaching at HSU.
The Symphonic Band and Jazz Orchestra perform their joint concert on Saturday, October 17 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: HSU Now, Arcata Eye.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Daniela Mineva and Bin Huang
Internationally acclaimed violinist Bin Huang joins piano virtuoso (and new HSU faculty member) Daniela Mineva in sonatas by Debussy, Ravel, Messiaen and Franck, on Friday, October 16 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music Faculty Artist Series concert.
Internationally acclaimed violinist Bin Huang joins piano virtuoso (and new HSU faculty member) Daniela Mineva in sonatas by Debussy, Ravel, Messiaen and Franck, on Friday, October 16 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music Faculty Artist Series concert.
International Concert Stars Combine at HSU
Renowned concert pianist and new HSU Music faculty member Daniela Mineva makes her Humboldt County debut, hosting a rising star of international standing, violinist Bin Huang.
“We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful artist perform here,” Mineva said of Bin Huang. The opportunity for Bin Huang and Mineva to perform together made this event possible.
Bin Huang comes to Humboldt during her U.S. tour, after concerts in Italy and in the “Ten Most Celebrated Violinists” series in China. She has appeared at Lincoln Center in New York, the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in Russia, Opera City in Tokyo and China’s National Grand Theater. The Baltimore Sun called her “a talent that leaves a listener flabbergasted.”
Since winning her first international violin competition at the age of 14, Bin Huang has added many other prestigious prizes, and has performed with such top ranked ensembles as the Julliard String Quartet, the Guarneri String Quartet and the Beaux Arts Trio, as well as major symphony orchestras in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Last year in Canada, she performed the world premiere of Robert Gauldin’s violin concerto, which is dedicated to her.
Her partner in this concert, pianist Daniela Mineva has won numerous international competitions and played major venues in the U.S. and Europe. The New York Times called her a “vibrant and expressive performer who could steal the show in every concert.”
Born in Bulgaria, Daniela Mineva began piano lessons at the age of five, with her mother as her first teacher. She studied at the Sofia Music Academy before earning advanced degrees in the U.S., including her Doctorate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She has taught at the Eastman School, among other institutions, where she won an award for teaching excellence. She began teaching at HSU as Assistant Professor of Music this fall.
Bin Huang began studying the violin at the age of four in China, and entered the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing at age nine. She came to the U.S., and earned her Bachelor of Music degree at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, and her Masters at the Eastman School of Music. More information is available at her web site.
Together at Fulkerson Hall, Mineva and Bin Huang will play sonatas for violin and piano by 20th century French Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, late 19th century Belgian Romantic composer Cesar Franck, and late 20th century French composer Olivier Messiaen.
Violinist Bin Huang and pianist Daniela Mineva perform on Friday, October 16 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal.
Renowned concert pianist and new HSU Music faculty member Daniela Mineva makes her Humboldt County debut, hosting a rising star of international standing, violinist Bin Huang.
“We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful artist perform here,” Mineva said of Bin Huang. The opportunity for Bin Huang and Mineva to perform together made this event possible.
Bin Huang comes to Humboldt during her U.S. tour, after concerts in Italy and in the “Ten Most Celebrated Violinists” series in China. She has appeared at Lincoln Center in New York, the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory in Russia, Opera City in Tokyo and China’s National Grand Theater. The Baltimore Sun called her “a talent that leaves a listener flabbergasted.”
Since winning her first international violin competition at the age of 14, Bin Huang has added many other prestigious prizes, and has performed with such top ranked ensembles as the Julliard String Quartet, the Guarneri String Quartet and the Beaux Arts Trio, as well as major symphony orchestras in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Last year in Canada, she performed the world premiere of Robert Gauldin’s violin concerto, which is dedicated to her.
Her partner in this concert, pianist Daniela Mineva has won numerous international competitions and played major venues in the U.S. and Europe. The New York Times called her a “vibrant and expressive performer who could steal the show in every concert.”
Born in Bulgaria, Daniela Mineva began piano lessons at the age of five, with her mother as her first teacher. She studied at the Sofia Music Academy before earning advanced degrees in the U.S., including her Doctorate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She has taught at the Eastman School, among other institutions, where she won an award for teaching excellence. She began teaching at HSU as Assistant Professor of Music this fall.
Bin Huang began studying the violin at the age of four in China, and entered the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing at age nine. She came to the U.S., and earned her Bachelor of Music degree at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, and her Masters at the Eastman School of Music. More information is available at her web site.
Together at Fulkerson Hall, Mineva and Bin Huang will play sonatas for violin and piano by 20th century French Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, late 19th century Belgian Romantic composer Cesar Franck, and late 20th century French composer Olivier Messiaen.
Violinist Bin Huang and pianist Daniela Mineva perform on Friday, October 16 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Humboldt State Now, North Coast Journal.
The Program
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor by Claude Debussy.
Written in 1917, this was Debussy’s last composition.
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Major by Maurice Ravel
Completed in 1927, this was also Ravel’s last chamber music composition, noted for its second movement, titled “Blues.”
Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major by Cesar Franck
Composed in 1886 as a wedding gift for a celebrated violinist, this is one of Franck’s best known and most recorded works. Franck was notable for employing a cyclic form( using a central motif to generate principal themes that unify several movements of a single work), which influenced the compositions of Debussy and Ravel.
Fantasie for Violin and Piano by Olivier Messiaen
Only published recently for the first time, Messiaen composed this work in 1933 for his first wife, the violinist and composer Claire Delbos. Messiaen experimented especially with rhythms. He was also an ornithologist who included birdsong in many compositions, and he had a form of synesthesia in which sounds produced colors, correspondences which he developed in several works.
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Minor by Claude Debussy.
Written in 1917, this was Debussy’s last composition.
Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Major by Maurice Ravel
Completed in 1927, this was also Ravel’s last chamber music composition, noted for its second movement, titled “Blues.”
Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major by Cesar Franck
Composed in 1886 as a wedding gift for a celebrated violinist, this is one of Franck’s best known and most recorded works. Franck was notable for employing a cyclic form( using a central motif to generate principal themes that unify several movements of a single work), which influenced the compositions of Debussy and Ravel.
Fantasie for Violin and Piano by Olivier Messiaen
Only published recently for the first time, Messiaen composed this work in 1933 for his first wife, the violinist and composer Claire Delbos. Messiaen experimented especially with rhythms. He was also an ornithologist who included birdsong in many compositions, and he had a form of synesthesia in which sounds produced colors, correspondences which he developed in several works.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Benefit
HSU Music Department colleagues, North Coast friends and former students honor Deborah Clasquin, the much-beloved pianist and teacher who passed away last March, with a concert to benefit the Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $20 from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Additional donations gratefully accepted.
HSU Music Department colleagues, North Coast friends and former students honor Deborah Clasquin, the much-beloved pianist and teacher who passed away last March, with a concert to benefit the Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $20 from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Additional donations gratefully accepted.
North Coast Musicians Combine in Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Benefit
HSU Music Department colleagues, North Coast friends and former students combine to honor Deborah Clasquin, the much-beloved pianist and teacher who passed away last March, with a concert to benefit the newly established Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Fund, on Saturday, October 26 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus.
“With her extraordinary gift for teaching, and her passion for the arts, Deborah transformed the way people listened to music,” said Brian Post, HSU Music professor and coordinator for the event. “Performers for this concert have chosen their material to reflect Deborah’s love of the arts and passion for good music.”
The concert features Clasquin’s best-known student, pianist Ryan MacEvoy-McCullough of Eureka, who will play “Shibui--A dirge in memory of my mentor, Deborah Clasquin,” composed by another of Clasquin’s students, Dante de Silva.
MacEvoy-McCullough, who now performs internationally, will also play Chopin’s “Nocturne in B major,” one of the last pieces he played for Deborah Clasquin as her student, and one of his own favorites.
Pianist Valerie Reed, also a Clasquin student, will perform a piece by Henri Ribauld with HSU Music professor Paul Cummings on clarinet.
Other HSU Music Department colleagues performing Saturday include Eugene Novotney, playing his own composition on snare drum, Kenneth Ayoob on clarinet and John Chernoff on piano playing a rhapsody by Debussy, and soprano Elisabeth Harrington, Cindy Moyer on violin, David Davis on cello and Daniela Mineva on piano, performing songs by Roger Quilter. Mineva, who joins the HSU faculty this year, also performs her own piano transcription of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun.”
In addition to the classical selections, a jazz quartet combining HSU faculty members Brian Post and Shao Way Wu with North Coast musicians Susie Laraine and Jill Petricca, will play an original piece by Shao Way Wu.
Deborah Clasquin joined the HSU Music Department faculty in 1985. She won many awards for both her performances as a pianist and for her teaching. Locally she appeared with the Eureka Symphony and the Humboldt Symphony. She performed internationally, and even after her diagnosis and treatment for cancer, she performed in Paris. Her last solo performance at HSU was last October. Deborah Clasquin died in March, at the age of 52.
The Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Benefit is Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM. Tickets are $20, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. The HSU Music Department will gratefully accept additional donations to the scholarship fund.
Media: HSU Now, Eureka Times Standard, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye, KHSU ArtWaves.
HSU Music Department colleagues, North Coast friends and former students combine to honor Deborah Clasquin, the much-beloved pianist and teacher who passed away last March, with a concert to benefit the newly established Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Fund, on Saturday, October 26 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus.
“With her extraordinary gift for teaching, and her passion for the arts, Deborah transformed the way people listened to music,” said Brian Post, HSU Music professor and coordinator for the event. “Performers for this concert have chosen their material to reflect Deborah’s love of the arts and passion for good music.”
The concert features Clasquin’s best-known student, pianist Ryan MacEvoy-McCullough of Eureka, who will play “Shibui--A dirge in memory of my mentor, Deborah Clasquin,” composed by another of Clasquin’s students, Dante de Silva.
MacEvoy-McCullough, who now performs internationally, will also play Chopin’s “Nocturne in B major,” one of the last pieces he played for Deborah Clasquin as her student, and one of his own favorites.
Pianist Valerie Reed, also a Clasquin student, will perform a piece by Henri Ribauld with HSU Music professor Paul Cummings on clarinet.
Other HSU Music Department colleagues performing Saturday include Eugene Novotney, playing his own composition on snare drum, Kenneth Ayoob on clarinet and John Chernoff on piano playing a rhapsody by Debussy, and soprano Elisabeth Harrington, Cindy Moyer on violin, David Davis on cello and Daniela Mineva on piano, performing songs by Roger Quilter. Mineva, who joins the HSU faculty this year, also performs her own piano transcription of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun.”
In addition to the classical selections, a jazz quartet combining HSU faculty members Brian Post and Shao Way Wu with North Coast musicians Susie Laraine and Jill Petricca, will play an original piece by Shao Way Wu.
Deborah Clasquin joined the HSU Music Department faculty in 1985. She won many awards for both her performances as a pianist and for her teaching. Locally she appeared with the Eureka Symphony and the Humboldt Symphony. She performed internationally, and even after her diagnosis and treatment for cancer, she performed in Paris. Her last solo performance at HSU was last October. Deborah Clasquin died in March, at the age of 52.
The Deborah Clasquin Memorial Scholarship Benefit is Saturday, September 26 at 8 PM. Tickets are $20, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. The HSU Music Department will gratefully accept additional donations to the scholarship fund.
Media: HSU Now, Eureka Times Standard, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye, KHSU ArtWaves.
The Program
Solo de Concours, opus 10 by Henri Rabaud
performed by: Paul Cummings, clarinet; Valerie Reed, piano.
Piano Quartet in C minor, op 60 (Adagio) by Johannes Brahms
performed by: Cindy Moyer, violin; Karen Davy, viola; David Davis, cello; John Chernoff, piano.
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Claude Debussy (Transcription for solo piano by Daniela Mineva)
performed by: Daniela Mineva, piano.
Coconino by Shao Way Wu
performed by: Jill Petricca, flute, saxophone; Susie Laraine, flute, saxophone; Brian Post, piano; Shao Way Wu, bass.
A Minute of News (1990) for Snare Drum by Eugene Novotney
performed by: Eugene Novotoney, snare drum.
Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Piano by Claude Debussy
performed by: Kenneth Ayoob, clarinet; John Chernoff, piano.
Three Pastoral Songs by Roger Quilter
performed by: Elisabeth Harrington, voice; Cindy Moyer, violin; David Davis, cello; Daniela Mineva, piano.
Shibui by Dante de Silva (A dirge in memory of my mentor, Deborah Clasquin)
Nocturne in B major, op. 62 no. 1 by Frederic Chopin
performed by: Ryan MacEvoy McCullough, piano.
Solo de Concours, opus 10 by Henri Rabaud
performed by: Paul Cummings, clarinet; Valerie Reed, piano.
Piano Quartet in C minor, op 60 (Adagio) by Johannes Brahms
performed by: Cindy Moyer, violin; Karen Davy, viola; David Davis, cello; John Chernoff, piano.
Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Claude Debussy (Transcription for solo piano by Daniela Mineva)
performed by: Daniela Mineva, piano.
Coconino by Shao Way Wu
performed by: Jill Petricca, flute, saxophone; Susie Laraine, flute, saxophone; Brian Post, piano; Shao Way Wu, bass.
A Minute of News (1990) for Snare Drum by Eugene Novotney
performed by: Eugene Novotoney, snare drum.
Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Piano by Claude Debussy
performed by: Kenneth Ayoob, clarinet; John Chernoff, piano.
Three Pastoral Songs by Roger Quilter
performed by: Elisabeth Harrington, voice; Cindy Moyer, violin; David Davis, cello; Daniela Mineva, piano.
Shibui by Dante de Silva (A dirge in memory of my mentor, Deborah Clasquin)
Nocturne in B major, op. 62 no. 1 by Frederic Chopin
performed by: Ryan MacEvoy McCullough, piano.
Concert Notes by Brian Post
Members of the HSU Music Department and North Coast music community will be performing on Saturday, September 26 at 8pm, in Fulkerson Recital, to honor Deborah Clasquin with a Memorial Concert benefiting a newly established scholarship in her name. With her extraordinary gift for teaching, and her passion for the arts, Deborah transformed the way people listened to music.
Performers for this concert have chosen their material to reflect Deborah’s love of the arts and passion for good music. One work titled “Shibui--A dirge in memory of my mentor, Deborah Clasquin, “ composed by Dante de Silva, a student of Deborah’s from the late 1990’s, will be performed by Ryan MacEvoy-McCullough, another student of Deborah’s who is now performing internationally.
Written for solo piano, this piece has an austere quality combined with underlying feelings of joy and loss, resulting in a truly poignant musical statement by Mr. de Silva that pays homage to his mentor. Mr. MacEvoy-McCullough will also be performing “Nocturne in B major,” op. 62 no. 1 by Frederic Chopin (1810-1849). This was one of the last pieces he played for Deborah as her student. It is also of one his most favorite piano pieces to perform in public.
Other performances will include a piano transcription performed by pianist Daniela Mineva of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun.” This is probably one of Debussy’s most loved and popular pieces and was inspired by the poem Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Stephane Mallarmé (1842-1898). The transcription was created by Ms. Mineva and will be having its world premiere at this concert.
Eugene Novotney will be performing a piece that he composed titled, “A Minute of News.” This work has been used as the test piece for numerous snare drum competitions, including the Concours International de Caisse Claire - Conservatoire National de Region de Paris 2004 & 2007; Paris, France. The piece is meant to be an alternative to the standard approach of composition for the snare drum. It also acts as a tribute to the fine percussionists of the Afro-Cuban tradition, who are often asked to gain many sounds out of very limited instrumentation.
Clarinetist Dr. Paul Cummings will be performing with pianist Valerie Reed on “Solo de Concours (Contest Solo)” by Henri Ribauld. Written for clarinet and piano this piece has been popular ever since its composition in 1901. It is so entirely in the idiom of the instrument, and is as endearing as any piece of music ever written for the clarinet. It was composed for the graduation and solo competition of the Paris Conservatory, and was used again for the competition in the years 1908, 1915, 1925, and 1937.
Inkling, a local jazz quartet featuring Susie Laraine, flute, Jill Petricca, flute, Shao Way Wu, bass and Brian Post, piano, will perform themes from “Coconino Suite,” composed by Shao Way Wu. This piece offers a somewhat open ended approach for performers to creatively express their reflections of the American archetype: Krazy Kat.
Other works and performers on this special evening will include; Andante from the “Piano Quartet in C minor, op 60”, by Johannes Brahms, “Three Pastoral Songs” by Roger Quilter (1877-1053), and “Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Piano” by Claude Debussy 1862-1918 with performances by Kenneth Ayoob on clarinet, John Chernoff on piano, Karen Davy on viola, Cindy Moyer on violin, Elisabeth Harrington, voice and David Davis on cello.
The concert will be held in Fulkerson Recital Hall on September 26 at 8:00 pm. and tickets are $20. Also, any and all donations towards the scholarship fund will be gladly accepted. Please join the HSU Music Faculty, and members of the North Coast music community in celebrating the life and creative spirit of Deborah Clasquin.
Members of the HSU Music Department and North Coast music community will be performing on Saturday, September 26 at 8pm, in Fulkerson Recital, to honor Deborah Clasquin with a Memorial Concert benefiting a newly established scholarship in her name. With her extraordinary gift for teaching, and her passion for the arts, Deborah transformed the way people listened to music.
Performers for this concert have chosen their material to reflect Deborah’s love of the arts and passion for good music. One work titled “Shibui--A dirge in memory of my mentor, Deborah Clasquin, “ composed by Dante de Silva, a student of Deborah’s from the late 1990’s, will be performed by Ryan MacEvoy-McCullough, another student of Deborah’s who is now performing internationally.
Written for solo piano, this piece has an austere quality combined with underlying feelings of joy and loss, resulting in a truly poignant musical statement by Mr. de Silva that pays homage to his mentor. Mr. MacEvoy-McCullough will also be performing “Nocturne in B major,” op. 62 no. 1 by Frederic Chopin (1810-1849). This was one of the last pieces he played for Deborah as her student. It is also of one his most favorite piano pieces to perform in public.
Other performances will include a piano transcription performed by pianist Daniela Mineva of Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun.” This is probably one of Debussy’s most loved and popular pieces and was inspired by the poem Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune by Stephane Mallarmé (1842-1898). The transcription was created by Ms. Mineva and will be having its world premiere at this concert.
Eugene Novotney will be performing a piece that he composed titled, “A Minute of News.” This work has been used as the test piece for numerous snare drum competitions, including the Concours International de Caisse Claire - Conservatoire National de Region de Paris 2004 & 2007; Paris, France. The piece is meant to be an alternative to the standard approach of composition for the snare drum. It also acts as a tribute to the fine percussionists of the Afro-Cuban tradition, who are often asked to gain many sounds out of very limited instrumentation.
Clarinetist Dr. Paul Cummings will be performing with pianist Valerie Reed on “Solo de Concours (Contest Solo)” by Henri Ribauld. Written for clarinet and piano this piece has been popular ever since its composition in 1901. It is so entirely in the idiom of the instrument, and is as endearing as any piece of music ever written for the clarinet. It was composed for the graduation and solo competition of the Paris Conservatory, and was used again for the competition in the years 1908, 1915, 1925, and 1937.
Inkling, a local jazz quartet featuring Susie Laraine, flute, Jill Petricca, flute, Shao Way Wu, bass and Brian Post, piano, will perform themes from “Coconino Suite,” composed by Shao Way Wu. This piece offers a somewhat open ended approach for performers to creatively express their reflections of the American archetype: Krazy Kat.
Other works and performers on this special evening will include; Andante from the “Piano Quartet in C minor, op 60”, by Johannes Brahms, “Three Pastoral Songs” by Roger Quilter (1877-1053), and “Premiere Rhapsody for Clarinet and Piano” by Claude Debussy 1862-1918 with performances by Kenneth Ayoob on clarinet, John Chernoff on piano, Karen Davy on viola, Cindy Moyer on violin, Elisabeth Harrington, voice and David Davis on cello.
The concert will be held in Fulkerson Recital Hall on September 26 at 8:00 pm. and tickets are $20. Also, any and all donations towards the scholarship fund will be gladly accepted. Please join the HSU Music Faculty, and members of the North Coast music community in celebrating the life and creative spirit of Deborah Clasquin.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
North Coast Wind Ensemble
North Coast Wind Ensemble plays Bach, Sousa, Wagner and “Elegy for a Young American” on Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5 general, $2 students and seniors from HSU ticket office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.
North Coast Wind Ensemble plays Bach, Sousa, Wagner and “Elegy for a Young American” on Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5 general, $2 students and seniors from HSU ticket office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.
Marching to Summer with the North Coast Wind Ensemble
The more than 30 players of the North Coast Wind Ensemble usher in summer with an eclectic concert on Saturday, June 13 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall.
On the program are Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in G,” Hindesmith’s Symphony in Bb, and Richard Wagner’s “Truaersinfonie.”
“If you’re going to be a band, you have to do marches,” said conductor Kenneth Ayoob. This concert will feature one of the American masters: John Philip Sousa, and his “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.”
Also on the program are William Schuman’s “Chester from New England Triptych,” Fisher Tull’s “Sketches on a Tudor Psalm” and Ronald LoPresti’s “Elegy for a Young American.”
The North Coast Wind Ensemble plays on Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5 general, $2 students and seniors from HSU ticket office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.
The more than 30 players of the North Coast Wind Ensemble usher in summer with an eclectic concert on Saturday, June 13 in the Fulkerson Recital Hall.
On the program are Bach’s “Prelude and Fugue in G,” Hindesmith’s Symphony in Bb, and Richard Wagner’s “Truaersinfonie.”
“If you’re going to be a band, you have to do marches,” said conductor Kenneth Ayoob. This concert will feature one of the American masters: John Philip Sousa, and his “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.”
Also on the program are William Schuman’s “Chester from New England Triptych,” Fisher Tull’s “Sketches on a Tudor Psalm” and Ronald LoPresti’s “Elegy for a Young American.”
The North Coast Wind Ensemble plays on Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. $5 general, $2 students and seniors from HSU ticket office (826-3928) or at the door. Kenneth Ayoob, conductor.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Darius Brotman
Veteran North Coast jazz pianist Darius Brotman and Berkeley bassist Richard Saunders play an intimate concert of jazz standards and originals on Friday, May 22nd at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Guest Artist concert presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Veteran North Coast jazz pianist Darius Brotman and Berkeley bassist Richard Saunders play an intimate concert of jazz standards and originals on Friday, May 22nd at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Guest Artist concert presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Darius Brotman’s Evening of “Serious Chamber Jazz”
Veteran North Coast jazz pianist Darius Brotman teams up with Berkeley bassist Richard Saunders for an intimate evening of jazz standards and originals, to benefit the HSU Music Department scholarship program.
Brotman has been playing jazz piano in Humboldt County for over 20 years. He’s also familiar as the host of the KHSU jazz program “Gone Sides,” Tuesdays at 8:30 pm. He is an HSU Music Department accompanist.
Richard Saunders, formerly of Arcata, is a professional bassist. “The communication between the two of us is exceptional,” Brotman said.
Brotman promises a concert of “serious chamber jazz” on Friday, May 22 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Veteran North Coast jazz pianist Darius Brotman teams up with Berkeley bassist Richard Saunders for an intimate evening of jazz standards and originals, to benefit the HSU Music Department scholarship program.
Brotman has been playing jazz piano in Humboldt County for over 20 years. He’s also familiar as the host of the KHSU jazz program “Gone Sides,” Tuesdays at 8:30 pm. He is an HSU Music Department accompanist.
Richard Saunders, formerly of Arcata, is a professional bassist. “The communication between the two of us is exceptional,” Brotman said.
Brotman promises a concert of “serious chamber jazz” on Friday, May 22 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
University Singers & Humboldt Chorale
Many voices combine in classical song for the joint concert of the 64-member University Singers and 75-member Humboldt Chorale on Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. University Singers directed by Harley Muilenburg. Humboldt Chorale directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Many voices combine in classical song for the joint concert of the 64-member University Singers and 75-member Humboldt Chorale on Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. University Singers directed by Harley Muilenburg. Humboldt Chorale directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Annual Feast of Choral Singing
Lovers of large choral group singing should mark their May calendar for the annual joint concert of the 64-member University Singers and the 75-member Humboldt Chorale on Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m.
HSU students comprise the University Singers, directed by HSU Music professor Harley Muilenberg, while the Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from 13 to 89, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder.
The University Singers perform the Psalm Cantata, “Not Unto Us O Lord” by Felix Mendelssohn, and selections from the Gypsy Songs by Johannes Brahms. The modern era is represented by “Pie Jesu” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem.
Their part of the program concludes with the rousing Neighbor's Chorus from the Offenbach operetta, La Jolie Parfumeuse. This selection features the piano of John Chernoff, who accompanies the Singers throughout.
Soloists for the University Singers are: Christopher Hatcher, Brandy Rose, Conor Jamison, Cally Staats, Kalea Hammond and Margaret Noe.
The Humboldt Chorale performs two selections from Verdi’s opera “Il Trovatore” (the famous Anvil Chorus, and another featuring bass singer Kevin Nakatani) and two from operas by Mozart (the Priest’s Chorus from “Die Zaubeflote” and the Voyager’s Chorus from “Idomeno” featuring soprano Katharine Kinley.)
The Chorale also performs selections from Bizet’s “Carmen” (featuring mezzo-soprano Margaret Noe), Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” the Spinning Chorus from Wagner's "Flying Dutchman" and Verdi's Hebrew Chorus.
The concert concludes with the Easter Chorus by late 19th and early 20th century Italian composer Pietro Mascagni from his ground-breaking opera “Cavalleria Rusticana,” featuring soprano Sarah Benzinger. The Humboldt Chorale dedicates this selection to the memory of Deborah Clasquin.
The joint University Singers and Humboldt Chorale spring concert is Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
Lovers of large choral group singing should mark their May calendar for the annual joint concert of the 64-member University Singers and the 75-member Humboldt Chorale on Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m.
HSU students comprise the University Singers, directed by HSU Music professor Harley Muilenberg, while the Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from 13 to 89, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder.
The University Singers perform the Psalm Cantata, “Not Unto Us O Lord” by Felix Mendelssohn, and selections from the Gypsy Songs by Johannes Brahms. The modern era is represented by “Pie Jesu” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem.
Their part of the program concludes with the rousing Neighbor's Chorus from the Offenbach operetta, La Jolie Parfumeuse. This selection features the piano of John Chernoff, who accompanies the Singers throughout.
Soloists for the University Singers are: Christopher Hatcher, Brandy Rose, Conor Jamison, Cally Staats, Kalea Hammond and Margaret Noe.
The Humboldt Chorale performs two selections from Verdi’s opera “Il Trovatore” (the famous Anvil Chorus, and another featuring bass singer Kevin Nakatani) and two from operas by Mozart (the Priest’s Chorus from “Die Zaubeflote” and the Voyager’s Chorus from “Idomeno” featuring soprano Katharine Kinley.)
The Chorale also performs selections from Bizet’s “Carmen” (featuring mezzo-soprano Margaret Noe), Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci,” the Spinning Chorus from Wagner's "Flying Dutchman" and Verdi's Hebrew Chorus.
The concert concludes with the Easter Chorus by late 19th and early 20th century Italian composer Pietro Mascagni from his ground-breaking opera “Cavalleria Rusticana,” featuring soprano Sarah Benzinger. The Humboldt Chorale dedicates this selection to the memory of Deborah Clasquin.
The joint University Singers and Humboldt Chorale spring concert is Sunday, May 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Jazz Orchestra
HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates the epoch-making music of 1959 on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates the epoch-making music of 1959 on Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Jazz Orchestra Celebrates Epoch-Making Music of 1959
The HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates the golden anniversary of a golden year in jazz, with both the epoch-making music of 1959 and compositions that carry on its spirit, in its final spring concert on Saturday May 9.
The Orchestra plays tunes from three formative albums released in 1959 that made this what Orchestra director and HSU Music Department professor Dan Aldag calls “one of the most significant years in jazz history.”
“All Blues” is from the Miles Davis release, Kind of Blue, one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. “Peri’s Scope” is from the first album by the ground-breaking Bill Evans Trio, Portrait In Jazz. Pianist Evans also played on the Miles Davis album, and his improvised solo remains part of the score for “All Blues.”
The Orchestra also performs “Open Letter to Duke” from the 1959 release Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus. Speaking of Duke, two Ellington compositions are also on the program: “All Too Soon” (which features trombonist Talon Nansel and tenor saxophonist Leo Echazábal) and "Rockin' In Rhythm."
Another of 1959’s influential albums was Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which shattered the jazz shackles to the 4/4 beat. HSU Jazz Orchestra drummer Jonathan Kipp pays homage to that innovation with his composition, “Chased By a Wolf Down a Mountain,” which uses unusual time signatures.
While it wasn't released until the next year, Miles Davis and Gil Evans began recording Sketches of Spain in 1959, and that album's strong classical influence is apparent in two pieces on the program: "Sky Blue" by Maria Schneider (which features Sky Miller on soprano sax) and "Drift" by Darcy James Argue.
The Orchestra plays some unrelated tunes, too: “Déjà vu” (an evocation of the Big Band era), the Woody Herman Band arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Lazy Bird,” and “Blues Walk,” a Clifford Brown composition reconceived with an Afro-Cuban feel by Michael Philip Mossman.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra final spring concert is Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates the golden anniversary of a golden year in jazz, with both the epoch-making music of 1959 and compositions that carry on its spirit, in its final spring concert on Saturday May 9.
The Orchestra plays tunes from three formative albums released in 1959 that made this what Orchestra director and HSU Music Department professor Dan Aldag calls “one of the most significant years in jazz history.”
“All Blues” is from the Miles Davis release, Kind of Blue, one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time. “Peri’s Scope” is from the first album by the ground-breaking Bill Evans Trio, Portrait In Jazz. Pianist Evans also played on the Miles Davis album, and his improvised solo remains part of the score for “All Blues.”
The Orchestra also performs “Open Letter to Duke” from the 1959 release Mingus Ah Um by Charles Mingus. Speaking of Duke, two Ellington compositions are also on the program: “All Too Soon” (which features trombonist Talon Nansel and tenor saxophonist Leo Echazábal) and "Rockin' In Rhythm."
Another of 1959’s influential albums was Time Out by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, which shattered the jazz shackles to the 4/4 beat. HSU Jazz Orchestra drummer Jonathan Kipp pays homage to that innovation with his composition, “Chased By a Wolf Down a Mountain,” which uses unusual time signatures.
While it wasn't released until the next year, Miles Davis and Gil Evans began recording Sketches of Spain in 1959, and that album's strong classical influence is apparent in two pieces on the program: "Sky Blue" by Maria Schneider (which features Sky Miller on soprano sax) and "Drift" by Darcy James Argue.
The Orchestra plays some unrelated tunes, too: “Déjà vu” (an evocation of the Big Band era), the Woody Herman Band arrangement of John Coltrane’s “Lazy Bird,” and “Blues Walk,” a Clifford Brown composition reconceived with an Afro-Cuban feel by Michael Philip Mossman.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra final spring concert is Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
Director's Notes by Dan Aldag
We're continuing our celebration of the 50th anniversary of 1959, one of the most significant years in jazz's history. 1959 was the year of:
Kind Of Blue--Miles Davis: The album that established modal jazz (very few chord changes) as a viable alternative to the bebop approach of very complex and fast-moving chords. Maybe the best-selling jazz album of all time. enowned for its combination of surface beauty and extraordinary depth.
Giant Steps--John Coltrane: The album that was the apotheosis of the aforementioned bebop approach. The title tune remains today a kind of test piece for jazz improvisors.
The Shape of Jazz To Come--Ornette Coleman: The album that established free jazz (no pre-set, fixed chord progressions.) The beginning of jazz's avant-garde revolution of the 1960s
Time Out--Dave Brubeck: The album that first popularized unusual time signatures in jazz. Up to this point, almost all jazz had been in a meter of 4. This album included tunes in meters of 3, 5 ("Take Five"), 6 and 9 ("Blue Rondo a la Turk").
Portrait In Jazz--Bill Evans: The first album from the Bill Evans Trio, the group most responsible for freeing bass and drums from their timekeeping, accompanimental roles. In the Evans Trio, the piano, bass and drums operated as nearly equal musical partners, with often no one explicitly stating the pulse.
Mingus Ah Um--Charles Mingus: The album where Mingus first put together in a coherent and unified way his many and disparate influences, including blues and gospel, Ellington and the complex counterpoint of cool jazz. This album also introduced several of Mingus's best-known and most-performed compositions, including "Better Git It In Your Soul," "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" and "Fables of Faubus."
On this concert, we'll be playing "All Blues" from Kind Of Blue, "Open Letter to Duke" from Mingus Ah Um and "Peri's Scope" from Evans' Portrait In Jazz. Those three were all recorded by small groups and the arrangements we're playing reflect three different approaches to jazz repertory. The "All Blues" arrangement is by the famed bass player Chuck Israels and he has scored for the full band the solos improvised by Miles and pianist Bill Evans on the original recording. I arranged "Open Letter to Duke" by simply expanding the scoring of Mingus's original recording. Mike Tomaro's arrangement of "Peri's Scope" uses only the original melody and harmony as the basis for a unique interpretation of the tune.
Some of the rest of the music we'll be playing shows the influence of the innovative recordings of 1959. "Chased By A Wolf Down a Mountain" by our drummer, Jonathan Kipp, uses unusual time signatures, primarily seven. While it wasn't released until the next year, Miles Davis and Gil Evans began recording Sketches of Spain in 1959 and that album's strong classical influence is apparent in two pieces we'll be playing, "Sky Blue" by Maria Schneider (which features Sky Miller on soprano sax) and "Drift" by Darcy James Argue.
We'll also play music that has no direct connection to 1959, including Duke Ellington's "Rockin' In Rhythm", written in the early 1930s, but this particular arrangement is one the Ellington band began playing in the '50s.
The title of "Déjà Vu" by Tom Fredrickson refers both to Fredrickson's conscious evocation of the big band era and how musical material from early in the composition continues to reoccur throughout the piece. "Blues Walk" is a Clifford Brown composition reconceived with an Afro-Cuban feel by Michael Philip Mossman. John Coltrane's "Lazy Bird" will be played in an arrangement done for the Woody Herman band by Bill Stapleton. Duke Ellington's "All Too Soon" will feature trombonist Talon Nansel and tenor saxophonist Leo Echazábal.
We're continuing our celebration of the 50th anniversary of 1959, one of the most significant years in jazz's history. 1959 was the year of:
Kind Of Blue--Miles Davis: The album that established modal jazz (very few chord changes) as a viable alternative to the bebop approach of very complex and fast-moving chords. Maybe the best-selling jazz album of all time. enowned for its combination of surface beauty and extraordinary depth.
Giant Steps--John Coltrane: The album that was the apotheosis of the aforementioned bebop approach. The title tune remains today a kind of test piece for jazz improvisors.
The Shape of Jazz To Come--Ornette Coleman: The album that established free jazz (no pre-set, fixed chord progressions.) The beginning of jazz's avant-garde revolution of the 1960s
Time Out--Dave Brubeck: The album that first popularized unusual time signatures in jazz. Up to this point, almost all jazz had been in a meter of 4. This album included tunes in meters of 3, 5 ("Take Five"), 6 and 9 ("Blue Rondo a la Turk").
Portrait In Jazz--Bill Evans: The first album from the Bill Evans Trio, the group most responsible for freeing bass and drums from their timekeeping, accompanimental roles. In the Evans Trio, the piano, bass and drums operated as nearly equal musical partners, with often no one explicitly stating the pulse.
Mingus Ah Um--Charles Mingus: The album where Mingus first put together in a coherent and unified way his many and disparate influences, including blues and gospel, Ellington and the complex counterpoint of cool jazz. This album also introduced several of Mingus's best-known and most-performed compositions, including "Better Git It In Your Soul," "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" and "Fables of Faubus."
On this concert, we'll be playing "All Blues" from Kind Of Blue, "Open Letter to Duke" from Mingus Ah Um and "Peri's Scope" from Evans' Portrait In Jazz. Those three were all recorded by small groups and the arrangements we're playing reflect three different approaches to jazz repertory. The "All Blues" arrangement is by the famed bass player Chuck Israels and he has scored for the full band the solos improvised by Miles and pianist Bill Evans on the original recording. I arranged "Open Letter to Duke" by simply expanding the scoring of Mingus's original recording. Mike Tomaro's arrangement of "Peri's Scope" uses only the original melody and harmony as the basis for a unique interpretation of the tune.
Some of the rest of the music we'll be playing shows the influence of the innovative recordings of 1959. "Chased By A Wolf Down a Mountain" by our drummer, Jonathan Kipp, uses unusual time signatures, primarily seven. While it wasn't released until the next year, Miles Davis and Gil Evans began recording Sketches of Spain in 1959 and that album's strong classical influence is apparent in two pieces we'll be playing, "Sky Blue" by Maria Schneider (which features Sky Miller on soprano sax) and "Drift" by Darcy James Argue.
We'll also play music that has no direct connection to 1959, including Duke Ellington's "Rockin' In Rhythm", written in the early 1930s, but this particular arrangement is one the Ellington band began playing in the '50s.
The title of "Déjà Vu" by Tom Fredrickson refers both to Fredrickson's conscious evocation of the big band era and how musical material from early in the composition continues to reoccur throughout the piece. "Blues Walk" is a Clifford Brown composition reconceived with an Afro-Cuban feel by Michael Philip Mossman. John Coltrane's "Lazy Bird" will be played in an arrangement done for the Woody Herman band by Bill Stapleton. Duke Ellington's "All Too Soon" will feature trombonist Talon Nansel and tenor saxophonist Leo Echazábal.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Humboldt Symphony
Among its spring concert selections, Humboldt Symphony plays the famous and formidable Schumann Piano Concerto featuring pianist Ching-Ming Cheng on Friday May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 10 at 3 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Among its spring concert selections, Humboldt Symphony plays the famous and formidable Schumann Piano Concerto featuring pianist Ching-Ming Cheng on Friday May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday May 10 at 3 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
The Humboldt Symphony Spring Concert: Super Schumann, Innovative Weber and a Memorial Mahler
“It’s a super-human showpiece for piano, and a tour de force for the orchestra.”
That’s how Humboldt Symphony conductor and HSU Music Department professor Paul Cummings describes the famous and formidable Schumann Piano Concerto, the centerpiece of the Symphony’s spring concert.
Pianist and HSU Music Department faculty member Ching-Ming Cheng will play the “extremely demanding piano part” in this concerto by mid-19th century German composer Robert Schumann. “He wrote it at the height of German Romanticism,” Cummings added, “and it’s about as Romantic as music gets.”
“Just as the Schumann concerto is a showpiece for piano,” Cummings said, “the Weber piece we’re playing is a showpiece for clarinet.” Soloist for the Clarinet Concerto #1 by 19th century German composer Carl Weber is HSU student Jacki Fraser. The Humboldt Symphony performs the first movement, praised for its innovation and daring.
The orchestra also plays two lesser-known works by famous composers: “L’Arlesienne Suite #1” by Georges Bizet (best known for the opera Carmen) and “Blumine” by Gustav Mahler. Of the latter, Cummings said, “It’s a slow, beautiful piece which we are dedicating to the memory of Deborah Clasquin, because she loved Mahler so much.”
The concert concludes on a light, bright note with “Four Scottish Dances” by 20th century British composer Malcolm Arnold. The Humboldt Symphony performs its spring concert on Friday May 8 at 8 p.m. and as a Sunday matinee on May 10 at 3 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
“It’s a super-human showpiece for piano, and a tour de force for the orchestra.”
That’s how Humboldt Symphony conductor and HSU Music Department professor Paul Cummings describes the famous and formidable Schumann Piano Concerto, the centerpiece of the Symphony’s spring concert.
Pianist and HSU Music Department faculty member Ching-Ming Cheng will play the “extremely demanding piano part” in this concerto by mid-19th century German composer Robert Schumann. “He wrote it at the height of German Romanticism,” Cummings added, “and it’s about as Romantic as music gets.”
“Just as the Schumann concerto is a showpiece for piano,” Cummings said, “the Weber piece we’re playing is a showpiece for clarinet.” Soloist for the Clarinet Concerto #1 by 19th century German composer Carl Weber is HSU student Jacki Fraser. The Humboldt Symphony performs the first movement, praised for its innovation and daring.
The orchestra also plays two lesser-known works by famous composers: “L’Arlesienne Suite #1” by Georges Bizet (best known for the opera Carmen) and “Blumine” by Gustav Mahler. Of the latter, Cummings said, “It’s a slow, beautiful piece which we are dedicating to the memory of Deborah Clasquin, because she loved Mahler so much.”
The concert concludes on a light, bright note with “Four Scottish Dances” by 20th century British composer Malcolm Arnold. The Humboldt Symphony performs its spring concert on Friday May 8 at 8 p.m. and as a Sunday matinee on May 10 at 3 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
Additional Note
The pieces the Symphony will play by Georges Bizet and Gustav Mahler have an odd element in common: both were originally written to accompany unsuccessful stage plays. Bizet extracted “L’Arlesienne Suite #1” and Mahler recast “Blumine”—but it has an even more complicated history.
Mahler adapted it for his first symphony. It was the basis of the second movement, but after this symphony’s first performances, Mahler eliminated the second movement entirely, and made this a stand-alone work. “The first symphony is played a lot,” Paul Cummings notes, “but this piece is seldom played at all.”
The pieces the Symphony will play by Georges Bizet and Gustav Mahler have an odd element in common: both were originally written to accompany unsuccessful stage plays. Bizet extracted “L’Arlesienne Suite #1” and Mahler recast “Blumine”—but it has an even more complicated history.
Mahler adapted it for his first symphony. It was the basis of the second movement, but after this symphony’s first performances, Mahler eliminated the second movement entirely, and made this a stand-alone work. “The first symphony is played a lot,” Paul Cummings notes, “but this piece is seldom played at all.”
Thursday, May 07, 2009
AM Jazz Band
The AM Jazz Band of HSU plays up-tempo tunes by Monk, Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie on Thursday May 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Paul Cummings; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
The AM Jazz Band of HSU plays up-tempo tunes by Monk, Ellington and Dizzy Gillespie on Thursday May 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Paul Cummings; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Sky’s the Limit with the AM Jazz Band
HSU senior, Music Education major and saxophonist Sky Miller directs three of the six selections in the AM Jazz spring concert on Friday, May 7.
“A student director is unusual for us,” said HSU Music professor Paul Cummings, “but we want to give Sky that experience, since this is what he’s preparing to do after graduation.”
Miller will lead the jazz band in “Boogie Express,” a tune by Sonny Nestico (arranger for the Count Basie Band) in an early 20th century shuffle style. “Manteca” is a Latin tune by Dizzy Gillespie, and “Black Butterfly” is a ballad by Duke Ellington, arranged by Benny Carter.
Paul Cummings directs the band in the other three tunes: “Straight, No Chaser” by Thelonious Monk, “Ran Kan Kan” by Tito Puente and “The Mooch” by Duke Ellington. “The Mooch” is another early 20th century tune, which features two trumpets using plunger mutes. “These emulate the sound of the human voice better than other mutes,” Cummings said, “so the effect is a conversation between the two players.”
The AM JAZZ BAND plays on Thursday May 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
HSU senior, Music Education major and saxophonist Sky Miller directs three of the six selections in the AM Jazz spring concert on Friday, May 7.
“A student director is unusual for us,” said HSU Music professor Paul Cummings, “but we want to give Sky that experience, since this is what he’s preparing to do after graduation.”
Miller will lead the jazz band in “Boogie Express,” a tune by Sonny Nestico (arranger for the Count Basie Band) in an early 20th century shuffle style. “Manteca” is a Latin tune by Dizzy Gillespie, and “Black Butterfly” is a ballad by Duke Ellington, arranged by Benny Carter.
Paul Cummings directs the band in the other three tunes: “Straight, No Chaser” by Thelonious Monk, “Ran Kan Kan” by Tito Puente and “The Mooch” by Duke Ellington. “The Mooch” is another early 20th century tune, which features two trumpets using plunger mutes. “These emulate the sound of the human voice better than other mutes,” Cummings said, “so the effect is a conversation between the two players.”
The AM JAZZ BAND plays on Thursday May 7 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Madrigal and Mad River Transit Singers
HSU Madrigal Singers sing to spring and Mad River Transit vocalize jazz standards of the 30s and 40s on Sunday, May 3 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
HSU Madrigal Singers sing to spring and Mad River Transit vocalize jazz standards of the 30s and 40s on Sunday, May 3 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg; presented by the HSU Department of Music.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)