I spent much of January 2019 writing a new piece for the Napier Civic Choir, who commissioned a 10 minute work for SATB and string orchestra. ‘Songs of the night’, 2 poems by Miguel de Unamuno, will be premiered in NCC’s first concert weekend for 2019, April 5th and 7th, 7:30pm at the Waiapu Cathedral, Browning St, Napier. Thanks to José Aparicio (MD), and the choir for being bold enough to programme new music and for welcoming me into your rehearsals. I’m looking forward to it!
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Online course – Study ‘Subtle dances’ by Claire Cowan
I’ve recently completed another project for SOUNZ, this time on ‘Subtle Dances’ by Claire Cowan. Claire’s work is really characterful and fun, and students will enjoy studying this music. For Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Check out the intro video below and visit the SOUNZ website to purchase access to the resource.
Online course launched – Gillian Whitehead’s “Lullaby For Matthew”
Earlier this year I did some work for SOUNZ, revising and updating one of their most popular secondary teaching resources (Gillian Whitehead’s “Lullaby For Matthew”) for re-release as an online course. The course was officially launched this week.
It was a pleasure working with Gillian and getting to know this special work intimately. I highly recommend this course to teachers looking for a rewarding NZ work to study at Level 1, or a way to introduce composition in the high school classroom. Gillian’s “Lullaby” really is a stunning lesson in how experienced composers use many of the composing “tools” we talk about so often (sequence, inversion etc.) to shape ideas into beautiful music.
Check out the intro video below and visit the SOUNZ website to purchase access to the resource.
Eric Whitacre ‘Sleep’ Study Guide
If you are a busy music teacher looking for an inspiring and really interesting work to study with your class this year, here it is.
Sleep by London-based American composer, Eric Whitacre, is stunning and your students will love it!
Here is a brief intro to the composer. Sleep is featured at 2:45
NZ Youth Choir rehearsing ‘Cloths of Heaven’
Here is some footage of the NZ Youth choir, Directed by David Squire, rehearsing He Wishes For the Cloths of Heaven in Hawke’s Bay on Wednesday April 18th 2012. It was a pleasure to spend time working with the NZYC on this piece. I can’t think of a better way for this piece to begin life than in the capable hands of this amazing youth choir!
Ave Maria at Big Sing Finale
Havelock North High School’s girls-only choir Voix de Femmes, directed by Stephen Lange, performed Ave Maria at The Big Sing Finale 9-12 August at the Auckland Town Hall. Voix de Femmes were invited at Guest Choir, well done ladies!
Best Choral Director Trophy, 2010
I was honoured to recieve the trophy for Best Choral Director at The Big Sing this year. This year’s Voix de Femmes have been something special, a wonderful group of girls! They do all the hard work and I get the trophy! Particularly special conducting my piece Mr Moon with this group. They coped amazing well with the close harmonies and unusual melodic shapes.
