THWOMP Album Review: Hey! Listen!

THWOMP's sophomore album, which features beloved Nintendo® video game themes, including The Legend of Zelda series, Double Dragon II and FFVII is reviewed.

Nintendo® cover band THWOMP released its sophomore album on April 27, 2012. Entitled Hey! Listen!, the album boasts 15 tracks, a musical treat for gamers of all ages.

THWOMP is a five-piece progressive "prog" rock band based in Calgary, Alberta. It is comprised of Brad Stanton (bass), Colin Mitchell (lead guitar), Dan Bronson (guitar), Scott Moffat (drums) and David Marshall (keyboards).

Founded in 2001 by Brad Stanton and former band member Scott Munro, THWOMP performs regularly at conventions across Western Canada. Last month, the band performed at the Calgary Comic Expo, where Hey! Listen! was unveiled.

THWOMP released its debut album, Knight League EP in 2010. The eight-track Nintendo® CD featured the band's arrangements from the classic Super Nintendo® racing game F-Zero.

Hey! Listen! is the group's first full-length album. Transcription was done by Brad Stanton, Kirk McVean and David Marshall. All members of THWOMP were involved with writing the band arrangements on the album.

Hey! Listen Highlights

The “Dungeon Theme” from The Legend of Zelda sets the tone for a nostalgic journey back in time. The opening is truly a gem, best appreciated live. "The beginning of the 'Zelda - Dungeon Theme' is actually two guitars, one playing 8th notes, the other playing off-beat 16ths," explained David Marshall in recent correspondence. "The neatest part about it is that it sounds like one guitar. It's an especially cool effect live, coming off the stage in stereo."

They are soon joined by the drums. Layer upon layer is added until the main dungeon theme appears played on the keyboards. As the theme loops, it builds in intensity, gradually leading the listener down musical depths before coming to slow mournful conclusion on solo guitar.

THWOMP's version of the “J-E-N-O-V-A” theme is edgier than it is in Final Fantasy VII. The keyboards, playing it as it appears in the game, but the guitars are quickly given the theme. They circle around and clash as if in battle, playing against the backdrop of a relentless rock groove on percussion.

“Fever” from Dr. Mario is a catchy and “feel good” track. The opening theme is first played by the keyboards (set for full nostalgic effect). The drums lay a catchy groove that is bound to set toes tapping and heads bopping long before the guitars take over the melody. THWOMP really shows how effective rests can be. Although they are in the original theme, the silences in THWOMP's arrangement are especially crisp. Indeed, they are long enough to elicit chuckles or squeals of excitement or delight from listeners.

The band vamps a bit, building the excitement before launching full-on into the “Korobeiniki” theme from Tetris. The guitars play the opening theme, while the keyboards provide an effective contrast with the the second theme. There's enough time in the interlude for listeners to mimic falling Tetris pieces before the main themes return in full force.

A little bit of disco shuffle merged with solid 80's rock grooves come together for the “Double Dragon II Theme”. The guitars belt out the main themes while the keyboards provide the requisite video game sound FX. One could easily imagine character Billy Lee taking down a street full of baddies to this rendition.

Listeners can truly rock out with the Star Fox “Attack Carrier” theme. The guitars weave around like Fox McCloud's Arwing, soaring against the driving beat laid down by the drums. The keyboards have some cool licks too.

Hey! Listen! Track Listing

1. The Legend of Zelda – Dungeon

2. A Link to the Past - Dark World

3. The Adventure of Link - Minor Battle

4. The Adventure of Link - Palace

5. Final Fantasy VII – J-E-N-O-V-A

6. Final Fantasy VII - Under the Rotting Pizza

7. Final Fantasy VII - Still More Fighting

8. Dr. Mario – Fever

9. Tetris – Korobeiniki

10. Double Dragon II - Theme

11. Double Dragon II - At the Heliport

12. Star Fox - Corneria

13. Star Fox - Attack Carrier

14. Star Fox - Course Clear

15. Star Fox - Space Armada

Label: Bandcamp

Release Date: April 27, 2012

Price: $4.99 CAD

Hey! Listen! Verdict

At 15 tracks, it may seem at first glance that Hey! Listen! is far too long, but that is not the case. Video game themes, by the nature of the scenes, are fairly short. The album contains 36 minutes worth of musical adventure.

THWOMP delivers these classic video game themes ably and serves them up with a bit of spice. At times sexy, sometimes humorous, but always cool and fun, Hey! Listen! provides retro-gamers with a solid collection of themes to indulge in a bit of nostalgia. This video game CD also introduces a younger generation of gamers and music fans to a fun era of video game music.

Hey! Listen! Is available through Bandcamp. Video game music download formats include MP3 320, FLAC, as well as other audio types. Stay tuned for their Suite101.com interview, which will be republished here.

The Yasumi! Doushiyou? Wheel

In February, I was inspired by an episode of Minami-ke Taidaima to make an activity wheel to plan my long weekend. It was a fun way to study Japanese. This round, I decided to make one that can be used every time I have a break. It's simply called the "Yasumi! Doushiyou?" Wheel (or "Break! What should I do?")

How fitting that I make this as Minami-ke Taidaima wraps up. It's been a fun ride with the Minami sisters and their friends. Certainly, it was a nice mood lightener after watching some deeper shows such as Shinsekai Yoriand Zetsuen no Tempest.

Check out my To Do List for April Fools' Day. Suteki desu ne?

What is an Audition-Interview?

Before signing up for music lessons, learn what's involved when a music teacher meets with a prospective student and parent(s) for the first time.

The audition-interview can be a vital part of the selection process when finding a music teacher. It gives the prospective student, the parent (or guardian) and the music teacher the opportunity to gather information needed to make a final decision on where to study. The meeting occurs after first contact (phone/email) between a private music teacher and a prospective student’s family.

Purpose of an Audition-Interview

During the audition-interview, the prospective student and parent can learn more about a music educator’s teaching philosophies and policies. The music teacher uses this meeting to assess the student, the family and determine compatibility.

Determining compatibility is a critical part of the meeting. It’s a case of determining whether the student’s communication and learning style is well-matched to the teacher’s communication and teaching style, determining how well the parents’ vision meshes with the teacher’s and how well all parties “click” with each other.

How to Prepare for an Audition-Interview

Each person involved in the audition-interview has to prepare in advance. A music teacher should have printed copies of his or her studio policies, studio calendar, assessment tools and registration form ready.

A beginner student should think about why he or she is interested in music lessons and why he or she is interested in a specific instrument. A transfer student should practice a couple of pieces learned with his or her previous teacher and review some technical exercises.

Parents of transfer students can prepare for the audition-interview by bringing a copy of their child’s previous exam transcript(s), music books used previously and assignment book. All parents should bring a list of questions and their cheque book.

What Happens at an Audition-Interview?

The audition-interview can take between 30 – 60 minutes. The meeting can be broken down into three sections: Teacher Interview, Assessment and Policies, Philosophies and Final Questions.

During the Teacher Interview, the teacher can direct some questions to the prospective student and the rest to the parent/guardian. Some questions that a music teacher can ask a potential student are:

1. Why do you want to take music lessons?

2. What do you like about music?

3. What are some of your hobbies and interests?

4. Do you like taking music lessons? (for transfer students)

5. Are you willing to practice regularly? How much time are you willing to commit?

6. What would you like to learn?

The following are sample questions that can be directed to the student’s parent or guardian:

1. What is the setup, practice environment and support structure to help the student organize his or her practice?

2. What extra-curricular activities does the student have?

3. What amount of time do you feel is reasonable for daily practice?

4. Is the student or the family involved in other musical activities?

5. Why did you discontinue lessons with your previous teacher?

During the Assessment, the teacher may ask a potential student to perform one or two pieces and technical exercises, followed by aural, reading, theory and rhythm questions. This helps the teacher assess technique, musicality and posture.

The teacher may ask the parent to wait in another room during the assessment portion. This gives the music teacher and student an opportunity to see how well they “click” without outside influences or interruptions.

During Policies, Philosophies and Final Questions, the music teacher outlines his or her studio policies with regards to attendance, expectations, rescheduling lessons, termination of lessons and tuition fees. He or she may also present the Studio Calendar at this time.

The music teacher also shares his or her teaching philosophies and approaches with the prospective student and parent(s). He or she may do a walk-through of what happens during a regular lesson.

Finally, the parent and prospective student have an opportunity to ask questions that haven't been answered yet. They can also voice concerns that they would like the music teacher to know.

After the Audition-Interview

All parties should take some time to reflect and review the information they have been given. During this “cooling off” period, one may conclude that the student’s or the family’s goals do not mesh well with the teacher’s methods and teaching style.

Arrangements should be made to follow up after the audition-interview. The final stage is to either complete the registration process with the potential student or have the teacher recommend several other qualified teachers in the area that may better serve the needs of the student and the family.

Taking the time to meet for an audition-interview is a vital part of the process when finding a music teacher. Music lessons are a long-term commitment and investment. Registering with a music teacher is the beginning of what can be a long and fruitful relationship. The audition-interview sets the tone for the relationship.

References:

Color in my Piano: Printables updated: Student Info form, and Student Interview forms (accessed August 4, 2010).

Torney, Helen, “The Professional Studio: Interviewing Prospective Students”, Music Matters, January/February 2002, p. 2 – 4.

Originally published on Suite101.com on August 6, 2010. Updated March 22, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Yes, He Really Plays the Bongos

Maestro Plays the Bongos

When I first contacted Maestro's breeder, Nancy Kiss of Calliente Lakelands, she asked me several questions. They are standard questions reputable breeders ask to determine whether or not you are a good fit for the breed.

When Nancy heard that I'm a musician, she said, "I have the perfect dog for you. He sings to the radio."

Now, I've only heard Maestro sing to the radio once or twice. He does sing along to scales, chords and arpeggios. He'll sing along with anyone who can carry a tune.

However, if you stumble one too many times, he leaves. Practicing, as he well knows, does not equal performing.

Maestro taken a huge shining to percussion instruments. Namely, the bongos, tambourines, shakers and rain stick:

Here another photo from Maestro's bongos practice during Group Class Week:

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Great Performances - Gustavo Dudamel at the Proms

Happy Easter! Just a short post for you to enjoy. It's quite an honour to be be asked to perform at the BBC Proms. If you click on the link, you will be able to watch and listen to some spectacular performances.

Here's one of them. Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel is a treat to watch at work. He is so expressive and through every gesture and expression, he conveys so much to the orchestra. He is the Music Director of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and the Los Angeles Philharmonic .I only wish he'd come up here and conduct our wonderful Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.

Want to check out more of his performances? Click on the CD icon below: