Silent Spring
Rachael Carson, author of Silent Spring, was a biologist who advocated for environmental regulations by documenting how the indiscriminate use of pesticides during WW2 had an adverse effect on the environment. This piece pays tribute to this remarkable woman who was one of the first to recognize the impact humankind can have on the planet.
Sounds from a Circus
The sights, smells and sounds associated with the big tent are reproduced in this up-tempo solo that includes a variety of rhythms, phrasing, accents and even glissandos to capture the composer’s cherished childhood memories of attending a circus.
Day Dreaming
This lilt in ¾ time is light and melodic. As the mind wanders from thought to thought in a day dream so does the references to the key of G occur from phrase to phrase. Brief returns to G bring the key center back into focus before accidentals once again send the harmony to other destinations.
First Frost
As moisture in the air settles upon the ground during a first frost, so the music unfolds with wide leaps within and between phrases at an adagio tempo. Sparse chords played evenly with deep tone contrast with brief and lightly played sixteenths, adding an air of mystery to the intro. Similarly contrasts occur with rising and falling figures, steps and skips, thirds and sixths, quarters and eighth note rhythms. A simple piece that challenges students musicality should be well received by both performers and audiences alike.
Great Full
Based on the hymn tune Come Ye Thankful People Come, Great Full is written in a hymn style. Alternate chords add an interesting take on a familiar melody that could be used as an offertory or special music for church or assemblies.
Church Camp Medley
Featuring favorites of both church and regular summer camps, this fun medley includes titles such as Do Lord and You Can’t Get to Heaven along with the playful John, Jacob, Jingle Heimer Schmidt. The key centers move from F, Eb, and back to F. In addition to key changes, there are incremental shifts in tempo from song to song.
Scat Black Cat
Primarily using black keys, Scat Black Cat starts with the black keys of a pentatonic scale and includes optional approaches to performance. Chances are your students may already be familiar with the opening which can be played with suggested fingering or with the fist rolling across the black keys. Elements of surprise await with its diverse rhythmic patterns and accents. It is a perfect selection for Halloween or for an arousing conclusion to your next recital.
