Recital season is looming on the horizon, and it’s time to make song selections! In the name of fairness, I make a point to give students the opportunity to submit requests for recital songs before we make a final decision. This does not always go the way I would hope – some students need more guidance than “Pick a song you love!” to make a...
Read More“That’s not real music.” Any educator, performer, and advocate of new music has undoubtedly encountered this statement. Audiences like what is comfortable – recognizable structure (symphony having four movements, sonata form being in three primary sections, recurring melody, etc.), a consistent rhythm and beat (waltzes, common time, etc.) and of course, a westernized tonal center complying with the social construct of “major = happy, minor =...
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by Alyssa Cowell, Catoctin School of Music It’s That Time of Year! December is in full swing and we’re getting ready for family celebrations. It’s easy to get lost in all the hustle and bustle of planning and partying. Consider setting aside some time to give the gift of sharing music during the holiday season – it requires some preparation, and a little sacrifice, but there...
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by Brianna Jaeger, Catoctin School of Music It’s Autumn 1939. The Wizard of Oz, featuring Judy Garland, premieres. LaGuardia Airport is unveiled in New York City. “You Are My Sunshine” is recorded for the first time. Concert pianist and composer Władysław Szpilman is performing a Chopin recital broadcasted for Polish Radio on September 23rd. In the background rings something percussive. Violent. Abhorrent. Harshly punctuating the lyricism of Poland’s beloved composer...
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By Alyssa Cowell, Catoctin School of Music My favorite egg shaker cracked recently, boo! Instead of hopping on Amazon or running to a local music store, I thought it might be fun to try using some modern technology to see if I could make my own! Let’s get started: I have a laser cutter and a stash of thin stock hardwood scraps – a promising start. Now...
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