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TEUTONIC TALES for Tuba and piano

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:05:02 -0600

Teutonic Tales is a suite for tuba inspired by German mythology. Featuring solo tuba with band accompaniment, the suite was composed for Mike W. Roylance, principle tubist in the Boston Symphony.

Mvt. 1 - Demon Dance
In German mythology, a demon is a supernatural being that is generally described as a malevolent spirit. The countless tales of trolls, werewolves, and other figures in Teutonic folklore have stirred imaginations for centuries. This movement was inspired by the composer's experience in Styria, a region of the former Bavarian Empire and a state in Austria. While enjoying an post-concert outdoor celebration, the musicians shared performances of folk songs accompanied by accordians of various sizes and configurations. When asked to join in a performance, the composer was presented with an percussion instrument consisting of metallic jingles on a stick. The top of the stick was carved to portray the head and face of a local mythical demon. The ensuing dance was fast, furious and enjoyed by all.
Mvt. 2 - Freya
Freya was the goddess of beauty and love. A beautiful, blonde, blue-eyed young woman, she was the sister of Frey and in later traditions the wife of Odin. Freya claimed half of the heroes slain in battle, carrying them to her realm of Folkvang in Asgard. In Teutonic mythology, she was named Frigg. Her legend lives on to this day in the English weekday name Friday.
Mvt. 3 - Thor's Hammer
Thor was the personification of thunder and the principal war god. He was armed with a hammer that returned to his hand after he hurled it at enemies, a belt that doubled his strength when he wore it, and iron gloves that helped him use the hammer effectively. Most of his battles were fought against giants, and he was benevolent to humankind. Thor is generally portrayed as a red-bearded, middle-aged warrior who relied on his immense strength rather than on his wits. Thor, also known as Atli, is identified with Donar, the thunder god of Teutonic mythology. His name survives in the English weekday name Thursday.

Promising Skies

Sun, 29 Aug 2010 10:16:34 -0500

In late August of 2005, the normally festive skies over the city of New Orleans began to change. As Hurricane Katrina approached the city, the skies promised a weather event of unprecedented proportions. Composer Robert W. Smith was commissioned by the United State Marine Forces Reserve Band of New Orleans to create this symphonic tone poem recreating and commemorating the Katrina experience. Beginning with "Blue Sky," the jazz of the historic city provides the musical inspiration. Soon, the "Threatening Sky" arrives giving way to the "Raging Sky." Finally, the "Dawn of a New Sky" brings hope as the city is reborn to share its musical gifts once again.
I wrote "Promising Skies" as a large programmatic work for concert band. It is written at the medium advanced level. I used the unique American art form of jazz as its base along with unusual percussive effects in an effort to create a truly unique experience for your ensemble and audience. I hope that you find it to be a worthy addition to the repertoire.

For more information, visit OPUS III Wind Orchestra Publications at the C.L. Barnhouse Co. HERE.

Symphony no. 3 “Don Quixote” Now Available

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:00:32 -0500

Symphony No. 3 “Don Quixote” is now available through Walking Frog Records and on iTunes. In addition to the title piece, the recording features “Gemeinhardt Suite”, “Fiesta La Vida” and a live recording of “The Divine Comedy” as performed by the Symphony Band of Unio Musical de Lliria in Valencia, Spain. To preview and order the CD recording, click HERE.

The printed music for Symphony No. 3 “Don Quixote” is available through Opus III Wind Orchestra Publications (exclusively distributed by C.L. Barnhouse). Click HERE to visit the Opus III website and hear excerpts of the new composition.

NEW GRADUATE PROGRAM AT TROY UNIVERSITY

Wed, 14 May 2008 20:37:34 -0500

I’m pleased to announce a new graduate program in Troy University’s School of Music. For those that wish to study composition, arranging, studio production, publishing and other music business-related fields, a Master of Science in Post-Secondary Education with a focus in Music Industry is now “on the books” for the fall semester of 2008. For further information, please email musicindustry@troy.edu.

In addition, I am searching for a graduate assistant beginning in January of 2009. For anyone wishing to study privately with me at the masters level, this is an opportunity for work experience and compensation as you work towards your masters degree. For further information on the graduate assistant’s position, please email musicindustry@troy.edu.

Best wishes!

RWS

Unique Music Industry Opportunity for Students - April 11-12, 2008

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 17:36:49 -0600

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I’m pleased to announce a new event at Troy University that is a unique opportunity for music students who have career goals in the music industry. The SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES MUSIC INDUSTRY SHOWCASE is the only event of its type in the United States. In addition to clinics and performances, talented students have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of industry professionals.

If your career goals include one of the following, you may wish to join us for the Showcase on April 11-12, 2008:

Recording Artist
Producer
Engineer
Songwriter
Composer/Arranger
Record Company Executive
Publisher
Artist Manager
Concert Promoter
Etc.

Please visit the event website at http://web.mac.com/muitroy/iWeb/showcase/ for more information. Please pass on this information to all you think may be interested.

I look forward to seeing you there. Take care!

RWS