Listen Level: Advanced Duration: 3 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$4.00
"Chatter" is a flute duet which uses percussive extended technique available to the flutist using beatboxing to mimic chatter and conversation. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Level:Advanced Duration: 9 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$7.00
Program Notes:
“Nautica” is four movement work based on the adventures and tragedies of sailing on the open water. Ahull is the downing of the sails and battening down the hatches during a storm. Hardtack is a type of biscuit made of flour, water, and salt commonly found on ships. Ox-eye is a cloud indicating bad weather. Overwhelmed is exactly what is sounds like, being overtaken by the sea.
Score and parts will be delivered by email in PDF format.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 4 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$8.00
This is an arrangement of the traditional Irish tune "Brian Boru's March". Perfect for intermediate to Advanced players. Piece is approximately 4 minutes long with repeats. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.Includes Flute, Bb Clarinet and cello part as well as score.
I got the date, time, and place of the world premiere of my flute choir piece, "Tamar" (http://www.clearnote.net/Tamar.html). It will be on Feb. 11 at 1pm at UAH Roberts Recital Hall at the University of Alabama of Huntsville in Huntsville, AL. It will be performed by the UAH Flute Choir under the direction of Betty Stone. I will be in attendance. The New Music Festival has a lot of music scheduled including a performance of my husband's composition professor, Dr. Nickitas Demos. Here's the full schedule: http://www.uah.edu/music/nmf-rep
I've also continued with the arrangements, and with wedding season around the corner I thought some wedding duets would be a good idea to get started: http://www.nikkinotes.com/WeddingDuets.html
Listen Level:Advanced Duration: 3 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$5.00Program Notes:
"Maraschino" refers to the happy and harmless cherry we put in Shirley Temple drinks and banana splits today, not the more menacing indigestible preserved liqueur cherries of ancient times. The light-hearted and cheerful cherry is captured in this duet in which the flute and clarinet exchange teasing banter in a loose fugue interpretation.
Score and parts will be delivered by email in PDF format.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 3 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$4.00
This piece is dedicated to my husband, Brian Chamberlain, who is a classical guitarist and composer. After years of asking me to write a piece for both of us to play, this is my Valentine's gift to him. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
First of all I just noticed that I have been blogging since June 2006. How crazy is that? The goals are the same, and I have come a long ways on the journey. I just gotta keep on keeping on and find ways to keep things fresh.
2010 was a very good year. I thought 2009 was incredible, but 2010 certainly did me right as well. It's been exciting to have all the new experiences and find more confidence in myself, thanks to a slew of friends and colleagues who certainly have a lot of confidence in me (not to mention the hubby who seems to believe I could walk on water if I wanted to take on that task). Sure I get a ton of rejections like any other composer, but I learn from those and keep on truckin'.
So what were the highlights of 2010? I got a taste of being a touring musician. Music + travel = happy me. I got to go on a mini tour the the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, go to a Women Composers Convention to perform my own work, travel to Boston to play some concerts with my hubby and a friend (as well as make new ones) and set wheels in motion to travel more in 2011. And of course my all time favorite concert was playing on my husband's graduate recital here in Atlanta. He got the most incredible performances, which wasn't hard to do with the great music he had written. I can't wait to see what he writes next, he's taken a much needed hiatus ever since. I am starting to hear him tinker around in his studio, the bug is biting him.
I also wrote the most music in 2010 then I ever have. I probably doubled my list of compositions, thanks to the motivation of competitions and requests from friends. The two highlights being the 24 Hour Opera Project put on by Atlanta Opera and a commission from Hopewell Middle School Band which will perform the piece in the Music for All Festival in Indianopolis, IN this March. Without the urging of a few friends, family, and a failed negotiation of another commission I probably would not have found the gumption to take matters in my own hands and find my own opportunities. "No one is going to promote me better than myself" has turned into "No one is going to work harder for me than myself". Its just not enough to put my name out there. I have to make opportunities out of any situation, even if they are ideas I use to poo-poo before. "Ugh, band music and flute choirs just don't interest me" - They do now! Those are the people yearning for new music, and by golly I know those ensembles best! What was I thinking not doing this earlier? Yes mom you are right "Never say never".
So what is the plan of attack for 2011? How can I ride the momentum that got rolling for 2010? Well I need to find another commission. I am hoping the premiere of my band piece at Music for All will spark interest for other commissions but I can't bank on that. I also can't bank on competitions since there are so many people submitting to each competition. I will still submit by I got to rustle up new opportunities. There are a few colleagues I might investigate, but I know its time for the Chamberlains to take things more seriously. Maybe we need to put a recording out there? If we can get a recording project started with concerts lined up for 2012 and I can get another commission, I think 2011 will be spectacular!
Of course there are performances of pieces I wrote in 2010 for 2011, and its nice that I am not the one performing them. Its been a long time since I have had a piece performed that I wasn't performing it and both pieces include flute! My flute quartet "Tamar" will be performed at UAHuntsville New Music festival with prospects of other ensembles performing it in Georgia. My band piece will get a couple of performances in and out of Georgia. I just got to keep on writing more original music with a set ensemble in mind to sell it to.
Everything else will keep on track. Keep up with the students, keep up with the music engraving, keep up with the CraftHope projects and keep up with the hubby. I will also try not to obsess too much with the music career and try to have some non music related fun, don't want to burn out like I did with web design. Well, that's enough for the blog's longest ever post. Stay warm everyone!
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00This is an arrangement of the traditional wedding tune by Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, "Prince of Denmark's March" (Trumpet Voluntary). Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd Bb above the staff. Lowest note is F on the first space of the staff. Piece is approximately 2 1/2 minutes long. Great for Wedding Ceremonies! Could be used for wedding party processional, bride's processional, prelude music, or recessional. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the traditional wedding tune by Jeremiah Clarke, "Prince of Denmark's March" (Trumpet Voluntary). Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 1/2 minutes long. Great for Wedding Ceremonies! Could be used for wedding party processional, bride's processional, prelude music, or recessional. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the traditional wedding tune by Henry Purcell, "Trumpet Tune and Air". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd B above the staff. Lowest note is C# below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Great for Wedding Ceremonies! Could be used for wedding party processional, bride's processional, prelude music, or recessional. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the Traditional Easter Hymn, "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is C below the staff. Piece begins in 3/4, transitions to 3/8, then back to 3/4. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Great for Easter church services! Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the Traditional Easter Hymn, "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today!". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd A above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece begins in 4/4, transitions to 6/8, then back to 4/4. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Great for Easter church services! Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the African American Spritual, "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is C# below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 1/2 minutes long. Great for Lent and Good Friday church services! Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 1 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the Traditional Irish Melody, "Haste to the Wedding". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd B above the staff. Lowest note is C# below the staff. Piece is approximately 1 1/2 minutes long. Great for Wedding Ceremonies! Could be used for wedding party processional, bride's processional, prelude music, or recessional. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level: Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 1/2 Minutes Format: PDF Price: $2.00This is an arrangement of the Amercian Folk Song, "What Wonderous Love Is This?". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is E above the staff. Lowest note is C below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 1/2 minutes long. Great for Lent, Good Friday, and Easter church services! Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00This is an arrangement of the Scottish Folk Song, "Auld Lang Syne". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece starts in 4/4, transitions to 6/8, then back to 4/4. Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Great for those New Year's Eve Gigs! Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2:30 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00This is an arrangement of the Christmas Carol "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece starts in 4/4, transitions to 6/8, then ends in 3/4 (eigth note remains constant). Highest note is E above the staff. Lowest note is C below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Level: Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price: $2.00 This is an arrangement of the Christmas Carol "Coventry Carol". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece starts in 3/4, transitions to 3/8, then back to 3/4 (eigth note remains constant). Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level:Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 3 Minutes Format: PDF Price:$2.00
This is an arrangement of the Christmas Carol "What Child Is This". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece remains in 6/8. Highest note is 2nd A above the staff. Lowest note is C below the staff. Piece is approximately 3 minutes long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Silent Night Coventry Carol O Come, O Come Emmanuel Pat-A-Pan What Child Is This?
Arrangements of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Silent Night", "Coventry Carol", "What Child Is This?", "O Come, O Come Emmanuel", and "Pat-a-Pan". Buy all 6 in one click! Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Highest note is 2nd A above the staff. Lowest note is C below the staff. Each piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email. $12.00
Listen Level: Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 1 Minute 30 Seconds Format: PDF Price: $2.00 This is an arrangement of the Christmas Carol "Pat-A-Pan". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece starts in Cut Time, transitions to 3/4 then 2/4, then back to Cut Time. Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece is approximately one minute and thirty seconds long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Smorgasbord explores the different styles and textures a flutist can convey through the manipulation of the air stream. Through punching, clicks, bending, popping, fluttering, and even singing while playing, the flute can take on a metamorphosis of sound. The titles of the movements are analogous to a variety of textures found in food as well as the sounds of the flute. Through punches and aggressive attacks, the sound can be crunchy; though bending, it can be gelatinous; through pops, clicks and different embouchure shapes, it can be carbonated; with our friend the piccolo, singing while playing, and fluttering, it can sound fluffy. Certainly the flute has a "smorgasbord" of ingredients in the pantry that can be whipped up a delicious audio-culinary work.
Listen Level: Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price: $2.00
This is an arrangement of the Christmas Carol "Silent Night". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece remains in 3/4. Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
Listen Level: Intermediate to Advanced Duration: 2 Minutes Format: PDF Price: $2.00This is an arrangement of the Christmas Carol "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen". Perfect for intermediate to advanced players. Piece starts in 6/8, transitions to 2/4, then back to 6/8 (eigth note remains constant). Highest note is 2nd G above the staff. Lowest note is D below the staff. Piece is approximately 2 minutes long. Piece will be delivered as a PDF through email.
We did it! We finished the opera and it won Audience Choice Award! I hope to have some photos and maybe even some video soon. The opera was called "Scrub a Dub Raw" and we had to use two props: a washboard and a rubber chicken. The theme had to be family reunion. I was then paired up at random with Vynnie Meli (http://www.vynniemeli.com) who was the librettist/lyricists. She was amazing to work with!
All three operas were incredible and I was glad to meet some nice, talented people (the bulk of whom were from Atlanta). I have to give alot of gratitude to the directors and cast who really sold the opera to the crowd and who I didn't get a chance to meet or hear until the performance: Beth Suryan (Stage Director), Catherine Schaefer (Music Director/Pianist), Vivian Clifton (Wife/Daughter-in-law), Andrea Green (Mother), Stephen McCool (Cop/Brother, Neighbor), Dennis Shumann (Brother).
Thanks to my cheerleading section which included my hubby, my parents, Brian Luckett, Julie Moxley, Gail Goodman, Curtis Bryant, and Clair and Margaret Hayes. Nice to have some support in the audience!
I am announcing the premiere of an opera I have not even written yet!
November 7 at 7:30pm - FREE and open to the public Georgia State University, Kopleff Recital Hall Corner of Gilmer Street and Peachtree Center Avenue. Atlanta, GA
This Saturday I begin writing an opera while sequestered at the Atlanta Opera offices. I have 12 hours to work with a librettist before I have to hand off my work to a stage director, singers, and pianist. None of whom I have met as of yet. All I know is the work will be 7-10 minutes and that I will have to include certain items that will be dictated to me by the Atlanta Opera. Should be a fun time! The concert is free and open to the public! Read more here: http://www.atlantaopera.org/calendar/view.aspx?id=43245957
I just got the phone call this morning inviting me to participate in the Atlanta Opera's 24 Hour Opera Project on November 6-7. Naturally I said yes :) I will work with a lyricist to write a 7-10 minute opera in 12 hours, then a stage director and singers will rehearse to perform the work on November 7th!.
I should get a packet in a couple of days with all the details and I will share them as I get to know the details myself. The performance will be at Georgia State University and I hope the performance will be public, but I will let you know.
I also recorded the piece and you should be able to listen to a recording of me playing all four parts by clicking the preview button halfway down that page.
On another note, I just struck a deal with Audrey Murphy (director of Hopewell Middle School Band) to write a piece for her middle school band. They will perform the piece at the Music for All National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis, IN in March 2011. The festival only accepted 4 middle school bands out of the country and Audrey's band was one of them.
Here's is a performance of the piece they commissioned last year and performed at the Georgia Music Educator's Association conference this year. The piece is called Pronto by William Pitts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejy8ulGjqmA
I am very impressed with this young group of musicians and look forward to working with Audrey.
I finally got a flute concertino I wrote several years ago published. It is for flute and string ensemble. Instead of renting the piece out to orchestras, we decided to go ahead and sell the copy to the orchestra (or more probable the flutist). This piece has had some interest lately, so fingers crossed something will come of it in the next year: http://www.clearnote.net/Apparition.html I've also completed a flute quartet as well as some other pieces this year that I hope to have published soon as well. The publisher is interested so I just need to get my act together and do. I am also working with some friends here in Atlanta in the hopes of getting some new works performed. I'll keep you posted!
I heard there was some trouble with links, work getting in the way, etc. So in case you missed the radio show it is archived here: http://wpln.org/?cat=5 My performance is about 14 minutes in. The show will also be rebroadcast in Nashville on 90.3 fm on Sunday at 3pm and Tuesday at 8pm.
I had a wonderful time performing on "Live in Studio C" . Its such a great space and the staff is great about checking in and making sure you have everything you need. I got a chance to meet some wonderful composers and performers at the show. I love the music that's getting written by the concert composers in Nashville.
I also got the opportunity to visit my sister and her kids in Clarksville. It was the usual kind of visit. Gossip lots, watch scary TV programs, and hang out with the kids. Doesn't get much better.
I also finally got the chance to catch up with a friend of mine who is a fellow flutist, and old college buddy. She's got some fabulous things going on and it was really great to see her and catch up. I can't wait for her latest Celtic album to go on. It seems exciting!
I am glad to be home and getting back to life a little bit. Catch up on lessons, music engraving, and more importantly sleep! In the meantime, I am waiting for some things to unfold and anxiously figuring out what might be next to write or perform.
I will performing my composition "Smorgasbord" for solo flute tomorrow (7/21) at 3pm Central time/ 4pm Eastern time on Nashville's public radio station WPLN's "Live in Studio C". You can listen to a live stream here: http://www.wpln.org (There is a link in the left side of the page to listen online). There will also be 4 other composers on the program, and I am looking forward to meeting them and hearing performances of their pieces as well.
Yesterday I received the recording of my piece "Mangosteen" from the performance at the 9th Festival of Women Composers at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. I am performing with guitarist Irvin Kauffman. He is assistant principal cello for Pittsburgh Symphony. This was his first public performance on guitar in 20 years due to a hand injury. I was honored that he felt the time was right to make an appearance again and that this should be the piece. http://www.fsharpminor.com/nikki/Mangosteen.html
Irvin is also the oldest member of the Pittsburgh Symphony and was a wealth of knowledge and experience. He's certainly played everything with everybody. It was a wonderful experience to work with someone who's led an incredible music career, but leaves any ego at the door. He made me feel like an equal and seemed genuinely supportive and interested in the music I am writing. I wish him all the best and hope for an opportunity to work with him again. Perhaps on cello next time?
More good news is on the horizon. I'll keep y'all posted!
Here we are back from Boston, and I think back on our feet. Provincetown was beautiful, and the wedding was just as beautiful. Thanks to Nick and Susie who kept our music stands from blowing away while we played on the beach for Dan and Lynn's wedding. Also thanks to Karl Henning for putting together the venues and helping us perform our music in Boston. He also took the time to show us around Boston some, and we hope we can all get together again in the future. I have recordings of "Maraschino" and "Toxicodendron" in the music section of www.nikkinotes.com. Thanks again to Karl for the performance and recording.
So now what? What's next? Brian has his final orals exams and one pesky class to complete this summer. Then he's finally done! Woohoo! I know he's also glad I've stopped scheduling him for a million things to perform and do...well for the time being. Or at least until I get some other wicked ideas.
I have some things in the works to get some of my compositions performed by others. Hopefully I will get some news of that shortly. In the meantime, I'm teaching a lot of students and thinking about what to write next. Maybe record some of it?
Now many of you know my husband,Brian Chamberlain, is a classical guitarist as well and he just finished the major hurdle of his graduate studies...his graduate recital. That has freed up some time for him and I to finally get to play together. So we hope to start out doing some weddings and private events and maybe earn some extra cash. So, I made a website: http://www.chamberlainduo.com We'll be performing our first wedding in Provincetown, MA for Brian's uncle's wedding. Then we scurry off to Boston to play a couple of concerts of our own music as well as Karl Henning's. Nothing like jumping straight into the fire! Poor Brian, he just doesn't get a break,maybe in August....oh wait, he'll have to study for his final graduate oral exams. Oh well. One day, Brian, one day.
The hubby's final graduate composition recital is coming up on Sunday, and we're both really excited about the performance. The music is great, the performers we secured are amazing. Should be one heck of a concert!
Slipping on the Edge of Loss nn. 35, for Solo Piano - Performed by James Walker Left to Rust nn. 32, for Tuba and Piano - Performed by Vince Jackson and Huu Mai Lost Hollow Road nn. 15, for Flute and Guitar Duet - Performed by: duoATL Levee nn. 37, for Flute and Guitar Quartet - Performed by Nicole Chamberlain, Brian Smith and Athens Guitar Trio
-Intermission-
Slow Motion Exit nn. 24, for String Quintet Ecclesia nn. 39, for Mixed Chamber Ensemble - Performed by: Mercury Season
I am finally back to normal life, but had a great time at the 9th Festival of Women Composers. The performance of "Mangosteen" went very well, and I got to meet some fabulous people. I even got to have dinner with Katherine Hoover and she gave some good sound advice.
This week, I had my first flute book published called "Flutology - the Fundamentals". Basically its a reference guide with fingering charts, trill charts, scales, and exercises that I had been using in my lessons, and my publisher thought I should turn all those materials in a book. I even got to design the cover. So here it is: http://www.clearnote.net/Flutology.html
Next on my plate is to practice for Brian's masters composition recital. I am playing on 3 of the larger works and I am excited about the caliber of performers we were able to book for his recital. His recital is May 2nd at Georgia State University's Kopleff Recital Hall at 3pm and open to the public. More info as we get closer to the performance.
March is an exciting month this year, especially for a couple of my compositions. The best part is I get to travel and perform!
"Mangosteen" is having an especially good month. It is finally published by Clear Note Publications. You can buy a copy at Carere Music here in Atlanta or you can buy it online at http://www.clearnote.net/Mangosteen.html. Some copies have already been sold at the Georgia Guitar Symposium in Columbus, GA. I am also going to perform the work again on March 20 at 3pm with guitarist Irvin Kauffman at the International Festival of Women Composers at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I am looking forward to hearing alot of great works performed and learning about new pieces in the lectures from the 18-20th. And hopefully I'll get to visit some with the in-laws.
"Smorgasbord" is being performed today in Paris, France by James Strauss at Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris Alfred Cortot. I wish I could be there, but the finances just wouldn't allow it. I hope he is able to get a recording of it. It would be nice to hear someone else perform it for a change.
Last, but not least, I'll be performing with Mercury Season on March 17 at Georgia Perimeter College Dunwoody Campus at 1pm. We will be performing music from Ireland. The concert will include my arrangements of "Brian Borus March", "Irish Confetti", and "Molly on the Shore".
March is a busy month, but should also be a blast. Anytime I get to travel is a good time. I've already been to Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Florida, Columbus,GA, and Savannah, GA this year. We'll be making it out to Boston for a wedding and hopefully a concert in June. Should be an exciting year!
It's great to be home, but I feel I haven't quite gotten back to routine. Trying to round all the students back has been a little tricky. Hopefully over the next week it will all iron out. I did enjoy touring, however, I don't think I would want to do the same show on an extended tour.
It was a wonderful experience and met some fabulously talented people who were more than willing to mingle before and after shows. The New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players had a wonderful cast, and I've never felt more welcomed from a group of people. Who would think that they would really listen to the orchestra, but they do! I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact I played the tiny beast, the piccolo ;)
It was a different experience each show, mainly because of change of venue. The first show we couldn't see the cast from the pit, and it was probably for the best. On the second show, there were plenty of distractions. Not only could we enjoy watching the cast during our tacets, but there was some pit movement during the opening overture. Talk about having to keep your focus! By the third show, I finally started feeling comfortable in my skin, but then the tour was over. Now I'm left singing all the songs over and over, and "I know that a policeman's lot is not a appy one...appy one".
I look forward to what new experience and travels that this year brings, and there seems to be some wonderful things on the horizon. This month will be fairly on schedule, I'll be teaching alot and writing some. But March brings concerts and travel. I can't wait!
Well it's a new year, and I suppose I will have to get to my resolutions at some point. Right now, is not the time. It's a little crazy this week or two. The next week will include a ton of traveling.
Brian's great uncle died Friday, and we will make a sad return to Pennsylvania to attend his funeral. Not a pleasant reason to have to travel, but it will be good to see his family and get another chance to know everyone better.
We will drive back in time for me to get on the tour bus for the NY Gilbert and Sullivan player's production of "Pirates of Penzance". We'll have one rehearsal and dive right into the first performance at Appalachain State. We get back on the bus for a performance in Atlanta, then onward to Panama City. This will officially be my first time on a professional tour, and embarrassed to say my first time playing in a real pit. I'm looking forward to this tour! Something I've always wanted to do, I'm glad I get the chance. I am really busting it hard to play well, so I might get the opportunity to do it again if I end up loving the experience.
This will be the first time since Brian and I got married where we will be sleeping apart. I'll miss him, and I'll miss the puppies. They're not coming with us on this short trip to Pennsylvania. They'll be happier at the puppy hotel that they seem to love so much.
So it's a busy and crazy start to the year, with a lot of potential to travel for music and travel to see family (on more happier occasions). Brian will finish his master in composition and hopefully a start to our collaboration on performance, composition and perhaps teaching. 2010 has great potential, indeed.
So this was probably the first week where I finally felt like a professional musician and not someone who was taking a break from an office job. I had a jam packed week of performing, teaching, music engraving, networking and positive feedback from the whole thing. I really feel like I am actually working as a musician, not hoping to one day get more work. Its definitely here and I am working hard, but still having a blast doing it.
Because I've had 2 performances and 6 rehearsals in the past 5 days I had to reschedule most of my students, so needless to say I haven't seen my husband much. Its been a crammed week for sure. And I am looking forward to having tomorrow off, and having a break this morning is certainly refreshing.
Let's start with the orchestra gig I had this weekend with the concert on Monday. I was hired to play 2nd flute with an orchestra put together by a conducting grad student for his graduate recital. I wasn't expecting much, mainly I was expecting alot of students. That was not the case. Who walks in to play piccolo? Only a flute professor of UGA from when I was at UGA. Although it was fabulous to see him again and to finally get to play with him, it was nerve wracking. This is someone whom I respect as a player and think highly of, and although I had played many a jury with him sitting on the panel I really wanted to play my best this time as a professional. Lucky for me and anyone who has met him, he's so positive, encouraging, and laid back it made it easy to relax, have a good time, and in fact play well. It turned out to be a great experience, and another reminder to always be prepared, you never know who's gonna show up to play piccolo.
Now preparing for Tuesday's concert was a different ball game all together. I was premiering a work of my own for solo flute "Smorgasbord" as well as music by Boston composer Karl Henning. Karl and I were even performing a duet of his, but would only get two rehearsals to put it together. Lucky for me, he as gracious enough to send a midi of the clarinet track with and without a click track for me to rehearse with. I knew it would be a difficult piece to put together ensemble wise with only two days, I felt it was a good request to ask for and see if he could provide. He was more than happy to do so, whew! The rehearsals went well and we really didn't need as much rehearsal time as we had planned. I certainly hope to be able to perform with Karl in the future. We certainly clicked, maybe I'll get to go to Boston next time, a place I've always wanted to visit.
Enjoy a little clip of Karl Henning and I rehearsing his duet Heedless Watermelon:
I was incredibly surprised by the reaction to "Smorgasbord". It went over well, and many people, aka composers, asked about the techniques I used. It certainly raised people's curiosity and the audience found it amusing. I've recently been pushing myself to write more positive and humuorus music, since that is how I have been feeling recently. My life has changed for the better, I am happy, my music should reflect that. I am surprised at how easy that has been for me. "Mangosteen" and "Smorgasbord" are great examples of my upbeat disposition. "Nautica" reflects the intensity and spirit in which I've been tackling my life during this transition into being a wife and full-time musician. This has all been a good thing, and I am glad I took that leap from an intense, stressful office job as a single graphic designer, to a married full-time musician with new experiences every day and plenty of love and support.
Being able to quit my job, makes it easier to practice and write. I feel better prepared for everything, and I am certainly performing better. I am even more productive as a composer. The future is just as exciting, if not more so. "Mangosteen" has been accepted into the 2010 Festival of Women Composers at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. So in March, I will make the journey to Indiana, PA to perform it and hopefully check out the Jimmy Stewart Museum. I am also going on my first tour in January. Its only 5 days traveling throughout the south playing in the pit of a musical, but its a new exciting adventure. Playing music and traveling are my two favorite things, and I am gonna get paid to do both....wow. I have certainly been blessed, and I have lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
I found out a score of mine, details to come, will be performed at Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Festival of Women Composers March 17-20, 2010! I'll get more details later this week, including which of the three scores they selected and if I might be performing. Looking forward to a fun adventure and possibly meeting composer Katherine Hoover :)
