Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Celebrate 150th Anniversary of Jean Sibelius with the Orchestra of Southern Utah


(8 December 1865 – 20 September 1957)
Born into the Russian Empire and nurtured Finnish independence through his great music.

Finlandia is an example of nationalistic music for Finland.
Video includes scenery from Finland including northern lights and wildlife:

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5zg_af9b8c

(poster design by Rollan Fell)

“Rhythm of Sibelius” Concert Celebrates 150 Anniversary
By Kristin Beauchamp-Butt
The Orchestra of Southern Utah will celebrate the music and life of Jean Sibelius with their November 12th concert, “The Rhythm of Sibelius.”  Three Sibelius pieces (Finlandia, Waltz Triste, and Symphony No. 6) will be played in observation of his 150th birthday in December.  Additionally, this concert will provide a unique opportunity to hear live music played on the pipa, an instrument that originated in China over 1500 years ago.
            Perhaps Sibelius’s most well-known work, Finlandia was written in 1899 for a clandestine political protest.  Living in an uncertain time in Finland’s history, Sibelius wrote the piece to depict the struggles of the Finnish people.  The piece contains the Finlandia Hymn, a segment that was later taken as a stand-alone song with lyrics added in 1941.  It has become one of the most important national songs in the country, and the melody has also been included in alma maters, national anthems, and Christian hymns.
            Waltz Triste, the sad waltz, was written by Sibelius for one of his brother-in-law’s plays.  Though originally part of the incidental music for the play, it quickly earned a place as a concert piece.  The waltz was popular with audiences when it debuted in 1903, and continues to be popular today.
            Symphony No. 6 has been described by Sibelius as offering “cold spring water” in reference to the relative simplicity that stood in contrast to some of the more elaborate pieces of his time.  The piece had sentimental value to Sibelius, and always reminded him “of the scent of the first snow.” 
            The Concerto for String Orchestra and Pipa, written by Chinese composers Liu Dehai and Wu Zuqiang, will bring an uncommon element into our local concert hall.  Xinwen Fu will solo on the pipa, using her talent to display the historical instrument’s range and emotion.  This piece was written in 1973 tells of the heroics of two young children who endure a terrible snowstorm and save the family farm animals.  Their heroics are celebrated in the final portion with the "flowering of thousands of red blossoms".
            The concert will begin at 7:30 pm at the Heritage Theater.  Tickets are available at the Cedar City Heritage Theater Box Office by calling 435-865-2882 or online at http://www.heritagectr.org/.   Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $30 for groups up to 6.  Because evening concerts are recorded, it is requested that babies and children under the age of six not attend.  Children over the age of six are welcome at all OSU concerts with adult supervision.  More information: Emily Hepworth, OSU Manager, 435-233-8213 or osucedarcity@gmail.com.

Listening Links:
Symphony No. 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKhCHvaAc3o

 Pipa Concerto  Composed by 刘德海 Liu Dehai and 吴祖强 Wu Zuqiang,
Part 1:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig7APkPtWbw
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RRSiWA8J-4
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfFOeESnHFk
Two young sisters are trapped in a terrible snowstorm and manage to save the family farm animals.  Their heroics are celebrated in the finale of the piece.
Xinwen Fu plays the solo pipa part for the OSU concert.
More of our favorites from Jean Sibelius:

 Symphony No. 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g82t0AJ1FnY

 Swan of Tuonela features the English horn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGEOw6cThuU
To Hear an English Horn: http://www.dsokids.com/listen/by-instrument/english-horn/.aspx


 Sibelius Violin Concerto: "There is something immoderate about this concerto that enormously appeals to me. Something vulnerable and unspeakably beautiful, right there along something dark and brooding. They illustrate that not only do darkness and beauty coexist, they enhance each other. How fitting that a Finnish composer should have so aptly illustrated the beauty of light amid so much wintery darkness," wrote .  Full article: http://www.violinist.com/blog/Terez/201510/17123/
Finale performed by OSU with Hillary Dalton: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WG_Jwi4jyrg

More links and info: http://www.classicfm.com/composers/sibelius/
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Sunday, August 23, 2015

Recitals Showcase Individuals and Small Groups



Recitals celebrate an individual's musical gift or a smaller group of musicians.
Preview the 19th Annual Fall Recital Series at 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAolN5ej5q4


Angie Van Scoyk and Sally Hunter Jensen set to perform on Sept. 15

Jackie Jackson performs Sept. 1 and directs the Sept. 22 recital.

Cody Stratton shares original piano composition on Sept. 1

Common Ground plays Celtic and popular music on Sept. 1 recital.
Raggle Taggle Gypsy from last season: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OKEEb7HEdc
Gary and Corrie Lynne Player have made music an important part of their family life.

H. Roice Nelson has composed family music which he shares on first recital.

OSU Executive Director plays French horn in Sept. 1 recital.

Southern Utah Quartet will perform a famous Nocturne by chemist Alexander Borodin.

In Jubilo performs for Sept. 22 recital
In Jubilo with Down in the Valley to Pray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFSZAMWwDa0

Jack and Halle Vickers are among the young musicians included in the fall recitals.
Wilhelm, gypsy jazz on the Sept. 8 recital 
Wilhelm at Groovefest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCmxNzzpY6Y


19th Annual Fall Recitals for 2015:

September 1: “Notable Fusions”
Directed by Sara Penny

Science and music have many opportunities to intersect and this recital explores music by such notables as Borodin, who was a chemist, as well as sharing music performed by scientists.

Sept. 8: “20th Century Favorites”
Directed by Suzanne Tegland

From Sibelius and Rachmaninoff to John Williams and Danny Elfman, music of the 20th century spans a wide variety of styles and genres. Come listen to the favorites of others, and maybe you'll discover a new favorite for yourself!  

Sept. 15: “Long Live the Music!”
Directed by Sally Hunter Jensen

Join us as we celebrate and toast the continued success of OSU, 25 years in business for our sponsor, The Wizz, and whatever else propels you, with a wide array of passionate performers.

Sept. 15: “Long Live the Music! Directed by Sally Hunter  
Join us as we celebrate and toast the continued success of OSU, 25 years in business 
for our sponsor, The Wizz and whatever else propels you, with a wide array of 
passionate performers.Join us as we celebrate and the toast the continued succes of OSU, 25 years in business for our sponsor, The Wizz, and whatever else propels you, with a wide array of passionate performers
September 22: “Come Fly With Me”
Directed by Jackie Riddle-Jackson

Experience the sounds from around the world as we fly together!

September 29: “Fairy Dust”
Directed by Emily Hepworth

Music is magic! Music delights the ears and ignites imaginations. Sprinkle a little bit of pixie dust and prepare to soar through these musical adventures!

New website will have updates: http://myosu.org/

 Recital sponsors:  Dennis Loeffel and The Wizz

____________________________________


Performances from previous recitals:

Chelsea Gardner and her son Britton with a lovely Irish lulllaby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDmUeF_7odc

Country favorite with J.V Berk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAjiG_ZgFz8

Gerry Kelsey, Sally Hunter Jensen, and Bill Brough on 2014 recital:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJZ6SmWJQCo

Harpist Kendra Leavitt's performance with Hubble photography:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ZJthfWqts

Home Girls sing about Home Sweet Home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLgndC6rtm8

Pianist Christian Bohnenstengel performs Schubert's Impromptu in A Flat Major Op. 90/4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q6JekO5LHU

More videos at: YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrchestraofSouthernU



* Rhythm of Life Season* opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept. 2015

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213

Sara Penny, Listening Club Editor and Assistant*Stay in Touch with Your Orchestra:*
Website:  http://myosu.org/
Archival website: http://www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org/
Twitter:  OSUCedarCity
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=10353356974
http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=48076
Blog: http://osucedarcity.blogspot.com/ <http://t.co/F9CFlmct>
http://www.tumblr.com/blog/orchestraofsouthernutah
http://osulistening.blogspot.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrchestraofSouthernU
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/violin123/orchestra-of-southern-utah/

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Thursday, August 6, 2015

Back to Bach and Baroque



Bow motion of Bach Prelude























More photos of bow motion:
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2015/07/music-through-light-stephen-orlando/

Bach Cello Suite No.1 - Prelude featuring Yo-Yo Ma


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCicM6i59_I

What is Baroque Music? 
Music composed approximately 1600 to 1750 including Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Telemann and many other composers.  The fugue is one of the important forms which developed in this musical era. 
This visualization of prelude and fugue by Bach shows layering harmonies and melodies:
http://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/an-illuminated-visualization-of-bachs-the-well-tempered-clavier

As the Baroque music is elaborate and intricate, so is the architecture and art.


Bach Gavotte with step dancer and violinist:

Violinist and dancer dress up in the style of the period for a famous dance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zo1LfU67XJc

 For more Baroque music resources visit:
 http://www.baroquemusic.org/

Gothic cathedrals offered acoustic opportunities for musicians.

Diamond Anniversary of Messiah in Cedar City

This year marks the 75th performance of Handel's Messiah in Cedar City.  We hope you will join us on Dec. 13 and 14 at the Heritage Center.  Free thanks to sponsorship from State Bank of Southern Utah and the Leavitt Group.  Season tickets now available at Cedar Music Store, Whittlesticks, and  Heritage Center or from Emily Hepworth, OSU Manager:  435-233-8213.

From a previous performance by OSU, Hallelujah Chorus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU5I-Bk715k

Students at Lyceum Music Festival in Utah


Research results continue to validate value of music training:

"What we found was the more a child trained on an instrument," Hudziak told the Washington Post, "it accelerated cortical organization in attention skill, anxiety management and emotional control." Full article: http://mic.com/articles/108022/science-just-discovered-something-amazing-about-what-childhood-piano-lessons-did-to-you?fb_action_ids=10204515017459430&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B627742444018960%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D

Feedback and Suggestions for Listening Club welcome:  osucedarcity@gmail.com

*Upcoming*
 Rhythm of Life Season opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept.

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213 

Sara Penny, OSU Administrative Assistant and Editor for Listening Club
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Thursday, July 23, 2015

Voices Begin the Musical Journey

History of western music 

(From ancient Greece to Renaissance)

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC6TlS41DNM 

Notice the importance of the voice 

and gradual introduction of instruments 

as you progress through the video. 


Link for several other videos in many musical periods: 

https://www.youtube.com/user/myhistoryofmusic/videos

 --------------------------------
Village Voices sang Over the Rainbow 

in the Fall Recital 2014, new recitals begin on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Heritage Center.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OA0simsHBU

Keep Your Lamps and Blackbird 
performed by Festival City Chamber Singers in OSU Talent Showcase.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ourNYB5lZ4

For Unto Us a Child is Born from Handel's Messiah

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idwYiOcBZ0s

This season will mark the 75th performance of the Messiah in Cedar City.
--------------------------------

Music training can significantly 


improve our motor and reasoning skills  


by Belle Cooper

We generally assume that learning a musical instrument can be beneficial for kids, but it's actually useful in more ways than we might expect. One study showed that children who had three years or more musical instrument training performed better than those who didn't learn an instrument in auditory discrimination abilities and fine motor skills.

They also tested better on vocabulary and nonverbal reasoning skills, which involve understanding and analyzing visual information, such as identifying relationships, similarities and differences between shapes and patterns.

These two areas in particular are quite removed from musical training as we imagine it, so it's fascinating to see how learning to play an instrument can help kids develop such a wide variety of important skills.

Similar research shows this correlation for exercise and motor skills in the same way, which is also fascinating.

*Upcoming*
 Rhythm of Life Season opens with Fall Recitals each Tuesday in Sept.

Orchestra of Southern Utah, P.O. Box 312, Cedar City, UT  84721
Website:  http://myosu.org/

Emily Hepworth
OSU Manager
435-233-8213 

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Sunday, July 5, 2015

Exploring the "Awe" in Music

Music Which Stands the Test of Time ?????

Orchestras have to make decisions about which music to perform.  Below is an international gauge of the most performed works for 2014.   The Orchestra of Southern Utah seeks to find new music as well as traditional standards.  We receive suggestions from the musicians, audience patrons, and commission music.  Our upcoming season is the Rhythm of Life and includes music ranging from Star Wars to Sibelius.  More info at http://www.orchestraofsouthernutah.org/concerts/2015-2016-concert-seasons


From Backtrack for 2014

Backtrack offers information on performances throughout the world, 
as well as reviews, and music festival informations: http://bachtrack.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------

What moments make music 

transcendent or powerful? 

http://www.classicfm.com/discover/music/fist-pump-moments/#FLsbmq2iCr4Pz4UW.97 .  

The video of Khachaturian's Adagio from Spartacus is a favorite.  

How do you respond to music?  
Some people use music in the background for work. 
Others have certain pieces which help them perk up or calm down.  
Put on different kinds of music and see how it makes you feel.  
---------------------------------------------------------

Listening and learning website 

designed for both children and adults: 

http://www.classicsforkids.com/

---------------------------------------------------------

6 Benefits of Music Lessons

Learning to play an instrument can help your child fine-tune her ear and enhance skills needed for education and social interaction.
by Angela Kwan 

It improves academic skills.
Music and math are highly intertwined. By understanding beat, rhythm, and scales, children are learning how to divide, create fractions, and recognize patterns. . . 
It develops physical skills.
Certain instruments, such as percussion, help children develop coordination and motor skills; they require movement of the hands, arms, and feet. . . .
It cultivates social skills.
Group classes require peer interaction and communication, which encourage teamwork . . .
It refines discipline and patience.
Learning an instrument teaches children about delayed gratification. . . .
It boosts self-esteem.
Lessons offer a forum where children can learn to accept and give constructive criticism.  . . .
It introduces children to other cultures.
Full article at http://www.parents.com/kids/development/intellectual/benefits-of-music-lessons/#utm_sguid=153216,7688eb5d-add4-a66f-300e-5c9f434b3da0
Van Gogh described himself as a 'musician of color' (National Gallery)
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Monday, June 15, 2015

How Has Music Changed Over the Centuries?

Five minutes of animation which help introduce composers and changes in music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzM1-wWXCoY&feature=iv&src_vid=If_T1Q9u6FM&annotation_id=annotation_954640

Kraków in Poland exemplifies how the past influences the present.


Medieval and Renaissance 

Gamba music from the Renaissance (14th to 17th centuries)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MD_wZLpaVPg

Barbicon which dates from 15th century in Kraków


Dance music from the Renaissance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=739R9G0qDH8

 This video explores how manuscripts were made:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuNfdHNTv9o&feature=youtu.be

Unknown artist
Fallow Deer, about 1430 - 1440, Tempera colors, gold paint, silver paint, and gold leaf on parchment
Leaf: 26.4 x 18.4 cm (10 3/8 x 7 1/4 in.)
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, Ms. 27, fol. 11v

Activity:

Making homemade musical instruments:

http://allternativelearning.com/homemade-musical-instruments/#_a5y_p=1564020 


Value of Music in Our Schools:
Amanda Mortensen Linford explains about "no bad kids" in her music classroom. She was an SUU student and played trumpet with the Orchestra of Southern Utah before her teaching career: 

"He blew into my classroom and tumbled to a stop near the choral risers I use for seating.

Small for his 8 years, thin and unkempt, he announced, “I’m new here. I’m a bad kid. I had eleven referrals at my old school last week in my old town 5 ½ hours away on the highway.”

He threw down that gauntlet in a hurry. I chose my next move carefully. “Are you sure about that? Because I’ve been here a long time and never seen one. There ARE no bad kids here,” I responded.

The voice inside my head, the voice that challenges and keeps me honest, balked at the phrase “no bad kids here” and requested clarification. Are you sure? Surely in 28 years of teaching you’ve come up against some bad kids. Remember so and so? Or that one kid? Or what about that other kid? Come on Amanda, no bad kids? REALLY?
No mystery where that voice was coming from. My memories overflow with children who have passed through my music room in the past nearly three decades. This may surprise you, but not every single memory is a happy one. I’ve worked with challenging kids, angry kids, willful kids, woeful kids, kids without hope, opportunity, or resources. Kids left to raise themselves and their younger siblings while mom does time in jail or dad escapes across the border to avoid prosecution. Kids who get themselves up each morning while mom and her latest boyfriend sleep off their latest binge. Kids in the same clothes three weeks running. Kids in desperate need of a bath, a comb, a toothbrush, a hug, a lap to sit on, a bedtime story, and more to eat than the two free meals a day they get at school. Precious young humans who know too much too soon of pain, disappointment, and loss. Children with a seething, justifiable wariness of everyone and everything.

But BAD kids? I let faces rush into my mind and paused just long enough to determine that I stand by my original assertion. I don’t know any bad kids. I know kids with bad lives, kids who make bad choices, kids in bad situations…but no bad KIDS.

So I say to my new young friend, let’s call him Chip, “Nope, no bad kids here so you’re in luck! You’re in the right place!” He gives me a cautious smile. Brief, but definite.
I started my lesson. Meanwhile, Chip busied himself with providing evidence to support his initial declaration. He is a whirlwind in constant motion. My finely tuned teacher instincts sound the alarm…”Houston, we have a problem!”
I always hoped I’d be one of those teachers kids remember, you know the kind of teacher you still think about when you’re 50, the kind who changed your life or your perspective, the kind of teacher who believed in you when no one else did. We all have them, right? Teachers who opened your eyes and made you see yourself for what you could be.
But I have to admit most days in the teaching trenches have not been what I would consider life-altering. Lots of daily grind experiences. Lots of days when the repetition borders on monotonous. Lots of days when, overwhelmed with minutiae, blurry with fatigue, I’ve let all the faces muddle together and forgotten to honor what is unique in each one.
Chip’s face is emblematic of 5000 other faces I recall from my 28 years in this room. Each one individual and vital. I feel myself coming back into focus. 

Chip needs me to do right by him. He needs what we all need: safety, security, belonging, and hope. I can’t fix his past or mend what harrowing turn of events has brought him to my class, but I feel confident I can help him have a good day. I hope I can help him see a good kid when he looks in the mirror.

So we gather in a circle. We hold hands and begin. We sing. We dance. We laugh. We jump headlong into the daily grind together. It’s just one day among the thousands that I’ve worked in this room, but it feels important. It's Chip's day and he desperately needs what is mine to give. A place to forget his troubles for a while. A place to start over. A place to belong.

I wish I could say I know it will all work out, but truthfully I can’t. I DON’T know. I never know. I don’t even know if he will still be here tomorrow. It’s like that all too often, kids in crisis blown about like tumbleweeds in a sweltering wind.
But today Tumbleweed Chip blew into MY classroom, a room that has been full of good kids for as long as I can remember. He tumbled in and became one of them. He couldn't help it...there are no bad kids here."

 OSU Video:

 OSU videos at: https://www.youtube.com/user/OrchestraofSouthernU
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