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1:
Integrity's First Stand: 9th Grade Band.
2: Form & Function: Concert Group.
3: Where Beauty Has No Chance: Wind Symphony.
4: From Quarry to Quest: Wind Symphony.
5: Dynamiting Cortlandt: Percussion Ensemble.
6: Monument to the Spirit of Man: Combined Ensembles.
The
"younger" pieces are rhythmically energized and
seem to be more difficult. Great weight has been given to
the learning experience. (There's more on how to approach
the younger groups in the score.) The Upper Group is left
with the harrowing, demanding task of taking those long,
full, languid moments, and making them beautiful. The Chinese
say, "In clear water, little fish have no place to
hide." In those moments where hiding is not possible,
I have called upon the fine Musician. To make A Monument
to the Spirit of Man... truly a MONUMENT!,
will take great love and energy, great giving and care.
Other
Options:
1. Each movement may be rendered as a separate work.
2. A 3-movement work may be taken from the whole.
3. One ensemble may play the entire work.
4. All 3 groups, or 2, or 4... can be on stage for the entire
piece. You can add the groups in at dramatic moments to
intensify the climaxes. Each group can await the appropriate
time, joining gloriously in the finale!
5. The piece may be divided in this way. The first movement
is rendered at the Middle School's Spring Concert. An invitation
is made at that concert to attend the high school's spring
concert in which parents and students can hear the rest
of the work.
There
are many ways to utilize THE FOUNTAINHEAD
to generate interest across the grade levels, and literally
create a BRIDGE between groups, unify the town's
Music department, and more. I hope you see this as I do.
It is the beginning of a process called STORMQuest,
but more on that later.
THE FOUNTAINHEAD is unique in that it offers
many creative ways of unifying your Music program! Beyond
all of this, THE FOUNTAINHEAD is a tribute
to the eternal wellspring of Man's creativity. And now to
the task ahead! Godspeed.
For
those who have met me, you know how much I detest the idea
of a following. I respect the Individual above all else,
hence pieces like THE FOUNTAINHEAD! A STORMDirector
is not a follower. He or She is a proponent of Music and
Music Education. He or She faces the same adversaries that
the... shall we call them, Slow-Drip-Directors... face,
but unlike their counterparts, they overcome these obstacles.
Why?
Because above all else, they love the kids and the responsibility
of taking them on a great and noble journey. STORMDirectors
are not masters. They are instead, perpetual learners, always
giving to and humbled by that which they serve: Music and
Students, Students and Music. I have met some of you! And
you ARE STORMDirectors! I love and respect
you.
| CREATING
a STORMBook from a 3-Ringed Binder!
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Eventually,
over Time, you can create a STORMBook! This
is a useful addition to your library and teaching arsenal.
Here's why. If you were to play one STORM
work on each of your concerts, it would take you 16
years to fully explore the currently existing STORMLibrary
and ever-expanding message. If you were to render one work
for Winds & Percussion in Motion every 4 years, you
could span 28 years! Godspeed! Steve |