Wednesday, December 8, 2010

blog 8

So this is my last blog entry for 4100.

I just printed off my score to be passed in for grading.

I feel pretty good about the piece. Since my last post, I have completed my C section and the final A section.

My C section is a rhythmically driven passage with no real melodic content, and a switch to totally new rhythmic material. It was inspired by a movement from the Serocki trombone suite which uses similar rhythmical motion.

My final A section is in 7/8 which contrasts the opening 8/8 meter. The division is 2+3+2 as opposed to the 3+3+2 from the beginning. The material is very similar, but the mode has been transposed down a major second.

Over all, I feel good about it. I think I'm going to come back to it, maybe expand on it, or introduce a return of the B and another A section. Who knows. It feels done to me right now, and I can't wait to play it with Paddywagon!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

blog 7

So I presented my material for comp class on friday. I am writing a piece for the paddywagon trombone quartet, and I've been experimenting with Messiaen's modes of limited transposition (As I've mentioned in earlier posts).

I wanted to change my form to a longer form piece, rather than a couple shorter character movements. I'd still prefer to use the latter for my piece, but I for the class and marking purposes, I'll have to write a single character form. Oh well! I've decided to write in a rondo type of a form, with the contrasting B and C sections incorporating some of the ideas I had for my first idea. So I guess it's a win win situation after all.

I started over with new material last thursday and it's been working great! I am using non-standard meters and key areas, so hopefully it'll turn out to be an interesting piece!! Hopefully I can bring the written material to paddywagon rehearsal tonight, to see what it sounds like!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

blog 6

Today the ECM+ played our 4100 compositions!!! And I gotta say, it was QUITE the experience. The group did an amazing job, and it was everything and more what we all expected, at least for me.

I was very excited to finally have this experience. It's been a while coming, having known about it since august!!! I was nervous, not really knowing what to expect in this situation. It was the first time I really had a professional group read though one of my pieces with me in the audience following along with them, and working with them. I loved it!

I was wondering what the extended technique section of my piece was going to sound like. I really only knew what it could have sounded like in my head, and hearing a group play it, it really made me realize that I could have done SOOOOO much more of that kind of writing. It inspired me to try and compose more things like that. Take the chance. Even if you could fail horribly. We really didn't have anything to lose with this opportunity, and I think I gained a great learning experience and lesson.

I want to thank the ECM for doing this for us, and everyone else who helped facilitate this! It's an excellent experience for us students to go through.
A NECESSARY experience.

It was great, and I can't wait to do something like this again!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

blog 5

It's been a little while since the last one, but honestly, this semester has been non stop work!! Holy!

I've since submitted my ECM piece, which will be read by the group this coming thursday. That is SUPER exciting!!! I can't wait!! I think it will be a great learning experience, in a lot of ways, like interacting with the ensemble as they try and read your piece.

I have begun work on my next assignment, which is for Paddywagon, the MUN trombone quartet. I am currently writing with Messiaens modes of limited transposition, and I gotta say, it's a really neat way of composing and thinking of your piece! New types of harmonies and sounds that I'm not used to working with!

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

blog 4

So it's been quite a while since my last post.

I've honestly been too busy working on the composition lately to find time to write something here! I guess that's a good reason??

A lot has been done since my last post. Most importantly, I'm "done"! At least, I feel like it's finished, so that's a good thing.

Looking back to my last post, I ended up finishing with a very different idea than I planned on. This piece has really morphed into something I didn't see back in september! I am proud that I kept truckin' on the original idea for the piece, even when I did want to change, or do something radically different. It stayed true to my original thought, and I'm happy it did!

I'm now trying to be as meticulous as possible with my editing as I can be. I've tried going over it again and again, and keep adding/changing details. I need to double check a few things tomorrow....

So I think I'll be able to submit my work on time, and without a mad rush! HUZZAH!

On another note, my concert band piece that I wrote last spring and entered in the Gower band composition competition, which I ended up getting 1st in :) , is being premiered next Saturday, which is SO exciting! I really can't wait to hear it, and write something new for the upcoming competition!

That's all for now!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

blog 3

I've got the week of hell to deal with this week. So much to get done....so little time.

I think for Friday, I'm going to try and have about 75% of the piece done. This means a lot has to be done. I plan on expanding the intro into something bigger/significant.
I want to also expand my other sections and not have then so choppy/short.

I want there to be more space...which is hard when I have a constant ostinato on the go. I want some more smaller ensemble work between maybe 2 or 3 instruments, and try to re-orchestrate some themes/motives, and work on that.

I have a bunch of ideas planned, so hopefully I can get a lot of work done.

AH.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

blog 2

I've just finished my preparation for class tomorrow. It's.....going.....slowly....

I don't know....maybe I'm lacking inspiration, or knowledge.....definitely the latter.

I like what I have, and know that it could turn into something good....maybe even great. But I just....can't seem to see the end picture yet.

I've changed the beginning three times already, and I'm still not satisfied..grrrr.

I discovered a new "section" which is good news. I think if I can expand on what I've come up with already, I'll be in business. I just need to figure out HOW

Bah!