CWS Concert Review Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual

The Calgary Wind Symphony performed a selection of mysterious and sweeping music on a snowy Sunday, March 3, 2013 at the University of Calgary’s Rozsa Centre. Dubbed "Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual", the concert featured Terri Shouldice on flute and Dr. Jeremy Brown on alto saxophone. It also included two premières: the Canadian première of Kenneth Fuch's Rush - Concerto in E flat for Alto Saxophone and the Alberta première of Paul Hart's Cartoon.

Recently, when Dr. Jeremy Brown was conducting the University of Calgary Jazz Ensemble in the United States, he had the opportunity to meet with Daniel Bukvich, who composed the first piece, entitled Voodoo. Bukvich was delighted to hear that the Calgary Wind Symphony was working on Voodoo and promised to send another one of his works.

Calgary Wind Symphony Conjures Vivid Imagery at Calgary Concert

At the downbeat , the Rozsa Centre was draped in darkness, with only the twinkling lights from the music stands and Dr. Jeremy Brown's blue glow-in -the-dark baton. Voodoo painted a vivid picture for listeners.It was as if the audience was transported into the middle of a David Attenborough nature documentary, complete with bird calls and trombone slides to depict swinging monkeys. The rain sticks and flash lights gave the effect of a rainstorm, while the clapping and chanting evoked images of aborginal peoples celebrating a successful hunt.

Charles Griffes' Poem for Flute and Orchestrafeatured CWS flautist Terri Shouldice. This Impressionistic inspired work offered listeners aural post cards of contrasting scenes. It opened with the low brass instruments. The winds echoed back the theme before the flute's entrance. The languid first theme showcased. The solo flute passages varied from sweeping motives to a mysterious Spanish-infused theme.The applause lasted for several minutes after the performance.

Old Churches by Pullitzer prize winner Michael Colgrass evoked images crumbling, abandoned churches. The melancholy soundscape was peppered with momentary shots of dissonance, created by the aleatoric segments. At times, it sounded like debris blowing in the wind and hitting against broken glass, while the stainless steel mixing bowls sounded like an iron gate clanging against a broken latch.

The final work for the first half, Cartoon by Paul Hart was an absolute treat to hear. Dr. Brown introduced it as a "sophisticated musical stew."

It opened with a lively march, a la Bugs Bunny. The scurrying dialogue between the winds and percussion mimicked a chase à la Tom & Jerry, while the muted trombones sounded an awful lot like the teacher from Peanuts.

The slower middle theme contained Gershin-esque harmonies and sweeping melodies which conjured images of Pepe le Pew on a night on the town. "Music Mysteries, Legends & Ritual" marked what Dr. Brown believed was the Alberta première performance of this entertaining work.

Haunting Flute Music Performed by the Parthenia Flute Choir

Concert patrons enjoyed some otherworldly music in the lobby during intermission, performed by the Parthenia Flute Choir. The flute ensemble, under the direction of Wendy Freeman, performed Eric Ewazen's Harmony in Blue and Gold. 

Comprised of four movements, Harmony was inspired by James McNeill Whistler’s "Peacock Room" located at the Smithsonian Institution's Freer Gallery. Eric Ewazen composed this work for Femme Flutale.

A Canadian Premiere and a Rarely Performed Work at the CWS Concert

The Calgary Wind Symphony delivered the Canadian première performance of Rush - Concerto for E flat Alto Saxophone, American composer Kenneth Fuchs. This demanding work featured Dr. Jeremy Brown on saxophone and Wendy Freeman as the conductor.

The first movement, "Evening" opened with a saxophone solo that featured long soulful tones. The ensemble soon joined in with a grand sweeping theme. As the saxophone continued to play a pensive melody, the flutes and percussion played carefully placed notes, depicting stars lighting up the sky, one by one. The saxophone part traversed the alto saxophone's entire range and showcased Dr. Brown's beautiful tone.

The second movement, "Morning", revealed several contrasting moods. It began with a lyrical sax solo. This soon gave way to a rhythmic passage, featuring the winds in the upper range against a sweeping motif played by the saxophones. As the movement progressed, the music featured more syncopated rhythms, pushing towards a dramatic climax.

The music of Kenneth Fuchs is gaining recognition worldwide and has led to successful collaborations. He has worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lanford Wilson and the London Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of JoFalletta recorded three albums featuring Fuch's music. The first album was nominated for two Grammys.

Flute Cocktail by Harry Simeone was a light hearted piece. It opened with the flutes playing a Baroque-styled theme, which soon gave way to the  brass and percussion instruments, while the flutes played a bubbly motif underneath. Snippets of London Bridge weaved throughout the work.

The Calgary Wind Symphony closed with La Fiesta Mexicana by H. Owen Reed. Dr. Brown explained that due to the work's length of 18 minutes, it is rarely performed. "Maybe once every 10 years," he said.

One interesting feature for this work is the fact that various musicians went off-stage to perform, mimicking a mariachi band heard in the distance. The work is comprised of three movements: a rhythmic and energetic "Prelude and Aztec Dance", a reverent "Mass" and a toe-tapping "Carnival".

About the Calgary Wind Symphony

The Calgary Wind Symphony is a 60-member ensemble, directed by Dr. Jeremy Brown of the University of Calgary. Formerly known as the Calgary Concert Band, the ensemble has been active in Calgary’s musical community since 1947.

Music aficionados can check out the Calgary Wind Symphony on Sunday, June 2 at 2:30 p.m. The CWS will present “Apollo Sings! Music that Soars”. For more information and to buy concert tickets, please visit the CWS’s website.

For those who braved the terrible winter roads on March 3, 2013, the Calgary Wind Symphony’s “Music of Mysteries, Legends and Ritual” concert proved to be a diverse and highly entertaining programme of eerie and grand music.

The Best of Soul Eater CD Review

For fans of the popular fantasy-shonen anime Soul Eater, "The Best of Soul Eater" is a great collection of theme songs, OST tracks and character songs.

Soul Eater fans can rejoice. As the title says, The Best of Soul Eater CD does contain the most popular tracks from the popular anime Soul Eater. Excalibur is nowhere to be heard; just 51 minutes' worth of J-Rock and J-Pop hits sung by popular artists such as T.M. Revolution and Stance Punks, as well as character songs performed by the original voice actors (seiyuu) from the Japanese production.

About Soul Eater the Anime

Soul Eater is a supernatural shonen anime based on the long-running manga created by Atsushi Okubo of the same name. Soul Eater the animated series is produced by Bones/Square Enix (Japanese) and FUNimation/Media Factory (ADR, English).

Students of the Death Weapon Meister Academy are classified as weapons or weapon meisters. There, they learn the skills and knowledge to defeat wayward souls before they turn into something worse. Weapons and meisters are paired together based on soul compatibility. They work together to collect the souls of 99 monsters in the hopes of transforming the "weapon" partner into one of Lord Death's Death Scythes. The story centers around three teams: Maka and Soul, Black Star and Tsubaki and Death the Kid and the Thompson sisters, Liz and Patty.

Punk, Rock and Pop in The Best of Soul Eater the CD

It is difficult to put The Best of Soul Eater into one classification. It's edgy J-Rock. Then, it's punk rock and then it turns into sweet and sugary J-Pop.

The Best of Soul Eater contains full versions of all the intro and outro theme songs from Soul Eater. There's "Resonance", a driving rock song performed by T.M. Revolution. Punk rock band Stance Punks perform the first outro theme "I Wanna Be", which starts simply with voice and broken chords played by the guitar. That quickly switches to a strong punk groove.

The character songs sung by the Japanese seiyuu are a welcome addition. These were first released as CD singles. "Maurve iro no Sympathy" (Mauve-colored Sympathy) is a fast J-Rock number sung by Chiaki Omigawa (Maka Albarn) and Kouki Uchiyama (Soul Eater Evans).

"My Star" is also a quick number, with more of a "battle-mode" groove, sung by Yumiko Kobayashi (Black Star) ad Kaori Nazuka (Tsubaki Nakatsukasa). One could almost picture Black Star circling his opponent and then launching in "Speed Star" mode in concert with the driving percussion.

"Sore ga Bokura no Michishirube" (It is Our Guide) is a catchy J-Pop tune sung by Mamoru Miyano (Liz) , Akeno Watanabe (Death the Kid) and Tarumi Nakahira (Patty) . Their weaving melodic lines are well-balanced. One could say, it's symmetrical (Death the Kid's obsession).

Memorable tracks from the Soul Eater anime soundtrack (Soul Eater OST) also made the cut, such as "Psychedelic Souljam" and Death the Kid's theme song "Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Have a Nice Dream". The CD wraps up with one bonus track, "Soul's Crossing". This is the theme song from the game Soul Eater Monotone Princess, performed by T.M. Revolution.

The Best of Soul Eater Track Listing

1. resonance

2. I Wanna Be

3. Style.

4. PAPERMOON

5. Bakusou Yume Uta

6. STRENGTH.

7. Mauve iro no Sympathy

8. My Star

9. Sore ga Bokura no Michishirube

10. PSYCHEDELIC SOULJAM

11. harmoNIZE

12. Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Have a Nice Dream

13. soul's crossing (Bonus Track)

The Best of Soul Eater Album Details

• Featured Artists: T.M Revolution, Stance Punks, Kana Nishino, Tommy heavenly6, Diggy-MO', abingdon boys school, Lotus Juice and Shinya.

• Music Director: Akiko Yodo, Reo Kurosu

• Recording Producer: Ryo Ohyama, Keiichi Tonomura

• Label: Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., Miya Records Co. Ltd.

• Released: April 22, 2009

• Also included: 46 page booklet containing the lyrics, performing artist, production credits.

The Best of Soul Eater CD - as Catchy, Edgy and Fun as the Anime

For fans of the anime Soul Eater, there are no "misses" on this CD. It is a well-balanced compilation of the most popular J-Pop and J-Rock songs from this hit anime. Fans of anime music and even listeners unfamiliar with the world of Soul Eater could enjoy the CD for its diversity, sound quality and artwork.

Source:

Anime News Network (accessed June 1, 2010)

September 2, 2020 Update: The Best of Soul Eater is no longer available at CD Japan and Amazon. However, you may purchase the Soul Eater Original Soundtrack 1 through Amazon.

Interview with Julie Souin of Virtual Choir 3.0

When I wrote for Suite101, I had the opportunity to interview Julie Souin from Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 3.0 to discuss Eric Whitacre, DCINY's Sing with Eric and Virtual Choir.

Julie Souin of Rhode Island, USA, recorded four voice parts to Eric Whitacre's Virtual Choir 3 project: “Water Night”. A total of 3,746 videos were submitted by singers from around the world. Souin sat down with Suite101 on April 25, 2012 via Skype to talk about Eric Whitacre's music, Virtual Choir and Sing With Eric.

Julie Souin on Recording Virtual Choir 2 and 3

“I obsessed over my recording with Sleep,” she recalled. “It wasn't good enough. No, I could do better.” She recorded 50 times before submitting her final video for VC2.

“I knew that it wasn't great and I could probably do even better; but it was the best I could do at the time, with the equipment that I had.” With a triumphant voice, followed by a hearty chuckle, she added, “I just felt like I conquered the world when I pressed 'Submit.' ”

Julie felt more relaxed while preparing for VC3, but had other challenges to contend with. “I had all the external issues, like my dogs making noises.” In another take, it was someone else. “My kids came home right as we're holding that last note. I'm holding one hand up to the door as they got the key in the door making a chick-chick-chick...I still submitted it!

“I think with Sleep, I would have never done that. I would have said, 'I wrecked it at the end.' With this, it was 'No, it's an OK recording'. I think I was much more forgiving with those kinds of things the second time around, knowing that a lot the little tiny things don't matter.” Turning reflective, she said, “But you do want to bring honour to the whole project and you want to bring honour to yourself in submitting the best possible production.”

Julie Souin on DCINY's Sing with Eric

In 2011, Julie's daughter auditioned and was selected to sing at Sing with Eric. This annual workshop is presented by Distinguished Concerts International – New York. “At the parent meeting,” she recalled, “I kind of jokingly said, 'Do you take parent singers?' The guy said, 'See me afterwards. I actually have a spot for you.' ” With a laugh, she added, “I was freaking out. Not only do I get to go hear this music live but now, my daughter's participating; and now I'm participating. It was a dream come true.”

Julie enjoyed herself so much that she participated again in Sing with Eric 2012, which was held March 30 – April 1, 2012 in New York, NY. Three days of intensive rehearsals with Eric Whitacre culminated with a performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. “To sing with the composer and to sing the music as closely as it's intended to be sung – to the best of your ability – is really a dream come true.”

Julie Souin on The Virtual Choir's Online Community

“So much of this is hard to put into words,” Julie said. After some thought, she elaborated, “The relationships that have blossomed out of this are, I feel, as real as the people I have met in real life. The people that I haven't – that I only know virtually, whether it's Google Hangouts or Skype or typing – they're like, real friendships and I would have never expected that. It was a very unexpected perk.”

Julie is full of admiration for her Virtual Choir friends. “These friends are artistic, very open people. Open to share of themselves. To give of themselves...They're very loving people.”

In addition to singing in Virtual Choir, Julie is a member of the Virtual Choir Army, a small group of singers who helped fellow VC members as they prepared their submissions. “My son is on his first deployment in Afghanistan,” she shared. “Helping people gather the courage to learn “Water Night” for VC 3.0, record and upload videos was extra rewarding. I really needed a healthy distraction from thinking about my son and his safety. Reaching out to others as well as learning and memorizing the music for our Carnegie Hall concert was just the thing. I am so grateful.”

The Water Night Premiere and Meeting Virtual Choir Members in New York

The world premiere of Virtual Choir 3.0: “Water Night” took place on Monday, April 2, 2012. It was fast on the heels behind Sing with Eric as well as the release of Eric Whitacre's latest CD, also entitled Water Night. Julie Souin attended both events.

“I'm sitting with all these people who have this vested interest,” she recalled. “A lot of them sang in the Virtual Choir. Everybody is heavily anticipating this moment and to watch it in the same room with all of them was really special.”

Another highlight for Julie was the opportunity to meet fellow Virtual Choir members in person. “Oh my gosh!” she gushed. “That was a cool thing itself. I spent a lot of time with Jack [Rowland] because we're really good friends. I picked him up at the airport. It was like we have known each other our whole lives from the get-go. From the second I saw him, there was this comfort level like a brother and sister.

“It wasn't until after the concert at Carnegie Hall and there was the rest of the gang all waiting. I met up with them and that moment was completely unreal. I saw Jack, Lynna [Schaefer] and Kevin [Callahan] and Jen [Christensen]. Then Dennis [Scannell] and Maria [Petrova].

“There were other people that joined us that I didn't know as well or I haven't known as long. The entire gang, no matter who showed up, whenever we went out or we were together, everybody was like one big happy family. It was almost like we had known each other since high school and we were having a high school reunion.”

Julie Souin on Meeting and Working with Grammy Winning Composer Eric Whitacre

When Suite101 asked “What is Eric like in person?” Julie quickly replied, “Special. Really, he's special. Not just the music he creates, but as a person. He really is super-grounded, down-to-earth, very genuine. Everything that you see in interviews? It's real.

“He's very respectful to each person he meets. He gives each person as much time as he can possibly give, in whatever situation they are approaching him.”

Julie firmly believes that Eric Whitacre's personal qualities come through in his music. “You feel that sincerity when you hear his music.”

Julie Souin on Eric Whitacre's CD Water Night

One of Julie's favourite tracks is “When David Heard”. “I can't imagine that you can make a piece that long out of so few words and it remains interesting; and you feel what the parent would feel if you were in that situation. It makes you feel something deep down. It really reaches the soul.”

When asked about the CD, Julie answered in revered tones. “I love it. It's everything I hoped it would be and thought it would be. Probably more.”

Originally published on Suite101.com on May 26, 2012. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Understanding Musician Injuries

Musicians are prone to injury from repeating a motion countless times when practicing. A better understanding of music injuries is vital for musicians' health.

Common symptoms of a musician repetitive strain injury are similar to computer-related and speech-related injuries:

• Numb fingers, arms, wrist, jaw, neck, shoulders and back

• Shooting pain up the arms, shoulder and back

• Cramping muscles or stiffness

• Dull ache experienced in the fingers, arms, back, jaw, throat, wrist, shoulders and back

• Hoarseness

If left unchecked, can become chronic conditions. They can potentially lead to long-term disability or end one’s musical career.

Common Types of Music Injuries

Common music-related injuries include:

• Bursitis: inflammation of a bursa (fluid-filled sac which lubricates the movements of tendons, muscles and bones at joints)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: inflamed or irritated hand flexor tendons

• Larynx Contact Ulcers: raw sores on the mucous membranes covering the cartilage attached to the vocal chords

• Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: inflamed or irritated tendons affecting the inner side of the forearm and the pinky side of the hand

• Laryngitis: inflammation of the larynx

• De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: inflammation of the tendons on the side of the wrist beginning at the base of the thumb.

• Tendinitis: inflammation of the tendons

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: compression of the thoracic outlet, the nerve pathway and/or blood vessels between the base of the neck and the armpit

• Trigger Finger: inflammation of the index finger tendons

• Vocal Nodules & Polyps: small, inflammatory or fibrous growth on the vocal cords of people who strain their voices.

How Music Injuries are Caused

1. Overuse: Advanced musicians practice between one to ten hours a day.

2. Repetitive Strain: Musicians repeat a technical exercise or section of music countless times until it comes together.

3. Improper Posture: Some musicians slouch, sit too close or too far from their instrument and remain in the same position for long periods of time.

4. Non-Ergonomic Technique: Some musicians hold their body and/or instrument in an uncomfortable position, don’t move their hand and/or body in the direction that their fingers are moving, push their fingers or vocal chords beyond what they can comfortably do.

How to Prevent Music Injuries

Do Your Research: Find out more about the various types of music-related injuries.

Assess Your Instrument: Is your instrument the right size, shape, weight and height for you? Would an adjustable chair, footstool, strap or cushion make you more comfortable?

Know Your Body: Choose pieces that are reasonable for your body to play. If you have small fingers, playing repertoire that requires you to stretch beyond your finger span is a recipe for disaster. However, if you really want to learn a particular piece (or you need to learn it), make adjustments to make it easier to play. If you are a student, let your teacher know right away whether a piece or technical exercise is causing you pain.

Appraise Your Playing Technique: Is your body relaxed? Are your hands, arms, neck, head and core positioned to allow for fluid and comfortable playing or singing? Are you moving with the music? Are you using excess movements? Is your fingering logical and comfortable? Videotaping yourself is a valuable method to assess your playing technique.

Evaluate Your Non-Musical Activities: Desk and computer work, sports, dancing, carrying heavy objects (or dependents) and hobbies can adversely affect your body.

Do Warm-Up Exercises and Stretches: Musicians are sometimes called “small muscle athletes”. Stretching exercises and gentle warm-ups result in increased range of motion, strength, coordination and flexibility.

Take Breaks: One’s muscles, ears and vocal chords need regular breaks to return to their relaxed state. Not doing so tricks the body into thinking that “tense” is the “relaxed state”, resulting in chronic pain and stress.

Engage in Active Sitting: Most musicians remain in a seated position for extended periods of time. Active seating helps ease chronic back pain, promotes correct posture and maintains general health.

Seek Professional Advice: Speak to a doctor, chiropractor, massage therapist, Alexander Technique specialist, music instructor, otolaryngologist or ergonomic specialist for further information or treatment.

Be Proactive in Maintaining Musician Health

With an increased understanding of the types, causes and prevention of music injuries, musicians can be more proactive in maintaining their first instrument: the body. Musicians dedicated to maintaining musician health can look forward to many years of pain and injury-free music-making.

The Rest of My Series on Musician Injuries

Face and Neck Stretches for Musicians | Arm and Hand Stretches for Musicians | Back and Should Stretches for Musicians

Additional References:

The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music from the Heart, Madeline Bruser (New York: Bell Tower, 1999)

Musicians' Injuries: Types and How to Avoid It, Espie Estrella

Musicians and Injuries, UN-L Engineering Electronics Shop, University of Nevada

Originally published on Suite101.com on November 20, 2009. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Excited About My New Accompaniment Gig

I can see why my friends and colleagues who gig regularly enjoy playing with different groups of musicians. The easiest way for me to explain how it makes me feel is to use an analogy from anthropology:

The Tamil Indians believe that all living and inanimate substances are fluid essences. That is, me typing on studio computer keyboard, staring at my computer screen make up a new "joint" substance. Every music ensemble and every project is akin to this.

This week and next, I am working with a school choir in preparation for their in-school music festival. I've worked with the music teacher before but with a different choir. Different context. Different ensemble. Totally different music.

The pieces are simply charming. I'm having a great time learning the music. It's energizing as it's different from what I've been working on lately.

First, there's Antonio by Jay Broeker:

Antonio

By Jay Broeker. For 2-part voices and piano. Concert. Octavo. Published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing (SB.SBMP-873)

...more info

It's the trickiest of the bunch. The lyrics are funny and tune sticks in your head for hours.

Nick Page's Fairest Lady is a beautiful ballad:

Fairest Lady

((No. 7 from The Nursery Rhyme Cantata) CME Beginning). By Nick Page. For Choral, Chorus, Piano (UNIS). CME Beginning Series. 8 pages. Boosey & Hawkes #M051471799. Published by Boosey & Hawkes (HL.48004859)

(1)

...more info

Spirits by Douglas Beam is deliciously spooky. The fourth piece is Pirate for a Day by Roger Emerson:

Pirate for a Day

By Roger Emerson. For Choral (2-Part). Youth Sing Out (Choral). 12 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.8564233)

...more info

It makes me giggle whenever I practice it. Every. Single. Time.

I am enjoying my work with the choirs so far and look forward to hearing what kind of music we create together onstage.