Bachovich Music Publications Newsletter - February 2011

Featured Composition: PanSon for Steel Band by Dave Gerhart

2011-02-06T22:33:00.000-08:00

Dave Gerhart wrote PanSon while attending the 2004 CSU Summer Arts Program in Fresno, CA. The Summer Arts program was a two-week percussion workshop where they taught African, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Caribbean drumming and music. The faculty included Michael Spiro, Mark Lamson, Liam Teague, Ray Holman and CK Ladzepko. During this workshop, Michael Spiro did a session on Afro-Cuban drumming and how to identify the clave in music. After the class, Dave wanted to try to write a melody using the concepts Spiro introduced in the class. Dave came up with a montuno and wrote the melody to what became PanSon.

The piece is written in the style of a 2-3 Cuban Son with a middle section that has a different montuno and can be opened up for pan or percussion solos. The title PanSon is derived from the name of the instrument (commonly known as Pans) and the style in which the piece is written (Cuban Son).

PanSon is an impressive work (4 minute) for any steel band to show that pans are not just big oil cans that play loud music but rather very delicate instruments that can play a variety of music styles. Watch the CSULB Steel Drum Orchestra perform PanSon on YouTube.

Featured Book: A Percussionist’s Handbook by Peter Saleh

2011-02-06T21:19:00.003-08:00

Peter Saleh’s book A Percussionist’s Handbook is not a method book, but a hands-on, no-nonsense practical resource for teachers and performers serious about their craft. This 100+ page text is a result of years of experience in the trenches of student and professional situations and favors a direct conversational tone. When one stops and thinks about that prospect, the possibility that one should rely on a traditional method book as the sole written resource to prepare a percussionist to be an effective musician seems unreasonable. Even the best snare drum book used by the best teacher cannot always help the student when he is put into an unfamiliar musical or logistical circumstance. This book is intended to help fill the holes that can be left between the musical and the practical.

A Percussionist's Handbook has been used for instruction and supplemental materials by Ithaca College, Rutgers Youth Percussion Ensemble, the Central Jersey Youth Percussion Ensemble, Ithaca College, the Juilliard Pre-College, the North Carolina Governor's School, and Global Percussion, Inc and has assisted many student percussionists in realizing the practical, yet less commonly discussed elements of their craft.

Featured Media: (CD) John Hadfield: Displaced

2011-02-06T21:19:00.001-08:00

John Hadfield’s is extremely excited to announce the release of his second record, which is entitled Displaced. For this new album, he has composed four original pieces "1213," "Module," "One" and "Cyclical." The compositions are all written for percussion and electronics, inspired by instruments he has discovered during his travels as well as by the noises produced by found objects and aleatoric weather patterns. The instruments on the record range from gender wayang to springs, lions roar, kanjira, gongs, and electronic sound manipulation.

"1213" was instigated by the displacement of the rhythmic interval of 1213. It utilizes Balinese gamelan instruments, a large plastic tube, bells from India, numerous drums, gongs and rattles.

"Module" was written for a hybrid drum set with springs, glockenspiel and aleatoric samples of the weather outside my New York apartment.

"One" is a duet with amazing percussionist Satoshi Takeishi drawing on a South Indian Korvai with extended improvisation.

"Cyclical" is a work for solo bicycle with electronic manipulation and sounds by Abelton wizard Harold Bott.

Check out Displaced and other John Hadfield CDs HERE. For audio samples from each CD, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Glen Velez

2011-02-06T21:18:00.001-08:00

Four time Grammy Award winner, Glen Velez is the founding Father of the modern Frame Drum movement and is regarded as a legendary figure among musicians and audiences worldwide. Velez’s revolutionary approach to Frame Drum has opened new possibilities for musicians around the globe.

As a performer, Velez became the first percussionist to gain international recognition for solo frame drum. He has collaborated with Steve Reich, the Paul Winter Consort, Suzanne Vega, Maya Beiser, Tan Dun, Pat Metheny, Israel Philharmonia, Brooklyn Philharmonia, Opera Orchestra of New York, Taipei Chinese Orchestra, Zakir Hussain, Sonny Fortune, New York City Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke's, David Darling, Howard Levy, Eugene Friesen and Coleman Barks. He even inspired the great twentieth century composer John Cage to compose a work entitled Composed Improvisation for One-Sided Drum with or without Jingles especially for Velez.

Velez draws upon his deep knowledge of the great drumming traditions of the Middle East, South India and the Mediterranean world (ancient and modern) in his compositions. Glen Velez’s composition, Sol Tunnels for percussion quartet, was commissioned by The Ethos Percussion Ensemble and is the title for one of their new recordings. Sol Tunnels has a wonderful blend of cultural and musical styles. Velez credits the melodic ideas incorporated to the influence of Arabic drumming and much of the rhythmic interplay that happens is inspired by his appreciation of South Indian drumming.

Visit Glen Velez’s personal website for further information and tour dates.

Highlights (February)

2011-02-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

~PAS NYC "Weekend of Percussion" this coming weekend, featuring Bachovich's own Valerie Naranjo, Joseph Gramley, Sean Statser, and Andrew Beall.

~Rest in Peace: Beloved percussionist and educator from Atlanta, Paul Jasionowski, passed away on January 4th of this year. Paul donated his heart and soul to Bachovich every PASIC, and was there from our very beginning in 2006. Paul was our most consistent PASIC booth worker, and we will all miss him immensely.

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers:

Randy Max
Schumann/R. Max: 6 Pieces for Pedal Piano, op. 56 & 58 for timpani and piano (includes audio CD)

Peter Saleh
A Percussionist’s Handbook

~Other New Works from Your Favorite Bachovich Composers:

Gene Koshinski: Variations (after Viñao) for two-mallet marimba solo.

~Ironworks Percussion Duo Composition Competition

Official Webpage HERE.

Download Entry Form, Eligibility & Guidelines HERE.

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Costa Rica, Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Santavich Special 2010!!

2010-12-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

2010 Santavich Holiday Special (FREE STUFF!):

1) Spend $30 or more, and get one item ($20 or less) FREE.
2) Spend $50 or more, and get any item FREE.
3) Spend $100 or more, and get any 2 items FREE.

*To redeem your FREE Santavich gifts, indicate which free item(s) you would like in an email to orders@bachovich.com.

~Thank you for visiting us at PASIC 2010! This was by far our best year, and for that we'd like to reward you! This special is good until Dec. 31st. If you order by December 18th, you should receive your order by Christmas.~

Featured Composition: Argentinean Suite for solo vibraphone by Pablo Bagilet

2010-12-13T09:23:00.007-08:00

Take a trip south with Pablo Bagilet’s Argentinean Suite. Pablo now is a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University, but his vibraphone solo will take you back to Pablo’s childhood in Santa Fe, Argentina. Pablo has spent most of his life growing up, performing in, and teaching in Argentina, and this suite is infused with the bright melodies and lively rhythms of his home-country.

In addition to the sounds of Argentina, Pablo’s solo also incorporates a sad Argentinean tale. The third movement of the suite tells the story of a poor girl who sings while begging for money in the street. The performer is instructed to place coins on the vibraphone bars that correspond to the notes of the girl's sweet melody. Then, the performer has the ability to decide her fate (whether she survives or dies from a tragic shooting) and adjusts the coins accordingly (they fall, from her hand, to the ground if she dies).

This is a great, virtuosic (10 minute) work, and it is written in a marimba-esque style, with quick permutations. To hear an audio sample of Argentinean Suite, click HERE.

Featured Book (plus DVD): Riq Instructional DVD and Book (Basics of the Middle Eastern Tambourine) by Yousif Sheronick

2010-12-13T09:23:00.005-08:00

Basics of the Middle Eastern Tambourine DVD lets you work directly with virtuoso Yousif Sheronick as he demonstrates and walks you through the basics of holding and playing the Riq and embellishing Middle Eastern rhythms in various positions and styles. The DVD also provides exercises for developing your tones and building strength, and it includes two fabulous solos performed by Yousif. The accompanying book provides over 50 Middle Eastern rhythms (with multiple embellishments) to work on. Learn more about the DVD/Book HERE, and watch the videos below to get a sense of the great instruction and ability demonstrated in the DVD:

Watch this trailer for Yousif's DVD/Book

Watch here to get a taste of Yousif's solo style and masterful ability

Featured Media: (CD) Behind the Mask by Tribal Sage (Javier Diaz)

2010-12-13T09:23:00.003-08:00

Behind the Mask is the debut CD release by Tribal Sage, which features NYC percussionist/composers Javier Diaz (a Bachovich favorite!) and Roger Squitero. This genre-blending release brings together elements of jazz, electronica, New Age, Afro Cuban Rumba, and tribal World Beat grooves in this creative collaboration. The album highlights other great musicians (including Bill Evans on Sax, Toyin Spellman on English Horn, Lincoln Goines and Mark Egan on Bass) and features beautiful songwriting, exotic vocals, virtuosic percussion, and electronics. Listen to audio samples HERE and purchase this great album from Bachovich (a perfect holiday gift!) right HERE!

Featured Composer: Robert McClure

2010-12-13T09:23:00.001-08:00

Robert McClure is one of Bachovich's most diverse composers. Robert is currently pursuing a DMA in composition at Rice University, where he is a TA in the Rice Electronic Music Lab. His diverse array of compositions--electronic and instrumental--have been accepted to festivals around the country and performed by musicians of all ages (from young students to professionals).

Robert’s marimba-percussion duo Go! won 2nd Place in the 2008 Ironworks Percussion Duo Composition Competition and helped introduce Robert to BMP. Bachovich also carries Robert’s ...of the Earth for percussion quartet and two very unique solo works: A Natural Regression (for solo marimba and solo prepared vibraphone) and Integrated Elements No. 3 ‘Divide by Five’ (for gyil and fixed media), which has been selected for performance at the SEAMUS 2011 conference at the University of Miami from January 20-22. [The gyil is a West African pentatonic “xylophone.” See the image below, which features Bachovich composer Valerie Naranjo.]

Robert’s portfolio includes a variety of interesting works available at Bachovich. For more information and audio samples of these works, click on their titles above. Happy Holidays Robert, and good luck in 2011!

Highlights (December)

2010-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

PASIC was a huge success for Bachovich! Thanks to you, sales were up 50% from the previous year. That's why we are able to extend to you:

The 3rd Annual Santavich Holiday Special! (see details at the top of the page!)

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers:

Luis Rivera
Prelude #4 for marimba and vibraphone (Chopin)
Pascal’s Motor Rhythms for percussion duet
Additive Music for vibraphone
Trois Nocturnes (No. 1) for marimba quartet (Chopin)
Quartet for Metal and Wood for 2 vibraphones and 2 marimbas
Three Marimbas for marimba trio
Vheissu for percussion quintet and piano

Pete DeSalvo
Sleigh Ride for mallet quartet (and optional percussion trio) (Leroy Anderson)

John Hadfield
(CD) The Eye of Gordon
(CD) John Hadfield: Displaced

~Other New Works from Your Favorite Bachovich Composers:

-V. Naranjo/A. Beall: Gmeng Se Na for solo gyil and chamber orchestra

-Gene Koshinski: Additive Method of Two-Mallet Study

-Pablo Bagilet: Baires for solo vibraphone and tam-tam

-Stanley Leonard: (CD) Acclamation

~Glass Jungle: Andrew Beall's CD Glass Jungle is now available on iTunes!

~New Website: Check out Bachovich composer and PAS Hall of Famer Stanley Leonard and his new website: www.stanleyleonard.com

~New Project: Matthew Welch's Blarvuster project--"the hidden nexus of Celtic and Balinese traditions"--can now be heard on its debut CD on the Tzadik label. Check out the CD and the Blarvuster website now.

~On Broadway:
Javier Diaz is now playing percussion on the new Broadway show Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown , and Charlie Descarfino is playing on the new show Elf.

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Ireland, Lithuania, Costa Rica, Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: Nessun Dorma for Percussion Ensemble by Puccini/arr. D. Soulier

2010-11-02T09:29:00.001-07:00

Nessun Dorma (arranged by Danny Soulier) is Puccini’s beautiful, famous aria from Turandot in an arrangement for a large percussion ensemble of 13 to 14 players [instrumentation includes: glockenspiel, 2 vibraphones, xylophone, chimes, 4 or 5 marimbas (4.3 and 4.5), timpani, suspended and crash cymbals, triangle, bass drum, and gong]. The lyrical vocal line is played by solo/duo marimba, and parts of the conclusion of the opera are included to close out the arrangement. Chordal marimba passages bring out the warm, rich harmonies in the aria, and vibraphones stand in for off-stage choir. This large work is great for high school and college percussion ensembles and this crowd-pleaser is a perfect introduction to one of the most passionate, beautiful pieces of classical music. To hear an audio sample, click HERE.

Featured Book: The Additive Method of Two-Mallet Study by Gene Koshinski

2010-11-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Gene Koshinski’s new book, The Additive Method of Two-Mallet Study, is designed to address a variety of two-mallet technical challenges that are often neglected for more popular 4-mallet practice. By analyzing the major works for two-mallet keyboard percussion, Gene identified twenty distinct technical challenges present in the repertoire and designed a collection of associated exercises. Each exercise utilizes an “Additive Method” (adding one note at a time) to help develop ability with scales that does not focus on playing them in their entirety.

In addition to the large collection of exercises, Gene’s method book also includes practice routines and charts, an annotated list of accompanied and unaccompanied two-mallet repertoire, and a grid that details which of the technical challenges are found in each two-mallet work. This is a great, new book and is ideal for not only mallet soloists but all percussionists alike. For more information, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) Glass Jungle by Andrew Beall

2010-11-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

Glass Jungle is Andrew Beall’s second solo/composition release and it pays tribute to the ten years he has spent living in the “glass and concrete jungle” that is New York City. Title track Glass Jungle (for percussion soloist and percussion quartet) and Rancho Jubilee (for cajon trio; click the link for video!) are lively and vibrant. Solo marimba arrangements of Bach’s Air (on a G-String) and Pachebel’s Canon in D (performed by Andrew) are lyrical and tranquil. Andrew’s famed Song of Almah (marimba/cello version) and his arrangement of Card’s El Shaddai (for soprano and marimba) are rich and deeply passionate. Like Deliverance, Andrew’s first CD release, Glass Jungle features a variety of great solo and ensemble percussion writing and features outstanding performers, including Montgomery Hatch, Keith Aleo, Michael Singer, Jeremy Levine, Wilson Torres, and Javier Diaz. All of these compositions are available for purchase HERE at Bachovich Music Publications. To hear audio samples from all tracks on this great CD, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Stanley Leonard

2010-11-02T09:26:00.003-07:00

Percussion legend Stanley Leonard was the Principal Timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for 38 amazing years. Andre Previn called him “not only a virtuoso timpanist but a consummate musician” and, on his retirement, Lorin Maazel deemed him a “hard man to replace.” In addition to his outstanding performance career, Stanley taught at Carnegie Mellon University for twenty years, where he guided a great number of students to orchestral positions around the country.

Stanley is also well known for his great catalogue of percussion compositions that include technical etudes, solos for snare drum and timpani, and works for percussion ensemble. His works have been published by major publishing companies around the world. Bachovich carries two of his recent timpani solos, Madras and March and Scherzo, and will be carrying more of his publications and recordings soon.

Please join us in congratulating Bachovich Composer and Timpani Legend Stanley Leonard for his induction into the PAS Hall of Fame!! There will be a meet-and-greet at the Bachovich Booth #212 at PASIC from 1:30 to 2pm on Thursday, November 11. See you there!

Highlights (November)

2010-11-02T09:26:00.001-07:00

~Come see us at PASIC: Booth #212.

Just like last year, Bachovich is offering GREAT SAVINGS off of your ENTIRE PURCHASE for the first people to show up at the booth. Show up and be the first person (save 50%!!!), the next three (save 20%!!), or the next five (save 10%!) at the booth for huge savings. Just mention this newsletter and promotional code "BMP." Get their fast and early Thursday morning to take advantage of this great opportunity.

~New Website: Check out Bachovich composer Tom Nazziola's slick new website: http://www.tomnazziola.com. Tons of great information about Tom and his various projects. Take a look.

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers:

Glenn Paulson
Calabash for percussion trio
Rud-O-Meister for percussion trio
Guaguanco for percussion trio
Phonology for solo timpani

Daniel Adams
Diffusion Two for snare drum quartet
Concerto for euphonium and percussion quintet

Dave Gerhart
Quartet in F Major (mvt. 2) - Ravel, arr. for marimba quartet by Dave Gerhart
PanSon for steel band
Baila Alegre for steel band
Tribute for percussion duet

Diana Sussman
Said the Devoted to the Skeptical: A Dance of Discovery for solo marimba
Depart, Depart from Solid Earth for marimba, cello, soprano saxophone, and baritone saxophone

~Other New Works from Your Favorite Bachovich Composers:

Robert McClure
A Natural Regression for solo marimba and solo prepared vibraphone
Integrated Elements No. 3 for gyil and fixed media

Javier Diaz
Sakpatá for percussion ensemble and tape

Sean Statser
Enough Said for percussion duet and jazz ensemble

Andrew Beall
Seven To Queens for solo timpani

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Ireland, Lithuania, Costa Rica, Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: Sonata for Percussion (large ensemble) by Joseph Pastor

2010-10-05T07:54:00.001-07:00

Joseph Pastor’s Sonata for Percussion for large percussion ensemble is a lyrical, twenty-minute work in three movements. The score calls for 10 players: 4 mallet players, 4 auxiliary percussionists, a timpanist, and a piano player. The first movement bounces seamlessly between a march-feel and a 12/8 swing/jazzy groove. The second movement utilizes a melodic adagio melody that floats above soft cymbal accompaniment. The work concludes with a flying third movement that features riveting chromatic lines and a dramatic finale. This harmonic work of percussion ensemble literature is great for college and professional ensembles and advanced high school groups. For audio samples from each movement, click HERE.

Featured Book: The 2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection

2010-10-05T07:53:00.001-07:00

The 2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection was compiled by Samuel Solomon and released at the Massachusetts Day of Percussion last March. This collection consists of 50 great new etudes! (even more than its older brother, the 2008 Snare Drum Collection). Thirty-two of the etudes were selected as competition winners and were submitted by composers and percussionists from around the world. The other eighteen were written by invited composers, including Joseph Pereira (LA Philharmonic), Lee Vinson (Boston Symphony Orchestra), and compiler Samuel Solomon (Boston Conservatory). For a great new book of xylophone solos and etudes with incredible variety, check out the 2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection.

Featured Media: (CD) Joseph Gramley: American Deconstruction

2010-10-05T07:52:00.001-07:00

American Deconstruction is multi-percussionist Joe Gramley’s 2000 solo release. The album consists of 5 contemporary percussion classics: multi-percussion solos Anvil Chorus (David Lang) and Cold Pressed (Dave Hollinden), marimba duo Nagoya Marimbas (Steve Reich), and marimba solos Rhythm Song (Paul Smadbeck) and Meditation Preludes (William Duckworth; marimba and almglocken). Joe is one of America’s leading solo and contemporary percussionists, and this CD, featuring important works from the solo percussion canon, is a must-have for all percussionists. Check out American Deconstruction and other Joe Gramley CDs/DVDs HERE. For audio samples from each work, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Larry Spivack

2010-10-05T07:51:00.003-07:00

New York City composer and percussionist Larry Spivack is one of the more unique artists on the Bachovich roster. He studied at Brooklyn College and The Juilliard School with legends Arnie Lang, Saul Goodman, and Buster Bailey. As a freelance percussionist, Larry has performed with the Metropolitan Opera, the American Symphony and on 39 different Broadway shows. He has written works for the Lang Percussion Company, Broadway (Kafka's Metamorphosis), the New York Shakespeare Festival (Coriolanus starring Christopher Walken), Bob Fosse and the School of American Ballet, film scores, and ABC television (a 3-second brass/percussion/synthesizer fanfare used from 1980-82!). Larry has done arranging and orchestration for Patti LaBelle and Placido Domingo. He is also the co-editor of The Dictionary of Percussion Terms in the Symphonic Literature (published by Carl Fischer) and has written a one-man show (The Tune of the Unknown Soloist) with songs and stories about his most unique experiences in music.

Larry's compositions for percussion are fun and quirky. His most frequently performed Quartet for Paper Bags has been performed around the world. Through Bachovich, you can get Larry's 3-minute Double Concertino for Timpani and Percussion (subtitled "When Professor Rhianini Met Lorenzo Spuccini") with versions for full orchestra or piano reduction. This short work features soloists on timpani (4 drums), xylophone, and a whole kitchen-sink of percussion gadgets (toys, whistles, sirens, solo flexatone, accessories, and "The Cymbal Guy"). To hear a sample, click HERE.

Larry is co-founder of "The Cymbal Guy," a self-crashing device for two orchestral crash cymbals that mounts on and is activated by a hi-hat foot pedal. This unique instrument is demonstrated in Larry's similarly-titled raperetta The Cymbal Guy for 8 cymbal players/actors (and an additional 3 actors). Hear it and read more HERE.

"The Cymbal Guy" will once again be on display at the Bachovich Booth (#212) at PASIC. Come by to try it and see what its all about.

Thanks Larry for all your creative contributions to the percussion world. Good luck this fall!

Highlights (October)

2010-10-05T07:51:00.001-07:00

~Congratulations: Please join us in congratulating Bachovich Composer and Timpani Legend Stanley Leonard for his induction into the PAS Hall of Fame!! There will be a meet-and-greet at the Bachovich Booth at PASIC. More info soon!

~Come see us at PASIC: Booth #212. Also, look out for our PASIC Special in our November newsletter!

~Winners: The IronWorks Percussion Duo announces its 3rd Annual Composition Contest Winners. Selected works to be published by Bachovich. Find out more HERE.

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers:

Daniel Adams
Diffusion Two for snare drum quartet
Concerto for euphonium and percussion quintet

Dave Gerhart
Quartet in F Major (mvt. 2) - Ravel, arr. for marimba quartet by Dave Gerhart
PanSon for steel band
Baila Alegre for steel band
Tribute for percussion duet

Diana Sussman
Said the Devoted to the Skeptical: A Dance of Discovery for solo marimba
Depart, Depart from Solid Earth for marimba, cello, soprano saxophone, and baritone saxophone

~Other New Works from Your Favorite Bachovich Composers:

Robert McClure
A Natural Regression for solo marimba and solo prepared vibraphone
Integrated Elements No. 3 for gyil and fixed media

Javier Diaz
Sakpatá for percussion ensemble and tape

Sean Statser
Enough Said for percussion duet and jazz ensemble

Andrew Beall
Seven To Queens for solo timpani

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Ireland, Lithuania, Costa Rica, Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: Expansive Horizons for Solo Marimba by Daniel Temkin

2010-06-02T23:01:00.001-07:00

Expansive Horizons for solo marimba is a virtuosic work from Daniel Temkin. The title comes from the images of nature--"brazen, jagged cliffs, to smooth, flowing rivers"--depicted throughout the work. The eight-minute fantasy begins with an established motive that is then transformed throughout the solo against many changing textures. The vast natural world is palpable in the work's many sections, including: "Cascading gently," "Soaring," and "Allegro meteorico."

Expansive Horizons was featured (in arrangement) in DCI and WGI competitions as part of Music City Mystique's 2010 show.

To hear an audio sample of this challenging work or visit Dan's personal website, click HERE.

Featured Book: "Down to the Wire" - A Contemporary Approach to the Concert Cimbalom by Richard Grimes

2010-06-02T22:59:00.000-07:00

Down to the Wire, by composer and concert cimbalist Richard Grimes, continues the 19th-century tradition of the Hungarian cimbalom methods Cimbalom-Iskola and Cymbalschule and brings the cimbalom into the 21st century. Richard uses Western classical percussion techniques, in addition to traditional Hungarian cimbalom technique, to address issues of consistency and articulation. The result is a beautiful, full tone with less technical effort.

Down to the Wire is both a collection of 24 cimbalom etudes and a technical method addressing tuning, body position, hammer grip, articulation of tone, body of sound, soundboard coverage, and extended techniques. This comprehensive book covers everything in regards to technique that one needs to play cimbalom. As the repertoire for and necessitating cimbalom continues to expand, Richard's book Down to the Wire is a necessary and revolutionary addition to the world of the contemporary cimbalom. To get Down to the Wire, click HERE.

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Richard Grimes is also the artistic director of CimbFest: The American Concert Cimbalom Festival, the first American, all-cimbalom festival, which began in 2009. To find out more about CimbFest, click HERE. Also, contact Richard at richardgrimes@earthlink.net for more cimbalom information!

Featured Media: (CD) Hat Trick by The Rich Greenblatt Group

2010-06-02T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hat Trick (2008) is the most recent album from the Boston-based Rich Greenblatt Group (vibes, saxophone, piano, bass, drums). All 9 tracks are original compositions by bandleader/ vibraphonist/composer Rich Greenblatt that mix funk, odd-meters, and South American and blues influences with modern jazz and swing. Whether you are familiar with earlier Rich Greenblatt releases Hot & Dry and Mooin' or are new to Rich and his band, Hat Trick is a great jazz album for you. To hear audio samples, click HERE; to buy the album, click HERE.

Featured Composer/Arranger: Doug Wallace

2010-06-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Doug Wallace is a versatile percussion soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. He has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the Washington National Opera, at the Music Academy of the West (Santa Barbara, CA) and the Tanglewood Music Festival (Lennox, MA), and with a number of contemporary chamber ensembles (among others). Doug also has an extensive teaching resume. He runs the percussion programs at Madison High School, Thoreau Middle School, Kilmer Middle School, McLean High School, Longfellow Middle School (all in Virginia) and the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

Doug's compositions have been performed all over: The Juilliard School, The Eastman School of Music, New York University, George Mason University, The Music Academy of the West, The Aspen Music Festival, Temple University, and at The Bands of America National Percussion Festival.

Check out Doug's great percussion ensemble arrangement of Frank Zappa's classic G-Spot Tornado for 8 players (drum set and either seven percussionists or six and electric bass). G-Spot Tornado, a virtuosic arrangement that encapsulates everything "Zappa," was the Bachovich Composition of the Month for June 2009 (see the feature HERE). For audio samples, click HERE.

Have a great summer, Doug. Keep up the good work!

Highlights (June)

2010-06-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

~Bachovich Works in Italian Competition!:

Antonio Santangelo's International Competition for Percussion Instruments and Drumset will use the following Bachovich works as required pieces for their competition in September 2010:

-Snare Drum: 2008 PAS MassChap Snare Drum Collection (compiled by Samuel Solomon)
-Marimba: Fear of Silence (Joel Harrison)
-Vibraphone: Monte Nido (Richard Grimes)

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~Audio Music:

Check out Tom Hamilton's most recent release:

Pieces for Kohn / Formal & Informal Music
2-CD reissue of analog electronic music from the 1970s
featuring performances by Rich O'Donnell and JD Parran

For more info, click HERE.

Additionally, read Tom Hamilton's opinions on audio music (as answers to questions from writer Kurt Gottschalk) at the blog Spearmint Music.

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~Drumset and Percussion Camp with Bachovich Media Artist Wes Crawford:

Wes Crawford announces his 2010 Drumset and Percussion Camp:

Our camp runs from JULY 11-24, 2010 and is open to all drummers/percussionists ages 13-18 with at least one year of experience with school band and/or private lessons. The camp is held at Goucher College in Towson, MD and room and board are provided (or you may commute). The camp is part of the Goucher Summer Arts Institute, which includes concurrent interacting camps for Jazz, Computer Music, Dance, and Musical Theatre! I hope that many of you will consider this camp for a fun intensive experience in drumming! We have an incredible lineup of Faculty this year!

In addition to camp director Wes Crawford, the camp faculty features Bachovich President Andrew Beall. For more information about the camp, click HERE.

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~PAS Winner/Previously Published Work now with Bachovich:

Bachovich Music is proud to announce the publication of Soliloquy for solo vibraphone by Larry Spivack. This four-minute work won 2nd place in the 1980 PAS Composition Competition. It was published by the Lang Percussion Company in 1981 but has been out-of-print for many years. Larry Spivack recently revised the piece for the 2010 Edition in the Composer's Manuscript. Click HERE to watch video of Soliloquy.

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~Other New Bachovich Compositions:

-Perception Piece for multi-percussion duo by Jared Soldiviero

-Four for Flexatones for four flexatones (video) by Ju Ri Seo

-2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection compiled by Samuel Solomon

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~We've Gone Global:

Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Lithuania, Costa Rica, Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: To Perseverance for Marimba and Woodwind by Michael Eagle

2010-04-16T00:04:00.002-07:00

Michael Eagle's To Perseverance (dedicated to Christopher Deane) is a challenging piece of chamber music for marimba and a solo woodwind instrument. When you purchase the score, indicate if you would like an arrangement for flute, oboe, clarinet, english horn, bassoon, alto sax, or soprano sax. About the work, Michael writes:

"This advanced chamber work was written to depict the often overwhelming nature of a early adulthood. The piece begins with trial and tribulation and introduces a lamenting melodic figure that searches for purpose and resolution as aggressive and dissonant figures are seemingly around every corner."

To Perseverance is a versatile piece, great for any chamber concert or solo recital. Perform it with ANY of your woodwind-playing friends. For more information and audio samples, click HERE. And, watch Axiom Percussion's performance for marimba, vibes, and cimbalom (arranged for trio) on YouTube.

Featured Book: 500 4-Surface Patterns by Samuel Solomon

2010-04-16T00:04:00.001-07:00

Solo percussion guru Sam Solomon is at it again with another one of his many great books: 500 4-Surface Patterns. This book provides a huge wealth of patterns for 4-mallet percussion playing that can be seamlessly applied to marimba, drum set, and multi-percussion. The concept is simple, but this book is a vast resource with endless applications. To buy it today, click HERE.

Featured Media: (DVD) Wes Crawford's Drumset Play-Along

2010-04-16T00:03:00.001-07:00

Wes Crawford's Drumset Play-Along DVD is an innovative teaching tool that is both instructional and fun to use. This interactive DVD puts you on the drum throne with a professional pop band (performed by real professional musicians). Join the band on ten songs--in varying styles, including funk, jazz, R&B, disco, etc.--and perform with them at different "professional" gigs: your audition, club shows, a beach party, and many more. See the band and the venue from the perspective of the drummer while you play along on your drum set. The DVD includes tracks with and without drums and printable charts. This is a great opportunity--for young drummers who lack true professional experience--to feel like they are playing with a real band. Its the fun of Rock Band with real drumming on a real set. Perfect for Kids and Beginners! For more information, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Aaron Trant

2010-04-16T00:02:00.003-07:00

"Fire-breathing" percussionist (21st Century Music) Aaron Trant's experience in classical, jazz, contemporary, rock, and improvisatory styles has made him a valuable asset and desired performer and composer for new ensembles around the US. He is a cofounder, composer, and performer for the After Quartet, which is dedicated to performing live accompaniment to silent films. Aaron is also a member of the Firebird Ensemble (assistant director and percussionist), Primary Duo (original member for piano-percussion duo;), Endy Emby (trumpet and percussion), Adam James Wilson Quintet, and High Street Percussion. Additionally, Aaron performs regularly with the Boston Modern Orchestra Players, the Fromm Project, and Alarm Will Sound. As a composer, Aaron has written works for Lisa Saffer, Mark Gould, Firebird Ensemble, After Quartet, Endy Emby and Primary Duo, and he has received the St. Botolph Club Foundation Grant-in-Aid and grants from the New England Foundation for the Arts.

Aaron's contemporary performance and composition resume speaks for itself, so check out Spiral for percussion trio. Spiral is a two-movement work. The first uses cycles of un-pitched percussion to create a melody over interlocked rhythms. The second movement, for primarily melodic pitched percussion, uses a slow, minimalist-style development of a melody over a lush, serene percussion layer of sound. For audio samples from both movements, click HERE.

Additionally, Aaron's xylophone solo "x is always for Xylophone" is featured in the 2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection (take a look in this month's HIGHLIGHTS).

Good luck this spring, Aaron. Keep up the great work!

Highlights (April)

2010-04-16T00:02:00.001-07:00

~Bachovich Works in Italian Competition!: Antonio Santangelo's International Competition for Percussion Instruments and Drumset will use the following Bachovich works as required pieces for their competition in September 2010:

-Snare Drum: 2008 PAS MassChap Snare Drum Collection (compiled by Samuel Solomon)
-Marimba: Fear of Silence (Joel Harrison)
-Vibraphone: Monte Nido (Richard Grimes)

~Competition: The IronWorks Percussion Duo & The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach are holding their 3rd Annual Composition Competition (2010). For more info, visit the Ironworks Percussion Duo online.

~Green Day: Bachovich Composer Trey Files is the drummer for the new Broadway production of Green Day's American Idiot, which opens this month.

~PAS Winner/Previously Published Work now with Bachovich::
Bachovich Music is proud to announce the publication of Soliloquy for solo vibraphone by Larry Spivack. This four-minute work won 2nd place in the 1980 PAS Composition Competition. It was published by the Lang Percussion Company in 1981 but has been out-of-print for many years. Larry Spivack recently revised the piece for the 2010 Edition in the Composer's Manuscript. Click HERE to watch video of Soliloquy.

~Other New Bachovich Compositions this Month:

-Perception Piece for multi-percussion duo by Jared Soldiviero

-Four for Flexatones for four flexatones (video) by Ju Ri Seo

-2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection compiled by Samuel Solomon

The Xylophone Collection was premiered at the 2010 MassChap "Day of Percussion". Bachovich congratulates the winners and contributors to this collection:

Winners:
Daniel Adams
Andrew S. Allen
Jenica Anderson
Victoria Aschheim
Casey Cangelosi
Jamieson Carr
James Charrette
Jeremy Craycraft
Justin Doute
Kirk Etheridge
Kevin Fuhrman
Masaki Hasebe
Fusun Koksai
Gene Koshinski
Setsuko Kutsuno
David Luidens
Lily (Wen) Lu
Dean Marotta
Karlyn Mason
Matthew McDonald
Joe Millea
Robert O'Brien
Alex A. Orfaly
Kazuki Oya
Luke Short
Greg Simonds
Aaron Trant
Philip Trembley
Chun-yu Tsai
Ivan Wan
Nicholas M. White

Invited Composers:
Lou Bunk
Marti Epstein
Peter Gilbert
Lee Vinson
Judd Greenstein
Curtis K. Hughes
Keeril Makan
Nicholas Papador
Joseph Pereira
Adam Roberts
Rudolf Rojahn
Adam B. Silverman
Samuel Z. Solomon
Ken Ueno
Dalit Hadass Warshaw

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~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: Uncompression for multi-percussion duo by Ming-ching Chiu

2010-03-07T13:24:00.002-08:00

Ming-ching Chiu's Uncompression for multi-percussion duo was the Winner of the 2008 Ironworks Percussion Duo Composition Competition. Ming-ching Chiu is enthralled by the amazing processing capacity of computers and, in this piece, tries to imagine and "capture what goes on within a computer when it is unzipping a file." The three movement work utilizes set-ups of un-pitched percussion--featuring bass drums, toms, cymbals and gongs, pedals, mounted accessories, and an assortment of toys--to depict the inner-workings of computers. Its intricate and complex, with textures both delicate and thunderous. This is one groovin' computer! For audio and video samples of Uncompression (from all three movements), click HERE.

Featured Book: 10 Style Studies by Joe Tompkins

2010-03-07T13:24:00.001-08:00

Joe Tompkins' 10 Style Studies for solo snare drum examines the unique characteristics of different drumming traditions (including Scottish drumming and fife and drum), each in its own solo. This book preceded Tompkins' popular Nine French/American Rudimental Solos; it is a more rudimental-style book but is still applicable to all drummers alike. To purchase another snare collection from today's most prominent solo snare composer, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) Charles Owen: Marimba Solos Performed with the "President's Own" Marine Band

2010-03-07T13:23:00.002-08:00

This month, Bachovich features percussion-guru Charles Owen and his CD of Marimba Solos Performed with the "President's Own" Marine Band. A legendary percussionist featured with a legendary band! To hear a sample of Charlie Owen's marimba performance of Chopin's Grande Valse Brillante, click HERE.

Featured Composer/Arranger: Axel Clarke

2010-03-07T13:23:00.001-08:00

Axel Clarke makes up half of the IronWorks Percussion Duo (the other half is Dr. Dave Gerhart, CSU Long Beach). Axel teaches with Gerhart at Cal State University, Long Beach, where he also completed his BA and MA in Percussion Performance. Axel has performed and recorded with the Long Beach Symphony, Long Beach Ballet, South Coast Symphony, Luis Conte, Ray Holman, Michael Spiro, CK Ladzepko, Sara Haze, Skanic, Chelsea Lena, The Kim Richmond Jazz Orchestra, The Robin Cox Ensemble, DMP, Next Exit, Coto Normal, Mehdi, Stephen Hartke, and for Discovery and Animal Planet documentaries. Like his playing and his compositions? Check out his large percussion ensemble work Bombasticus Cacophonosaurus (intermediate, 10 players) and his trios (for un-pitched percussion) Roe-Sham-Beau (based on the West African rhythm Abekwa) and Juggernaut. Thanks Axel!

Highlights (March)

2010-03-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

~Drumming in NYC: The 2010 PAS NYC Weekend of Percussion (Feb 19-21) featured Bachovich Artists Frank Epstein, Wes Crawford, Jonathan Haas, Sean Statser, Javier Diaz, and Andrew Beall. Watch the video from Andrew Beall's Rancho Jubilee for Cajon Trio on YouTube.

~Green Day: Bachovich Composer Trey Files is the drummer for the new Broadway production of Green Day's American Idiot, which opens this month.

~Competition: The IronWorks Percussion Duo & The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University, Long Beach are holding their 3rd Annual Composition Competition (2010). For more info, visit the Ironworks Percussion Duo online.

~New Bachovich Compositions this Month:

-2010 MassChap Xylophone Collection, compiled by Samuel Solomon

-Stanley Leonard - March & Scherzo and Madras, timpani solos from a legendary timpanist.

-Gene Koshinski - Capriccio, viola solo by Henry Vieuxtemps, transcribed for solo marimba.

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: From Here to There for Drum Set and 4 Percussionists by Tom Nazziola

2010-02-01T00:09:00.001-08:00

Tom Nazziola's From Here to There for 5 players (drum set plus four percussionists) utilizes both textural soundscapes and groove-oriented passages throughout its gradually-changing three movements. The second and third movements incorporate African and Latin jazz concepts that manifest themselves in both the drum set and the parts for melodic (marimba and vibraphone) and ethnic percussion. Additionally, From Here to There provides opportunities for written and improvised solos for drum set and has a definite Frank Zappa influence.

In regard to the work, Morris Lang (former New York Philharmonic percussionist) says:

"How often does one find a piece for percussion that is musically interesting and intelligently written, with a challenging drum set part, and yet totally accessible for the audience. Let's not let them know how serious and well organized it is."

To hear audio clips from each movement and read Tom Nazziola's personal notes on the piece, click HERE.

Featured Book: Variations on the First Three Pages of George Lawrence Stone’s Stick Control by Samuel Solomon

2010-02-01T00:08:00.000-08:00

Samuel Solomon's Variations on the First Three Pages of George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control builds on the opening patterns of Stone's classic book to create an abundance of new technical exercises. Stone's first patterns are expanded and applied to many technical aspects of snare drumming and are used as a starting point for creating customized exercises. As Sam explains: "The simple yet extensive format offers endless opportunities for technical improvement. Slip Variations on Stick Control in between the pages of your copy of Stone's book, and use it as an addendum to its first three pages." Variations is yet another creative method book from Sam that is published by Bachovich Music Publications. For more information, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) Rich Greenblatt: Hot & Dry (Rich Greenblatt Vibes Quintet)

2010-02-01T00:07:00.000-08:00

Rich Greenblatt is a Boston vibraphonist who has played in jazz clubs, concert halls, and jazz festivals around the US and Europe. He is the band leader of the Rich Greenblatt Vibes Quintet, which has recorded 3 albums. Their second album, Hot & Dry (2002) features Rich (vibes and marimba), Hide Tokunaga (guitar), Chris Taylor (piano), Dennis Irwin (bass), and Winard Harper (drums). Rich wrote 6 of the tracks on the album and arranged 5 other standards, including "Isfahan," "ESP," and "Woody 'n You." Listen to samples of all of the tracks HERE. For a great combo led by an emerging bandleader and jazz vibraphonist, pick up Hot & Dry.

Featured Composer/Arranger: Jared Soldiviero

2010-02-01T00:06:00.001-08:00

Jared Soldiviero is an active NYC freelance percussionist, focusing on contemporary chamber music. Jared was an inaugural member of The Academy at Carnegie Hall, where he performed with Ensemble ACJW and taught in NYC public schools. Jared spent four summers at the Lucerne Festival, where he helped found the Lucerne Festival Percussion Group (now known as Ensemble XII). He has also conducted the Juilliard Percussion Ensemble, Flexible Music, Ensemble ACJW, and ACME. Take a look at Jared's recent composition Palindromes for multi-percussion duo. Be on the lookout for a new piece from Jared, available in the next few months! Good luck in 2010, Jared.

Highlights (February)

2010-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

~2010 PAS NYC Weekend of Percussion (Feb 19-21):
This year's "Weekend" features Bachovich Artists Joseph Gramley, Wes Crawford, Jonathan Haas, Rolando Morales-Matos, Javier Diaz, and Andrew Beall

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers:

-Stanley Leonard - March & Scherzo and Madras, timpani solos from a legendary timpanist

-Gene Koshinski - Capriccio, viola solo by Henry Vieuxtemps, transcribed for solo marimba

~Scholarships Available From Bachovich Composer Joe Tompkins!:
Rutgers University Percussion Program Faculty:
Alan Abel, Philadelphia Orchestra
Markus Rhoten, New York Philharmonic
Joseph Tompkins, New York Freelance

$15,000 Undergraduate Scholarship in Percussion Program (renewable annually): live and recorded auditions accepted (unedited DVD's only), submit application at http://www.rutgers.edu or schedule live audition at http://www.music.rutgers.edu

$25,000 Mason Gross School Graduate Scholarship (awarded to two graduate applicants department-wide): live and recorded auditions accepted (unedited DVD's only), submit application at http://www.gradstudy.rutgers.edu or schedule live audition at http://www.music.rutgers.edu

-Other scholarship monies and TA/DA monies available to competitive applicants.
-Live audition dates:
Undergraduate auditions February 6th, 2010 and March 1st, 2010
Graduate auditions February 12th, 2010 and March 1st, 2010
-Certain fees apply. See audition website for details.
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~Other New Exciting Publications Available This Month:

-Fer Barre Kona Jeno ("Don't Play Favorites"): West African Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Kakraba Lobi/Valerie Naranjo/Andrew Beall

~Tour Through Europe!: This month, Bachovich composer Stefano Del Sole will embark on a masterclass/concert tour, presenting his music at the Music Conservatories in Bari and Venice, at the Conservatoire National de Musique in Lyon (France), and finally at the Music Conservatory in Rodi Garganico.

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Japan, France, Belgium, Poland, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Santavich Holiday Special

2009-12-10T00:08:00.001-08:00

2009 Santavich Holiday Special (even more FREE stuff than last year!):

1) Spend $30 or more, and get one item ($20 or less) FREE.
2) Spend $50 or more, and get any item FREE.
3) Spend $100 or more, and get any 2 items FREE.

*To redeem your FREE Santavich gifts, indicate which free item(s) you would like in an email to orders@bachovich.com.

~Thank you for visiting us at PASIC '09! This was our best year yet, and for that we'd like to reward you! This special is good until Dec. 31st. If you order by December 15th, you should receive your order by Christmas.~

Featured Composition: Go! for marimba and percussion duo by Robert McClure

2009-12-09T10:54:00.000-08:00

Go! is a duo for marimba (4-mallets) and percussion by Robert McClure. The piece is high-energy and groove-oriented: rhythmic and harmonic support in the marimba allow for soloistic play from the other performer, on three congas, vibraphone, triangle, suspended cymbal, and two other hand drums (chosen by player and used for improvisation). The composer sums it up best:

"This piece explores the natural energy in every percussionist that tells us to get up, go, and go fast!"

Go! won 2nd place at the 2008 IronWorks Percussion Duo Composition Contest and was premiered by the IronWorks Percussion Duo on October 12, 2008. For audio and video clips, click HERE.

Featured Book: Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas, Bongos, and Timbales by Rolando Morales-Matos

2009-12-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

You saw Rolando play faster and hipper than anyone at PASIC…now learn his way around the drums--step-by-step, with Audio Instructions and Musical Examples--that made for one of the most memorable performances in convention history. Check out Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas, Bongos, and Timbales (2 CDs included!) this holiday season. For more info, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) From the Earth - Drumming with the Hang [Drum] by Rolando Morales-Matos

2009-12-09T10:52:00.002-08:00

You were mesmerized at PASIC by his musicality on this rare (but ever-popular) instrument, the Hang Drum…now hear how Rolando translates his Latin skills to this melodic hand drum from Switzerland on From the Earth: Drumming with the Hang. This is the first ever CD featuring all Hang Drum!! A great stocking stuffer and stress reliever during the busy Holiday times. For audio samples, click HERE. Sit back, relax, and enjoy...

Featured Composer/Arranger: Joel Harrison

2009-12-09T10:52:00.001-08:00

Joel Harrison is a composer, guitarist, and vocalist who has put a unique compositional touch on a number of different musical styles. Joel was born in Washington, D.C. and studied with Joan Tower at Bard College (BA 1980). During the 1990s, Joel worked in jazz while living in San Francisco; he then moved to New York City in 1999, where he continued to experiment with jazz, contemporary classical, Appalachian, blues, African, and Indian styles.

Joel has won awards for his jazz and percussion compositions. He has twice been selected as the winner of the Jazz Composer's Alliance Julius Hemphill Composition Competition, and has been the recipient of commissions from Chamber Music America, Meet the Composer, the Cary Trust, NYSCA, Jerome Foundation, and others. He has also worked with a number of musical greats, including Dave Liebman, Norah Jones, David Binney, Jamey Haddad, Dan Weiss, Dewey Redman, Uri Caine, Todd Reynolds, Wendy Sutter, Christian Howes, and Caleb Burhans.

Bachovich carries three great Harrison percussion compositions. His marimba solo Fear of Silence won the 2007 PASIC Composition Competition and Why Has the Hunter Not Returned? for marimba duo won first place in the 2009 Ironworks Percussion Duo Composition Competition. Bachovich also carries Harrison's Faith in Nights for Percussion Quartet and Piano. Click on the links to read more about and hear clips of each of Joel's diverse compositions.

Happy Holidays Joel. We look forward to more percussion compositions in 2010!

Highlights (December)

2009-12-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

ANNOUNCING THE WORLD PREMIERE of Fer Barre Kona Jeno, a West African Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra (GYIL solo composed by Kakraba Lobi, adapted and arranged for marimba by Valerie Naranjo, orchestrated by Bachovich Composer Andrew Beall). Performed by Valerie Naranjo and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, this will be premiered at Cleveland State University this Saturday, December 12th, 2009!

The Ethos Series

Bachovich Music Publications is proud to announce The Ethos Series!

Over the past decade, the Ethos Percussion Group has commissioned and premiered more than 25 works for Percussion Quartet. These diverse compositions reflect Ethos' interests in both contemporary and non-Western styles, and they have been regularly performed by the ensemble on its national tours.

Bachovich Music Publications is proud to team up with the Ethos Percussion Group to release these works to the world, for the first time ever, in print!

To learn more about the Ethos Percussion Group, take a look at their website at www.ethospercussiongroup.org.

~Bachovich Welcomes TEN New Composers:

-Gene Koshinski - Capriccio, viola solo by Henry Vieuxtemps, transcribed for solo marimba
-Glen Velez - Sol Tunnels for percussion quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Trey Files - see/change for percussion octet (The Ethos Series)
-John La Barbera - MarimBa Ba Suite for percussion quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Robert Levin - Break it Down for percussion quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Matthew Welch - Loch Fyne Variations for mallet quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Wang Guowei - Two Pieces for Percussion Quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Tom Nazziola - From Here to There for percussion quintet
-Sean Statser - Entanglement for marimba duet
-Patrick Bailey - Journeys for percussion ensemble

~Other New Exciting Publications Available this month:

-Fer Barre Kona Jeno ("Don't Play Favorites"): West African Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Kakraba Lobi/Valerie Naranjo/Andrew Beall

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Japan, France, Belgium, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

~Out on the Road: Check out Bachovich composers Richard Grimes, Michael Eagle, and Andrew Beall as they embark on their 2nd tour with Axiom Percussion, performing all original music (published by Bachovich):

The Ethos Series

2009-11-08T09:40:00.001-08:00

Bachovich Music Publications is proud to announce The Ethos Series!

Over the past decade, the Ethos Percussion Group has commissioned and premiered more than 25 works for Percussion Quartet. These diverse compositions reflect Ethos' interests in both contemporary and non-Western styles, and they have been regularly performed by the ensemble on its national tours.

Bachovich Music Publications is proud to team up with the Ethos Percussion Group to release these works to the world, for the first time ever, in print!

To learn more about the Ethos Percussion Group, take a look at their website at www.ethospercussiongroup.org.

Featured Composition: In Other Words for Solo Percussion and Tape by Joseph Pereira

2009-11-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

In Other Words (written for Chris Lamb) pairs percussion with exotic languages (recorded on tape) in three continuous movements. In each movement, the percussion parts help "translate" and highlight the quintessential aspects of each of the associated languages: pandeiro with Japanese; brushes on drums and cymbals with Portuguese; gongs, bongos, woodblocks, and claves with Mandarin. The unique pairings of exotic percussion with each language creates a whole new colorful sound world in this great solo percussion showpiece. For more info, click HERE.

Featured Book: Advanced Rhythm Studies by Samuel Solomon

2009-11-08T09:35:00.001-08:00

Samuel Solomon's book Advanced Rhythm Studies is a great resource for learning and building up the skills to play complicated poly- and syncopated rhythms. The book drills the rhythmic "vocabulary," using marching as a rhythmic reference. The rhythmic studies are challenging but are approached in an accessible manner and built up gradually from basic patterns. Using this book will help all percussionists gain proficiency with complicated patterns and make them fun to play. A percussionist's must-have. For more info, click HERE.

Featured Media: (DVD) A Rhythmic Murder Mystery by Wes Crawford

2009-11-08T09:34:00.001-08:00

"Hello, I'm Phineas Bodie. Most people call me P. Bodie. The envelope I'm holding contains the missing note from John Cage's piece, '4'33" of Almost Silence'. There are powers that will stop at nothing to keep me from delivering this envelope to the proper authorities. In fact, I'm being followed at this very moment. I must leave immediately!"

Alas, these are the last words of P. Bodie (played by Wes Crawford). Now it's up to you to solve the mystery and recover the "missing note!"

Wes Crawford's A Rhythmic Murder Mystery (DVD) is an interactive rhythmic adventure. Play along and use your active listening skills to find the clues hidden in the recorded performances to solve the musical murder mystery. The DVD--adapted from Crawford's live Murder Mystery performance--and is a great tool to teach listening and is fun for all. Can you solve the mystery? To purchase, click HERE. To see some clips from and learn more about the DVD, click HERE.

Featured Composer/Arranger: Alexandre Lunsqui

2009-11-08T09:32:00.002-08:00

Brazilian composer Alexandre Lunsqui (Sao Paolo) graduated from the University of Campinas, and he has pursued post-graduate composition work at the University of Iowa, Columbia University, and IRCAM. Alexandre's works have been performed around the world and in prestigious new-music festivals (including Darmstadt and PASIC). The Ministry of Culture of Brazil awarded the Virtuose Prize to Alexandre for his compositions.

Bachovich carries a variety of Alexandre's compositions. Try SHI for percussion trio, Rupturas duo for vibraphone and piano, and Ligare for flute and percussion. Make sure to hear the world premiere of Alex's newest piece Entresons.Recreo for percussion sextet, at PASIC: Thursday, November 12th, 2009, 10am - Northern Illinois University Percussion Ensemble. Good luck Alexandre!

Highlights (November)

2009-11-08T09:32:00.001-08:00

~Bachovich @ PASIC 2009!~

Take advantage of the Bachovich Economic Stimulus Package at PASIC 2009:
-Receive 50% off at PASIC!! -- Be the VERY first person to purchase from our PASIC booth, and mention this e-newsletter with promo code "BMP"
-Receive 20% off at PASIC!! -- Be one of the next 3 people to purchase from our PASIC booth, and mention this e-newsletter with promo code "BMP"
-Receive 10% off at PASIC!! -- Be one of the next 5 people people to purchase from our PASIC booth, and mention this e-newsletter with promo code "BMP"

~Learn From The Best: See Bachovich arranger and timpani soloist Jonathan Haas in his PASIC Professional Development presentation: "Starting, Maintaining and Growing a Percussion Rental Company" - 3PM, Thursday Nov 12th, PASIC

~Watch The Best: See Bachovich composer and Afro-Cuban percussion guru Rolando Morales-Matos jam with Tommy Igoe's Birdland Big Band - 8pm, Saturday Nov 14th, PASIC

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~Bachovich Welcomes NINE New Composers in November:

-Glen Velez - Sol Tunnels for percussion quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Trey Files - see/change for percussion octet (The Ethos Series)
-John La Barbera - MarimBa Ba Suite for percussion quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Robert Levin - Break it Down for percussion quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Matthew Welch - Loch Fyne Variations for mallet quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Wang Guowei - Two Pieces for Percussion Quartet (The Ethos Series)
-Tom Nazziola - From Here to There for percussion quintet
-Sean Statser - Entanglement for marimba duet
-Patrick Bailey - Journeys for percussion ensemble

~Other New Exciting Publications Available this month:

-Rancho Jubilee for cajon trio by Andrew Beall - WATCH THIS PIECE LIVE AT PASIC!! (New Literature Session with Brett Dietz and L.S.U. - Thursday, November 12, 4pm)
-Entresons.Recreo for percussion sextet by Alexandre Lunsqui - WATCH THIS PIECE LIVE AT PASIC!! (Greg Beyer and N.I.U. - Thursday, November 12, 10am)
-Danza Del Fuego for solo marimba by John La Barbera
-Four Pieces for Solo Vibraphone by Larry Spivack
-Bagatelles for solo vibraphone by Joseph Pastor
-Lament (for American Casualties of War) for 2 trumpets, snare drum, and timpani by Joseph Pastor
-Disco Generation for percussion ensemble and rhythm section by Yves Carlin
-Young Generation for percussion ensemble, guitar, and bass guitar by Yves Carlin
-The Boy with the Black Mallets Trio for percussion trio by Yves Carlin

~Transferring Publishers: Thanks to Tom Nazziola for publishing his From Here to There with Bachovich! (Recently published with GoFish).

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Japan, France, Belgium, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: Three Songs for Solo Marimba (Amor en Primavera, Corrida Real, My Favorite Things) by Mayumi Sekizawa

2009-10-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

Three Songs for Solo Marimba is a collection of arrangements by Japanese marimba virtuoso Mayumi Sekizawa. The first two, "Amor en Primavera" and "Corrida Real," are based on works by the great flamenco guitarist Manolo Sanlucar. "Amor en Primavera" is sunny and vibrant, depicting the beauty of Andalucia, and "Corrida Real" is a tribute to bull fighting. The third song in the collection is "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. This is one of Sekizawa's favorite songs, and her arrangement for solo marimba has an improvisatory character. All three works are beautiful, spirited arrangements that will surely prove rewarding to learn and enjoyable to perform. To hear audio samples from each song, click HERE.

Featured Book: Subway Musings - Ten Miniatures for Solo Vibraphone by Richard Grimes

2009-10-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

Subway Musings is a collection of ten short vibraphone solos, inspired by Richard Grimes' experience performing on the 14th Street/Union Square subway platform in New York City. The miniatures can be played independently or as a suite. But, Grimes hopes for more: he encourages embellishment and believes these songs can become the basis for improvisation, and he imagines that they can be performed on other instruments or arranged for ensembles. Grimes offers his blessing for creativity and hopes these songs will provide artistic inspiration. To hear audio samples, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) Global Percussion - Joseph Gramley

2009-10-08T01:33:00.000-07:00

Check out Joseph Gramley's CD Global Percussion (one of three Gramley recordings distributed by Bachovich). This collection of world and contemporary solo works for marimba and multi-percussion features a couple Gramley favorites, including "Ganda Yina" (marimba solo based on traditional African melody) and "1+1" (a classic from Philip Glass). Gramley is one of the the world's greatest solo percussionists, and Global Percussion is a CD not to miss. To hear samples from every track on the CD, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Brian Mason

2009-10-08T01:32:00.000-07:00

Brian Mason is a trailblazer in the field of marching percussion ensemble and is recognized worldwide for his work with the Cavaliers and Phantom Regiment drum corps. Brian currently is the Percussion Coordinator/Designer for the Santa Clara Vanguard. Additionally, Brian is a member of the faculty of Morehead Sate University, where he is director of the award-winning marching percussion ensemble and performs with the Faculty Jazz and Chamber Ensembles and Brass Quintet. Brian is also a member of the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra. To get a taste for Brian's ensemble writing, check out Horizons for percussion ensemble (11 players), percussion trio, or marimba-vibraphone duet.

Highlights (October)

2009-10-07T00:34:00.000-07:00

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers/Arrangers:

-Andrew Kruspe/Matt Jordan with their 2nd place DCI percussion ensemble arrrangement of Oliver Rivo's "Er Sammelt Muscheln"
-Jared Soldiviero and his groovin' multi-percussion duet Palindromes
-Pablo Bagilet and his heart-wrenching Argentinean Suite for vibraphone
-Tizoc Ceballos and his award-winning multi-percussion duet Ollin
-Rich Greenblatt and his 3 hot jazz vibes CDs: Mooin', Hot & Dry, and Hat Trick

~Other New Exciting Publications:

-Rancho Jubilee for cajon trio by Andrew Beall
-Advanced Rhythm Studies by Samuel Solomon
-500 4-Surface Patterns for 4-mallet and drum set applications by Samuel Solomon
-Variations on the First Three Pages of George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control by Samuel Solomon
-Repousse for percussion quartet by Joseph Pereira
-Wanderings for percussion quartet by Daniel Temkin
-Why Has the Hunter Not Returned? for marimba duet by Joel Harrison (1st place winner of the Ironworks Percussion Duo Competition)
-Sufficiently Funky for solo snare drum by Danny Soulier

~Transferring Publishers: Thanks to Robert McClure for publishing his "...of the Earth" with Bachovich! (Recently published with GoFish).

~On Broadway: Congrats to Bachovich composer Charlie Descarfino, who's the percussionist in the Broadway revival of Ragtime, starting this month!

~Teaching up a Storm: Congrats to Bachovich composer Joseph Tompkins, who's now teaching at Mannes College of Music (as well as heading up the percussion department at Rutgers University).

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in Japan, France, Belgium, England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Composition: Song of ‘Almah - Andrew Beall

2009-09-07T13:46:00.000-07:00

"Beall has found the key to composing for marimba and soprano"
~PAS News
"Strong, honest, and musically sincere"
~Gordon Stout

3 Versions!
1. Marimba & Soprano
2. Marimba & Cello
3. Marimba, Soprano, and Strings

Watch the premiere (marimba and soprano, with strings):
-Movement 1
-Movement 2
-Movement 3

Andrew Beall’s Song of ‘Almah is a moving three-movement work, based on the text of the Biblical “Song of Solomon.” The soprano (or cello) part is lyrical and virtuosic, and the marimba alternates roles between rich accompaniment and solo melodic voice.

The Song of ‘Almah was originally conceived for voice (singing text from the “Song of Solomon”), but the passionate timbre and soulfulness of the cello proved a perfect instrumental substitute for the soprano. The arrangement with 5 string parts adds further depth, drama, and lush accompaniment, which can be performed with full string orchestra or a simple string quintet. For more information on Beall’s Song of ‘Almah and for audio samples of all three versions, click the following links: marimba and soprano, marimba and cello, marimba and soprano with strings.

Featured Book: How to Write for Percussion – Samuel Solomon

2009-09-07T13:32:00.000-07:00

How to Write for Percussion, written by Samuel Solomon (percussion soloist, faculty at The Boston Conservatory and Boston University) is THE definitive book on composing for percussion, and it has garnered rave reviews:

“A true contribution to the literature of orchestration.” - Samuel Adler, Professor Emeritus, Eastman School of Music; Composition Faculty, The Juilliard School; Author, The Study of Orchestration.

This book is a must-have for composers (experts and percussion-writing novices), arrangers, conductors, and performers. For more information, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) 18th Century Concertos for Timpani and Orchestra – Jonathan Haas

2009-09-07T13:07:00.000-07:00

This unique recording, by timpani virtuoso Jonathan Haas and the Bournemouth Sinfonietta (directed by Harold Farberman), consists of three little-known Classical-period works that feature timpani in a solo role:

~Johann Fischer (1752-1807) – Symphony for Eight Timpani and Orchestra

~George Druschetzky (1745-1819) – Partita in C Major and Concerto for Oboe, Eight Timpani and Orchestra

These rare pieces, some of the earliest works prominently featuring the timpani as a solo instrument, deserve to be heard by all percussionists and Classical enthusiasts. To hear audio samples, click HERE. And, for purchasing information, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Pablo Rieppi

2009-09-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

Pablo Rieppi is truly a man about town (in New York City). He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the American Symphony Orchestra, and he is the Principal Percussionist of the Gotham Symphony Orchestra. Pablo has played in a number of contemporary music ensembles and Broadway shows (including Legally Blonde and West Side Story) and with jazz and R&B greats, including Joe Zawinul, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles.

Pablo’s compositions have won film festival awards (music for the film Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story) and been performed by the New York University Percussion Ensemble and VisionIntoArt (on tour in Italy). Bachovich carries Pablo’s book Snare Drum Technique: Essential Exercises for Daily Practice, which provides the perfect warm-up routine for all drummers (beginner and professional; classical, rudimental, and set player).

Good luck Pablo on what is surely a busy fall 2009.

Highlights

2009-09-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

~Congratulations!: To the winners of the Ironworks Percussion Duo 2nd Annual Composition Contest: Joel Harrison (1st place) with marimba duet Why Has the Hunter Not Returned?, and Tizoc Ceballos (2nd place) with multi-percussion duet Ollin. Joel also recently received 3 new composition grants and released a new CD, Urban Myths, on Highnote Records. For more information on Joel, please visit www.joelharrison.com. For more information on Tizoc, please visit tizocceballos.com.
For more information on the Ironworks Percussion Duo, visit www.ironworkspercussion.com.

~Gold Medalists: Congrats to the Boston Crusaders Percussion Ensemble for winning the DCI Percussion Ensemble Competition with the 3rd Mvt. of Bachovich composer Andrew Beall's percussion concerto, Affirmation.

Watch the video on Youtube and below:

~CimbFest a Success: In June, Bachovich composer Richard Grimes hosted and directed the first American Concert Cimbalom Festival (www.cimbfest.com) in Lancaster, MA at Atlantic Union College.

~Bachovich Welcomes New Composers: Jared Soldiviero and his groovin' multi-percussion duet Palindromes; Pablo Bagilet and his heart-wrenching Argentinean Suite for vibraphone, Tizoc Ceballos and his award-winning multi-percussion duet Ollin, and Rich Greenblatt and his 3 hot jazz vibes CDs: Mooin', Hot & Dry , and Hat Trick.

~We've Gone Global: Bachovich continues to expand, with sales in England, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, China, Taiwan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Hungary.

Featured Compositon: G-Spot Tornado for Percussion Ensemble by Frank Zappa/arr. D. Wallace

2009-06-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Frank Zappa’s G-Spot Tornado comes from his 1986 album Jazz from Hell. This challenging arrangement, by Doug Wallace, is written for 8 percussionists (or 7 plus electric bass), and is an exciting work for any college percussion ensemble. One part requires serious rock drumming (a la Rouse’s Bonham) and the other parts are full of mallet percussion (marimba, glockenspiel, vibes) and accessories. G-Spot Tornado encapsulates all the rhythmic intensity, melodic imagination, and excitement of the Zappa band in a great percussion ensemble work. For more info on Frank Zappa and G-Spot Tornado, click HERE.

Featured Book: 6 Duets in a Rudimental Style by Joe Tompkins

2009-06-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Joe Tompkins’ 6 Duets in a Rudimental Style is a collection of snare and bass drum duos in a “funky fife and drum style.” Tompkins has an ever-expanding collection of rudimental snare solos and studies (including his popular Nine French-American Rudimental Solos), and his 6 Duets in a Rudimental Style will please any percussionist seeking more rudimental works. For more information, click HERE.

Featured Media: (DVD) Andrew Beall's Testament: Symphony for Marimba and Orchestra

2009-06-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

This DVD features the 2004 world-premiere Andrew Beall’s Testament: Symphony for Marimba and Orchestra, performed by composer Beall as marimba soloist and the Tower Philharmonic in New York City. In addition to the concert, the DVD contains a variety of special features, including video of rehearsals and enlightening behind-the-scenes footage. Click HERE to watch clips from the concert footage. And, to purchase, click HERE.

Featured Composer/Arranger: Deane Prouty

2009-06-02T09:57:00.000-07:00

Like many Bachovich Music Publications composer/percussionists, Deane Prouty has his foot in many areas of music. As classical percussionist, he has performed with a number of symphonies, including the American Symphony, the American Composers Orchestra, The American Ballet Theater, The Joffrey Ballet, and The Orchestra of St. Lukes. Deane has played on more than 20 shows in Broadway (Les Miserables, Spamalot, Hairspray, etc.) and spent seven years traveling with the national productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Music of the Night, West Side Story, Annie, and Beauty and the Beast. He is also an early music specialist and has performed on Baroque Timpani in Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Boston’s Symphony Hall and in other venues and early music festivals around the world. In addition, Deane has recorded for a number of record labels and has been the percussionist for Melissa Manchester, Nell Carter, Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey, Vic Damone, Tony Bennett, Jane Olivor, Bobby Day, The Coasters, and Robert Goulet. There is no doubt that Deane’s performance schedule is diverse.

Deane is also an innovative guy: he holds two patents of invention from the US government and is listed in the Who’s Who of American Inventors. And, his innovation carries into composition: Bachovich Music Publications publishes Deane’s arrangement of Gustav Holst’s The Planets for 2 Pianos and Percussion. The piano parts for the arrangement are the original piano scores (sold separately) that Holst wrote before orchestrating the full symphonic version. To accompany the two piano scores, Deane composed parts (for 2 players or an ensemble of percussionists) that include all of the original percussion parts from the orchestral version but also imitate the colors and timbres of the full orchestra. Thanks Deane, for this innovative work. For more info on this great arrangement, click HERE.

Featured Composition: Maleza for Percussion Trio - Javier Diaz

2009-04-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

Afro-Cuban percussion specialist Javier Diaz's trio Maleza (the Spanish word for "forest" or "wilderness") is a through-composed (two movement) work, blending urban beats and world percussion. Grooves in the piece are inspired by drum-and-bass, Afro-Cuban Abakua and Rumba patterns, and West African agogo bell rhythms, and are highlighted by constant shifts in rhythm and timbre. This trio, premiered by the NYU Percussion Ensemble, has (in the words of the composer) "an intense rhythmic drive and a very colorful sonic landscape." For a fresh new world percussion-inspired trio, check out Maleza. Click HERE to purchase.

Featured Book: The PAS MassChap 2008 Snare Drum Collection - compiled by Samuel Solomon

2009-04-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

The PAS MassChap 2008 Snare Drum Collection (compiled by Samuel Solomon) is a collection of forty new snare etudes. Eleven of the etudes were written by commission, and the others were selected as winners of the first annual PAS MassChap Etude Competition (in which there were nearly 50 submissions from across the country and even overseas). Check out this great new collection with etudes written by forty different composers and percussionists of various musical backgrounds and skill levels. All proceeds from the book's sale benefit the Massachusetts Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society. A wonderful addition to every snare drummers' collection. For more information, click HERE.

Featured Composer: Duncan Patton

2009-04-19T17:29:00.001-07:00

Duncan Patton is the Principal Timpanist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and co-chair of the Percussion Department at the Manhattan School of Music. Before performing with the Met, Duncan played with a number of orchestras and chamber ensembles and he performed in a duo with marimba soloist Mayumi Sekizawa. Bachovich publishes two marimba-timpani duets by Duncan--Gemini Return and Primordial Variations--written for Mayumi and Chris Lamb, respectively. These are challenging works that both contrast and blend the timbres of the instruments and require a high level of technical ability and ensemble playing. Duncan also has a short timpani solo [6 minutes] entitled Two Interludes, taken from his larger work, Fierce Murmurs, for timpani and percussion ensemble. For exciting timpani and percussion writing from a great timpanist, look to Duncan Patton.

Featured Media: (CD) From The Earth: Drumming with the Hang - Rolando Morales-Matos

2009-04-19T17:29:00.000-07:00

Rolando Morales-Matos is a prolific composer (in addition to being a busy performer!) and is a mainstay in the BMP E-News Features section. This time, we feature Rolando's CD From the Earth: Drumming with the Hang. The CD consists of all original solo percussion works (by Rolando) and featues Rolando performing on hang drum (a metal, tuned drum, played with the hands, that is acoustically similar to a steelpan). His compositions and performance on the CD have impressed musicians of all backgrounds, like legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter:

"I was stunned by the musicianship, the compositions, the fantastic recorded sound, the performance. Bravo Mr. Morales-Matos!!"

and percussion guru Bob Becker:

"Either the Hang Drum was made for Rolando Matos, or he was made for it. The songs on From the Earth are lovely and Rolando's playing is scintillating."

The hang drum, the newest rave on YouTube, is finally featured on a studio album. This is a must-have solo and world percussion CD. Take our word for it, but the music speaks for itself. For more information, click HERE.

Featured Composition: Parallel Passages (solo timpani + tape) by Tom Hamilton

2009-03-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

This Underground Classic by Tom Hamilton for timpani and tape from the late 1970s is a unique choice for any student or professional recital. The 1970s-style synthesized electronic soundscape (provided on CD) creates a evocative canvas for the driving rhythms and ethereal glissandi in the timpani. This work (recently rediscovered) is probably the first to feature timpani with electronics! Click HERE to hear audio samples.

Featured Book: Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas, Timbales, and Bongos by Rolando Morales-Matos

2009-03-01T12:51:00.001-08:00

This comprehensive Latin percussion book, written by expert Rolando Morales-Matos (Bachovich January Composer of the Month), is a must-have for all students. Working through this Latin percussion Bible provides the equivalent of a year of private instruction on each instrument. The book has already received rave reviews:

Techniques and Basic Patterns for Congas Timbales, and Bongos is exactly what I had been waiting for all these years: a comprehensive approach for those coming into the study of Latin percussion from someone who "gets it". No one better in the world to put out this book than this superb artist who understands how the mind of a classically-trained percussionist really works in relation to these instruments! Congratulations and THANK YOU for this fabulous pedagogical tool!
~ Fernando Meza (University of Minnesota).

Included with the book are 2 CDs, full of audio samples of the exercises and patterns to help in mastering congas, timbales, and bongos. For more reviews and audio samples, click HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) Synchronicity - Like Minds

2009-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Like Minds is the recording debut for brothers Garah and Gregory Landes as piano-percussion duo Synchronicity. The CD features a fusion of jazz and classical styles through transcriptions (including Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Debussy’s The Sunken Cathedral) and original works. The duo is also joined by soprano and double bass for select works on the CD. The percussion playing features a virtuosic display of melodic and multi-percussion. Like Minds features talented musicians performing a mix of challenging piano-percussion duo repertoire. For audio and video samples and more info, click HERE.

Composer of the Month: Charlie Descarfino

2009-03-01T12:25:00.000-08:00

Charlie Descarfino, this month's featured Bachovich percussionist/composer, is at home in a wide range of musical environments. He has performed with a number of classical ensembles, including the American Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, the American Composer's Orchestra, the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the EOS Orchestra, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. He is a mainstay on Broadway, having performed on the shows Sweet Charity, Thoroughly Modern Millie, City of Angels, The Who’s Tommy, Titanic, Suessical, and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He has recorded for a number of record labels and jingles and can be heard on Disney's Mulan and the movie version of The Producers. Additionally, he is well-versed in jazz and popular circles, having performed with the Louie Bellson Big Band and artists such as Roberta Flack, Bette Midler, Freddy Cole, Kenny Rankin, Ben Vereen, and Jewel. To call Charlie's musical background diverse is an understatement.

Explore Charlie's compositional style in his work Temples, Evening, Winds, and Metal for flute and percussion quartet. The flute and metallic percussion (vibraphone, gongs, wind chimes, etc.) create a beautiful setting for the reading of 17th century Japanese haikus. The work is deep and nuanced and paints a brilliant Japanese landscape. For more information and audio samples, click HERE.

Thank you, Charlie, for your wonderful piece!

Featured Composition: The Cymbal Guy

2009-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Larry Spivak's "The Cymbal Guy" is a brief rapperetta for 11 actor/musicians (8 play crash cymbals), which features The Cymbal Guy accessory (the hi-hat-mounted cymbal crasher). This fun piece of musical drama shows off The Cymbal Guy and helps teach crash cymbal technique and good ensemble playing. Great for any high school or college percussion ensemble concert. For more info on "The Cymbal Guy" and rental parts, click HERE. To buy The Cymbal Guy attachment from Beall Percussion Specialties, click HERE.

Featured Book: Snare Drum Technique: Essential Exercises for Daily Practice

2009-02-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Pablo Rieppi's Snare Drum Technique: Essential Exercises for Daily Practice is a necessity for every drummer, providing all the important warm-ups one could ever need. Playing through the entire book constitutes the perfect daily warm-up. Exercises cover rolls, embellishments, all the essential rudiments, and polyrhythms. A must-have for all percussionists!

"It's a really terrific collection of exercises to warm up and challenge your technique!" - Greg Zuber, The Metropolitan Opera

Read more testimonials and buy the book HERE.

Featured Media: (CD) My Favorite Things (Mayumi Sekizawa, marimba)

2009-02-01T13:58:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Things (CD) is Japanese marimba soloist Mayumi Sekizawa's first release (2005). Sekizawa is an international soloist, and her CD features important marimba repertoire, Sekizawa's own riveting arrangements, and one of her original compositions. This CD is great for percussionists and is a perfect gift for any music-lover.

"The arrangements by Sekizawa are brilliantly performed...the original composition that ends the CD is a reflective choral and a classy touch to the end of a great recording." - Julia Gaines, University of Missouri, review in PAS News

For audio samples, click HERE.

To go to Sekizawa's Official website, click HERE.

Composer of the Month: Joseph Pereira

2009-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Joseph Pereira is the new Principal Timpanist of the LA Philharmonic (and had been Assistant Timpanist and Percussionist with the New York Philharmonic since 1998), but is also becoming a force in the world of composition. His works have been played around the world, including performances at Darmstadt and in Alice Tully Hall. Pereira's harmonic language is "Bracing and astringent" (Anthony Tommasini, New York Times), the perfect challenge for any advanced percussion student or professional. Try his multi-percussion solo Word of Mouth for 8 drums (4 dry, 4 resonant). Pereria's quartet Facing the Mirror and solo In Other Words feature percussion and tape. Or try his works for mixed instrumentation: Three Movements for Violin and Vibraphone and Bento Box (for alto flute, guitar, and vibraphone). Click the titles for audio samples.