Student Instrumental Course: Drum Student

SKU: CF.FPS156

ISBN 9781491156360. UPC: 680160914906. 9 x 12 inches.

Personal Note My high school band director, Clarence F. Wroblewski, died on November 24, 2018. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the field of public school instrumental music in Baltimore City. He was my mentor and my dear friend. It was his guidance and encouragement that set my young life's course on the path of music. Performance Notes The idea for Ghost Chasers is to have a spooky tune (m. 9, Trumpets) chasing around in simple counterpoint between two sections. (See m. 19). Students will find the independent part playing both challenging and fun. In the contrasting section at m. 30, young students will gain experience in changing their articulation from marcato to legato. Obeying the cues for low brass in this section is recommended, but depending on the instrumentation of the band, directors may disregard the cues if necessary. Directors may also wish to take the opportunity to teach a lesson about major and minor keys and discuss why the tune at m. 9 sounds spooky and the theme at m. 30 sound lighthearted. Overall, the main challenge for this piece is balance. For the chaser idea to be effective the half-measure lag between the two sections playing the same tune must be easily heard. Even more attention to balance must be paid at m. 45, where the spooky theme is added to the chasing theme. If Clarinets can play third-line written D, use it instead of the alternate cued note. If three Timpani are not available, omit the note D.
Personal NoteMy high school band director, Clarence F. Wroblewski, died on November 24, 2018. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the field of public school instrumental music in Baltimore City. He was my mentor and my dear friend. It was his guidance and encouragement that set my young life’s course on the path of music.Performance NotesThe idea for Ghost Chasers is to have a spooky tune (m. 9, Trumpets) chasing around in simple counterpoint between two sections. (See m. 19). Students will find the independent part playing both challenging and fun.In the contrasting section at m. 30, young students will gain experience in changing their articulation from marcato to legato. Obeying the cues for low brass in this section is recommended, but depending on the instrumentation of the band, directors may disregard the cues if necessary. Directors may also wish to take the opportunity to teach a lesson about major and minor keys and discuss why the tune at m. 9 sounds spooky and the theme at m. 30 sound lighthearted.Overall, the main challenge for this piece is balance. For the “chaser” idea to be effective the half-measure lag between the two sections playing the same tune must be easily heard. Even more attention to balance must be paid at m. 45, where the “spooky” theme is added to the “chasing” theme.If Clarinets can play third-line written D, use it instead of the alternate cued note. If three Timpani are not available, omit the note D.

SKU: GI.G-10365

ISBN 9781622775248.

This vibrant collection of folk songs and activities for elementary and middle school students explores the cultures and rich music traditions of four West African countries: Liberia, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana. Each song in this marvelous and practical collection includes a wide variety of pedagogical strategies, including: solfege and rhythm reading, call and response singing, listening and rote learning lessons, recorder and various percussion instrument activities, creative movement, harmony and part-singing, and more. Throughout the book, authors Kwasi Dunyo and Karen Howard treat cultural context—including details about each country’s history, people, languages, and traditions—with equal importance. They also provide translations, phonetic pronunciations, and background information for each song. Dance Like a Butterfly includes access to supplemental online resources, including PowerPoint slides, recordings of the songs with pronunciation guides, videos of movement activities, and dozens of links to more resources about West Africa and its music. As part of the World Music Initiative series, this book thoughtfully guides teachers in using West African songs in the music classroom while respecting the authenticity and stories of the people behind the music. These captivating songs are certain to expand the minds and spark the creativity of students and teachers in fresh and exciting ways! Kwasi Dunyo, born in Ghana, is a master drummer and expert on Ghanaian music. He has performed and taught extensively throughout Canada and the United States and is on the faculties of York University, University of Toronto, and the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is founder and artistic director of Kekeli Drum and Dance Ensemble (Toronto) and the West African Cultural Exchange Centre in Ghana. Karen Howard is Associate Professor of Music at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she teaches courses in music education, vocal pedagogy, research, and global music traditions. She has extensive training in global vocal, instrumental, and dance traditions from many music cultures, including Ghana, and her research interests and publications include works on world music cultures, music activism, and global singing traditions. Visit www.giamusic.com/dancelikeabutterfly to access digital downloads and online resources.

SKU: CF.FPS151

ISBN 9781491152119. UPC: 680160909612.

Everyone remembers the first time that they saw a snake. Though fascinating to some and terrifying to others, few animals are as universally mesmerizing. Composer Tyler Arcari has crafted a very fun piece making use of auxiliary percussion instruments to emulate a snake's hiss or ominous rattle. With very strong and interesting melodic material, and scored to make a developing band sound great, this piece is sure to be a favorite among students.
Everyone remembers the first time that they saw a snake. The majority of people have a base fear of them, while others have a “heebie-jeebies” experience. We all know how the great explorer Dr. Indiana Jones felt about snakes, especially when he famously fell into a snake pit during Raiders of the Lost Ark. However you feel about snakes, a pit of them certainly sounds like an adventure.About the work:Snake Pit uses a lot of auxiliary percussion instruments. Some of these sounds are intended to subtly mimic the sounds that snakes make. The maraca in m. 4, of course, is a rattler’s call! The Chinese cymbal is intended to sound like the “hiss” of a not-so-friendly serpent. The eighth-note pattern at m. 9 is used throughout as a “creepy” effect using dynamic contrast so take care to emphasize this when present.I enjoy the gong as a “color” instrument in the band. I try to balance it with the low brass. Take care that at m. 42 the gong is not “front-and center” but more of a support for the nice accented chords in the low brass. Also, the trumpets can become spaced too much here. The accents are more for emphasis and less space.

SKU: CF.SPS71

ISBN 9781491143544. UPC: 680160901043. Key: G minor.

Nordanvind is a tour de force symphonic rhapsody that is built on three Scandinavian folk songs. Composer Carl Strommen has composed these Viking-influenced melodies into a concert setting that brings out all of the history of the Scandinavian people. The piece is at times bold and aggressive, at other times beautiful. Carl employs all of the instrumental colors of the concert band to create a new work for more advanced ensembles.
Modern Scandinavians are descendants of the Vikings, an adventuresome people who were known for their love of the sea, their naval prowess, and as fierce fighters . The Scandinavian Vikings were warriors from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden who traded, raided and settled in various parts of Europe, Russia, the North Atlantic islands, and the northeastern coast of North America .Starting around 1850, over one million Swedes left their homeland for the United States in search of religious freedom and open farm land . Augustana College was founded in 1860 by graduates of Swedish universities and is located on the Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois . Home of the “Vikings,” Augustana College is the oldest Swedish- American institution of higher learning in the United States . This powerful and lively piece takes inspiration from Swedish history and from Swedish folk songs and hymns .Havsdrake (Dragon of the Sea)The Nordanvind or “North Wind” blows a cold wind during a journey of a group of courageous Viking rowers . The “Dragon-ship” or long ships designed for raiding and war was a sophisticated, fast ship able to navigate in very shallow water . To musically portray these magnificent seafaring vessels, the director is encouraged to use an Ocean Drum (or a rain stick) during the introduction . Wind players may consider blowing air through their instruments to suggest the North wind . Adding men’s voices to accompany the haunting low brass and percussive “rower” sounds can be helpful in creating the dark and ominous portrayal of Viking adventurers .Slangpolska efter Byss - KalleIn Sweden, a “polska” is a partner dance where the dancers spin each other (släng in Swedish “to sling or toss”) . Slangpolska efter Byss - Kalle is attributed to Byss-Kalle, who was a notable Swedish folk musician, specifically a nyckelharpa player . Slangpolska efter Byss - Kalle is a traditional “polska” dance song most often played on the Nyckelharpa or keyed fiddle and is commonly heard in pubs and at festive events throughout Sweden . Approximately 10,000 nyckelharpa players live in Sweden today, and the Swedish and the American Nyckelharpa Associations are dedicated to this Swedish National instrument . The director is encouraged to share video and audio examples of the nyckelharpa playing the original Slangpolska efter Byss - Kalle .Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara (Children of the Heavenly Father)Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara Is a traditional Swedish melody, possibly of German roots, and was believed to be arranged as a hymn by the Swedish hymn writer, Karolina Wilhelmina Sandell-Berg (1832–1903) . As a daughter of a Swedish Lutheran minister, she began writing poems as a teenager and is said to have written over 1,700 different texts . There are two different accounts as to the inspiration for this hymn . The first story is that Lina (as she was called) wrote the hymn to honor her father and to say thank you to him for raising her and protecting her . A second belief is of her witnessing the tragic death of her father . She and her father were on a boat, when a wave threw her father overboard . It was said that the profound effect of watching her father drown is what caused Lina to write the text to this hymn . Although this is a treasured song to people of Swedish descent everywhere, it speaks to all people about a father tending and nourishing his children, and protecting them from evil .SPS71FThe Augustana College Concert BandFounded in 1874, the Augustana Band program is one of the oldest continuously active collegiate band programs in the country . The Concert Band is one of two bands on campus and was formed more than thirty years ago . The Concert Band attracts students of every skill level and from a wide variety of majors . Students in the ensemble play a large part in choosing their music for performance, which include works from the standard repertoire, orchestral transcriptions, and the latest compositions from leading composers .Rick Jaeschke began his musical career as a clarinet player in the 1st US Army Band . He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Susquehanna University, a Masters of Music from James Madison University, and a doctorate from Columbia University in New York . He was also fortunate to study conducting with Donald Hunsburger and with Frederick Fennell .Dr . Jaeschke taught band and choir at Great Mills High School in Southern Maryland, and for fifteen years, he was the district Music Supervisor in Armonk, New York, where he taught high school concert and jazz bands, beginning band, and music technology . During that time, the music program flourished, and the high school band consistently received Gold Medals in the New York State Festivals, as well as in national, and international festivals . As a clarinet and saxophone player, Dr . Jaeschke performed in the New York metropolitan area with the Rockland Symphony Orchestra, the Putnam Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra, and served as the concert master for the Hudson Valley Wind Symphony .For several years, Dr . Jaeschke served as the Fine Arts Coordinator for the District 204 schools in Naperville, IL, a district selected as One of the Best 100 Schools in America for Music . Currently, Dr . Jaeschke is an Associate Professor at Augustana College where he teaches music and music education courses, and directs the Concert Band . He has served on various educational boards, is a National edTPA scorer, and has presented at state, national and international music conferences . He lives with his family in Bettendorf Iowa, and enjoys any opportunity to explore the open water in his sea kayak .