Tucker Music Works - Christopher Tucker - Blog/Journal

Westbrook and Tucker pay tribute to NASA's Space Shuttle Program

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:51:21 -0700

In addition to the comments made in the video blog, I am excited that permission has been given to utilize Space Shuttle launch sounds in the piece. I have already begun work today on charting the opening of the piece which will contain a music quote from Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra," known to movie lovers as the opening to "2001: A Space Odyssey." It'll be a development of the first three pitches; simple, yes, but effective. The first 30 seconds of the piece will begin with the quietest moments of the piece and finish with the loudest sounds of the piece. After that, who knows. I'm launching this piece into the atmosphere!...

Westbrook Intermediate School Band kids, comment below with your Space Shuttle stories.

Thanks for your input.
- CT

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UPDATE #1 (OCTOBER 17, 2011)

When I woke up this morning, I was pleasantly surprised to see the comments from this blog post "skyrocket" from 11 to 55. Hello kids! Thanks for all the great comments and stories.

To update all of you, I have begun to score sections of the piece for full band. It is all coming along really well. Trumpets, prepare to blow air through your horn after removing your mouthpieces. Percussion, it's time to learn how to bow a tam-tam (percussion 4 will get this part). Flutes, have you ever produced a "jet whistle?" You need to figure it out (check out http://www.johnmcmurtery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25:jet-whistle&catid=5:other-techniques&Itemid=8).

Some questions were asked in the comments.
(Q) What will the length be? ”¢ (A) I'll never actually know the length until it is all said and done, but I do have an agreed target of 3-4 minutes. I am on pace though for 4-5 minutes as my pieces tend to go long sometimes.
(Q) Will I incorporate the historic space race with Russia? ”¢ (A) No. Although that time features a lot of great history to mark musically, this piece will focus on the legacy of the Space Shuttle program.

Also, while I am composing the piece, think about possible titles. I'll inquire later when I complete the piece mid-November.

All the best, CT.

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Journey down Niagara in Pennsylvania

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:29:13 -0800

For the PA middle school band directors out there, I received word that my Journey down Niagara was approved and placed on the PMEA state adjudication list as a grade 2 band piece. PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) currently serves over 5,000 members and has been around since 1933.

Journey down Niagara was composed in 2005 inspired by my trip to Niagara Fall, ON with my wife Kimberly. Celebrating our one-year wedding anniversary, we experienced the Maid of the Mist, White Water Walk, Journey behind the Falls as well as the fall themselves. The work went on to take third prize in category 1 of the 2006 Frank Ticheli Composition Contest.

I want to thank Kimberly Conklin, the 7th and 8th grade band director in East Stroudsburg, PA, for submitting the piece to the music selection committee. So, to all PA directors, program Journey down Niagara for contest!

New Year 2011 - New look website

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:07:13 -0800

It's a New Year. And with it comes a new look website. I have slowly worked on the site during the past month, adding recordings and scores to new pieces.

A trip to the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in December inspired me to prepare for Spring performances. With new works Bright Rain's Hummingbird and Euphoric Sparks, I am excited about what this year will bring...

Also, I head to Buffalo this month to edit a couple of recording sessions, which will eventually evolve to my third wind band CD with Mark Records this December.

I hope you enjoy my updated new look site.
Chris

Fireworks for winds - Help with creating a title!

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:55:48 -0700

THE JOURNEY:

A year ago, Chad Dempsey and the Edinburg North High School Bands and Band Boosters commissioned me to compose a wind band work in celebration for the opening of the Edinburg North HS Performance Hall. The opening of the new hall was postponed to this December, which shifted my commission schedule to allow more time this early fall to work on the piece.

The work needed to be celebratory and there's not much more festive then fireworks. This idea led to a work which I have admired for a long time in 18th century composer Handel's "Music for the Royal Fireworks." I somehow wanted to incorporate Handel's work and ended up using a good bit of his material as the basis for my composition.

Here's a YouTube video of the BBC Symphony Orchestra performing selections from Handel's "Music for the Royal Fireworks" for you to enjoy.

THE PIECE:

This four-minute work for wind band contains many layers — both abstract and programmatic.

Looking at the abstract is the incorporation of musical quotes from Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks.” Quote sections are marked in the score and parts, coming from the movements Overture, La Paix, Bourree and La Rejouissance. The work also follows the key structure outlining an f minor7 chord, first rising in thirds: F — A-flat — C — E-flat — C — F. The programmatic connection can be followed purely in relation to emotions felt when fireworks are present (anticipation, elation and excitement). The actual depiction of fireworks can be found in the transitions between major sections of the piece.

When you combine all the elements of the composition, you can follow it this way:

Anticipation [Overture] — Fireworks (transition to the second section) — Elation [La Paix] — [Bourree] — Fireworks (transition to the final section) — Excitement [La Rejouissance] — Codetta [Overture]

The PROCESS:

This is the first work in which I strictly relied on my computer in my studio, using Finale 2010 and my new M-Audio KeyStudio 49i. I am usually an old school composer, spending the vast majority of my creative time at my piano with pencil and manuscript paper. Even though I didn't use the piano this time, the actual creative process remained the same. I started with a computer notated eight-line piano and condensed percussion score to draft the work. From there, I orchestrated directly to the score file.

This is also the first time I used sampled sounds (Miroslav Philharmonik) and percussion mapping to assist me in my orchestration and create a computer realization of the work. Before, I was content with just using generic midi sounds, as I only needed them to review my score for possible incorrect note entries. It's important to mention here that my sampled sounds are not the cream of the crop like what my friends John and Steve use, but I consider these a natural step up from using generic midi sounds. I am sure one day, I'll step up to the VS sounds that are so strong (when I can afford them...).

THE TITLE (or lack there of):

One step remains and that is finalizing the piece with an appropriate title. The title usually presents itself to me during the creative process. However, I am finding it difficult to come up with a title that best describes this composition. I hope that you can assist me here before the premiere. I need a title by mid-November.

So, here's what I have done. I have provided links below to view the score and hear the computer realization of the work. Have a listen and if you have an idea for a title, please comment to this post.

Thanks to a suggestion from fellow composer Matt Schoendorff, the person who comes up with the final title (or who I think comes closest to the final title) receives a complimentary full score. Plus, if they attend Midwest this year (which I am pretty sure I will attend on Friday of the convention), I will gladly buy that person lunch if they are at Midwest too.

Note: This recording doesn't play trills and glissandi. I haven't spent much time yet with creating that kind of functionality in lieu of Finale human playback (which I would rather not use).

FireworksTitleTBD Score (non-print) FireworksTitleTBD MidiAudio

Short summer flashback and making major website changes

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:08:56 -0700

I'll try to stay focused on making sense of this blog post "collage" (as I am watching the Dallas Cowboys preseason game versus Oakland).

The summer has been busy and, in the tradition of Texas culture, HOT!!! Much of my summer's attention has been on the Lone Star Wind Orchestra - recording a half disc in June (none of my music on this session; the group recorded three fine works including Turina's "La Procession du Rocio") and a performance at the Texas Bandmasters Association convention in July (performing to over 3500 attendees). Eugene Corporon commanded the group, Frank Ticheli and Fred Hamilton were star guest artists, and the LSWO musicians played the best they have ever played. The LSWO Clarinet Choir (a group I conduct) performed at the International Clarinet Association convention in Austin and turned some heads (in a good way). Kim and I enjoyed the summer, but its back to the grind.

To start off the Fall, I am focusing on updating my website. It needs it...badly. I have new works needing to be added, I have expired links needing to be refreshed, and there are new tools and functions to add that are quite exciting. Many of my composer buds including Steven Bryant are doing some great web design, so I thought it was time to join the club. At this point, the site has a new web design look and a number of pages have been modified. I am extremely proud of a new social banner that I created and added to the head code of each web page (it's at the top of each web page and it took me hours to create).

The next step (especially for those who have an RSS feed on my rarely used blog) is to transfer my journal entries to blog posts. This will take some time and in the end, the journal page will go away. You will receive a large number of RSS feeds in the next week. Prepare!

I truly hope you like the new changes. If there's anything new I could add to enhance my site, let me know.

Gulf Breezes on "Wind and Rhythm" tonight

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 19:06:24 -0700

Doug Brown's E-mail about tonight's "Wind and Rhythm" program:

Episode 79: Rivers, Pools, Storms, and Fountains

"A recent article in "Listen, Life with Classical Music" quoted a friend of mine, Mark Morette proclaiming his Roman Trilogy is the best band CD ever! I know and trust him and so we'll hear from him and from the album this week. Also we finally find a way to get all of the BCM composers into one show; Whitacre, Bryant, Newman, and Bonney. This show might be a perfect one if it chooses to rain while you listen. We hope you can join us this week.

By the Rivers of Babylon: Ed Huckeby
The Rivers of the Bowery: Jonathan Newman
Reflections in a Tidal Pool: James Bonney
Ecstatic Waters (Ceremony of Innocence): Steven Bryant
Cloudburst: Eric Whitacre
The Fountains of Rome: Ottorino Respighi
Gulf Breezes, Kt 14/2: Christopher Tucker
Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon: Percy Grainger

The program is available tonight on KWTU Classical 88.7 in Tulsa at 7pm on Sunday.

And, if you're out of the listening area, you can listen to the broadcast on the internet. Just go to our website www.windandrhythm.com and click on the "listen live" button on the front page. It will open the Public Radio Tulsa site where you can choose from the second group (KWGS is listed first) but the correct choices are listed as Classical 88.7, KWTU. There are three choices depending on your computer and software preference.

So, please join us and bring along a friend who loves band music!

Doug Brown, host
Wind and Rhythm"

A tour down the Niagara...in Texas

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:07:18 -0700

It has been an absolute thrill to see my young band work "Journey down Niagara" become one of my most sold wind band pieces to date, being performed all over the state of Texas and beyond. In Texas, the work has become a focal point of UIL festival performances. For me, it has been an exciting year serving as a clinician for a number of fine high school and middle school bands performing this piece.

Last week, I worked with the third band at Mesquite High School. They were a fine band and responded well to instruction. They adapted quickly and even helped me with new ideas on how to interpret the piece. A highlight of this clinic was the opportunity to work with their director, Melissa H. Behne. We had history before we even got started as her mother was my Spanish teacher in high school...in Columbus, GA. What a pleasure it was to meet Mrs. Harding's daughter in an artistic collaboration a half a nation away here in Texas.

Next week, I am working with two middle schools on "Journey down Niagara" and cannot wait to see what they bring to the table. It looks to be a great week next week followed with a trip to Ithaca, NY for a residency with Horseheads High School and Ithaca College for the world premiere of my "Cement 13."

Danzas de Viento! es muy bueno!

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:07:48 -0800

Yesterday could have been just any old Sunday, filled with cleaning, playing a little Sudoku or watching TV. Sunday as is the 7th day could be a day to rest, but not for the energetic and vibrant musicians of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra. No, the LSWO organization put on a show worthy of greatness, performing a musical tribute to the Hispanic culture through song and dance, celebrating the strength and vibrancy of Dallas’ and the surrounding cities' Hispanic community. The program included works by Spanish composers Joaquin Turina and Isaac Albeniz as well as Hispanic-inspired works by American composers like Roger Nixon and Michael Gandolfi. Eugene Corporon and the Lone Star Wind Orchestra also welcomed to the stage the Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, one of the premier Hispanic dance companies in the United States. And we were all honored to have the founder, Ms. Anita Martinez, in the audience to enjoy the concert with us. A highlight came in the second half when the dancers joined the ensemble for H. Owen Reed’s "La Fiesta Mexicana." The audience gave a standing ovation for, as Scott Cantrell of the Dallas Morning News stated, a “snazzy” performance, playing with “great panache.”

Heat seeps out in the season of cold...

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:09:35 -0800

Yes, we are still in the middle of winter. Yes, I should continue to expect colder temperatures. Yes, I should bundle up when I leave the house. But, its Texas. Weather can change in a blink of an eye here. It could be foggy in the morning, sunny in the afternoon and raining by the evening. You could be walking your dog in 70 degree weather and in one small step feel the temperature drop 15 degrees. Well, I am happy to report a change in our weather fortunes for the rest of the week. Although, it's foggy as of 10 am today, it will remain in the mid-60s with a chance at hitting 72 degrees by Friday. I feel inspired to take a walk in a t-shirt. Thank you weather man (or woman) for bringing back the warmth, even if its for a couple of days...

Shopping for a shower head

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:10:11 -0800

What an interesting day yesterday. Along with some part formatting of my newest work for winds, "Cement 13," and a little LSWO stuff, I hopped around to different Lowe's in search of faucet covers/socks in preparation for the blast of below freezing temperatures. Don't want the pipes to burst! Got to cover them!

After being dismayed by the lack of insulation products from the hordes of customers before me buying them out, I found myself in the plumbing section looking at showerheads. Not sure why; maybe because I longed for a massage after a long day or maybe I was thirsty. No matter the reason, I was thrown back by the massive selection available to me. Each showerhead was different. You had your basic old-y, but goody, showerheads that imitate a rain shower and even ones with tentacle-like hoses and sprays. Then there's the middle of the choice pool with multiple settings, 3, 5, 7 - like pulsating massage, concentrated center powerspray, fine mist, massaging swirl, refreshing spray, etc. The list goes on. And then there's the mythical, kind-of "World of Warcraft" character brand names - like the elegant maiden "Waterpick," the hunter "Delta," and the wizard "Moen." So many choices, it drove me to the brink of crazy. I wished Kim was there shopping with me to sort it all out. At this point, I just wanted something new that sprayed water.

By the time I made it home with my new showerhead, I realized that I had no opportunity to install it because of the impending artic blast. To install a showerhead, it's always a good idea to shut off the water before removing the old head. And for subfreezing temperatures, I need the water on and dripping to keep the pipes from freezing.

I guess I'll wait a week to enjoy the new Tucker rain shower...with multiple settings including the basic spray...with an additional tentacle-like hose. HEY!...I couldn't decide, so I just bought a showerhead that had it all. Easy decision, right?