Matching Items (45)
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- All Subjects: Music
- Creators: Gardner, Joshua
- Status: Published
Description
This creative project documents the methods and challenges of writing three clarinet choir arrangements of different musical genres, and culminates into three clarinet choir scores with an upcoming performance date. The three pieces that were arranged are “Dinah” by Sam Lewis and Joe Young, “Laud ye the Name of the Lord” from Vespers by Sergei Rachmaninoff, and “Peace” by Jeremy Zuckerman. The goal of the project was to arrange these pieces for clarinet choir without making any major changes to the form or style of the original works. Scores to the final three arrangements are included within this document, as well as a brief description of the processes involved in writing them. While the pieces were being arranged, the techniques of arranging were studied concurrently by reviewing a text on arranging, other successful clarinet choir arrangements, fixing the challenges that were presented by the pieces to be arranged. Each piece required a few drafts: after being written to near-completion, they were played by live clarinet groups and recorded to hear how they sounded. After these recording sessions, the pieces would be further edited for readability, suitability for the instrument, and overall sound and effect. Major difficulties are also covered within the following paper, including why those issues arose and what methods were used to solve them. Each of the pieces helped to explore different aspects of arranging for clarinet choir, and each piece has turned into a pleasing arrangement that may be performed by a live ensemble. This creative project greatly improved the skills of the author and serves to stoke interest in arranging and composition.
ContributorsGerman, Lindsey (Author) / Spring, Robert (Thesis director, Committee member) / Gardner, Joshua (Thesis director, Committee member) / School of Music (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
Clarinet articulation is a process that uses the tongue to create an interruption in sound production either by contacting the reed or disrupting the air stream. This process occurs inside the mouth and is hidden from direct view. As a result, various solutions were developed in clarinet pedagogy to address the issue of teaching with no visual feedback. Clarinet pedagogy literature consists of language that makes it possible for other clarinetists to discuss, teach, and research various aspects of clarinet playing. The interdisciplinary application of theoretical concepts in linguistics and how they map onto the language of clarinet pedagogy offers a new perspective for understanding the teaching methods used for articulation. To provide insight into the relationship of language and clarinet pedagogy, an overview of several linguistic theories and concepts, such as Peircean semiotics, metalanguages, discursive strategies, and articulatory phonetics, is presented. Additionally, a brief explanation of articulation techniques (single, multiple, flutter, and slap articulation) and commonly used teaching strategies is outlined. The language used in clarinet pedagogy literature from resources by prominent clarinet pedagogues, such as the works of John Anderson, Joshua Gardner, Michèle Gingras, Eric C. Hansen, Howard Klug, Phillip Rehfeldt, Thomas Ridenour, Heather Roche, Robert Spring, and Rachel Yoder, is surveyed. Pedagogical insights from a linguistic analysis are used to create resources for teaching and/or correcting articulation. Since the interdisciplinary application of linguistics and clarinet pedagogy is an underexplored topic, this research also aims to serve as a basis for further interdisciplinary studies.
Contributorsde Alba, Francisco Javier (Author) / Spring, Robert (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Thesis advisor) / Fossum, Dave (Committee member) / Caslor, Jason (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
The percussion ensemble pieces of the 1930s and 1940s have many performance practice and instrumental selection considerations when performed in the modern day. The four pieces of music under consideration for this study are Ionisation (1933) by Edgard Varèse, Ostinato Pianissimo (1934) by Henry Cowell, First Construction (In Metal) (1939), and Third Construction (1941), both by John Cage. These works have stood the test of time, and are still an important part of today’s percussive literature. As with many historical works, issues such as interpretation and instrument selection arise when performed in the twenty first century. This project aims to provide general considerations and specific solutions when preparing these works for performance. The research conducted in this paper will help percussionists and musicologists alike further understand how to properly replicate the early percussion ensemble music, if the performers objectives are to emulate the composers’ original intentions.
ContributorsWales, Tyler (Author) / Compitello, Michael (Thesis advisor) / Smith, J.B. (Committee member) / Saucier, Catherine (Committee member) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
The versatility of the bassoon has always been a signature trait, noticeable both inthe diversity of canonic works conceived for the instrument and in transcriptions. While
Russian composer and pianist, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953), is well-known for his
orchestral and piano compositions, outside from moments in his compositions for
orchestra, most woodwind musicians have been unable to experience his solo repertoire
and writing style. Prokofiev did not write any solo compositions for the bassoon. In fact,
his only solo work for woodwinds is his Sonata for Flute and Piano, Op. 94. The purpose
of this project is to transcribe Prokofiev’s Sonata for Flute and Piano, Op. 94 for bassoon
and piano as an addition to the bassoon solo literature. The project begins with an
historical overview of both composer and composition, then turns into a description of
the rationale and process of transcription, followed by the transcription for bassoon and
piano itself as well as a complete recording.
ContributorsJin, Leon (Author) / Micklich, Albie (Thesis advisor) / Schmelz, Peter (Committee member) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
Description
The reed quintet is an intriguing and innovative chamber ensemble that offers adistinctive soundscape to the genre of chamber music. Through significant efforts to
legitimize the ensemble, the reed quintet now exists as a viable option for chamber
musicians. However, a significant challenge remains in the limited accessibility of
repertoire suitable for developing musicians interested in reed quintets. REED
REVOLUTION: A Fundamental Approach to Reed Quintet represents a comprehensive
solution, offering aspiring student chamber musicians the essential pedagogical tools and
materials needed to excel in a reed quintet setting.
This method book encompasses a wide array of strategies aimed at fostering a
functional and collaborative ensemble, establishing foundational chamber music skills,
and introducing five original compositions commissioned specifically for this project.
With REED REVOLUTION, student reed quintets can begin their chamber music journey
equipped with tools to become a successful ensemble prepared to explore the existing
reed quintet repertoire. Additionally, the method book includes a collection of online
resources and recordings, performed by the Arcane Reed Quintet, produced by Dr.
Joshua Gardner, and recorded by Jin Studios, LLC. These resources include reference
recordings and practice tracks for each instrument and the ensemble, serving as
invaluable aids in the learning process.
ContributorsMacDonald, Benjamin Xavier (Author) / Creviston, Christopher (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Shea, Nicholas (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
The purpose of this DMA project is to broaden the bassoon repertoire from Latin American composers with the commission and recording of a new work, Duasteño for bassoon and clarinet, by Arodi Martínez Serrano (Mexico) and to record the existing works Duasteco by Arodi Martínez Serrano, Argenta by Noelia Escalzo (Argentina), and Fagot Pukllay by Daniel Cueto (Peru). In order to provide a better understanding of these works and the composers, this document contains transcripts of interviews with each composer, including their styles, aesthetics, and backgrounds. The interviews with the composers are the primary sources for this document. Additionally, a performance guide is included providing recommendations to the bassoonists preparing these works. It is my hope that the recordings and performance guide included in this project can be a helpful resource for the bassoonist seeking to perform new works by Latin American composers.
ContributorsBonilla Aguilar, Alfredo (Author) / Micklich, Albie (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Navarro, Fernanda (Committee member) / Schuring, Martin (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023
Description
Many options for mouthpieces and reeds are available to clarinetists, which makes selecting the right equipment complicated. In addition to personal research, potential influences in this process included teachers, professors, and private instructors. To provide some clarity in the current trends impacting the selection of new equipment, a survey of clarinetists was conducted. All participants were asked what equipment they were currently using and to specify what elements of the purchase were most important. Aspects such as price, instructor influence, personal research, conferences, brand loyalty, new releases, and social media were ranked by level of importance. Additionally, questions were asked of participants who taught clarinet about what they recommended to their students at various skill levels. The opinions of clarinetists along with the analysis of the data confirmed which mouthpieces and reeds were being suggested for different skill levels. The results were analyzed by type of career with strong trends in the participants current equipment and their suggested equipment.
ContributorsDruesedow, Elizabeth Jane (Author) / Spring, Robert (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Thesis advisor) / Knowles, Kristina (Committee member) / Caslor, Jason (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
This project features three new pieces for oboe commissioned from three different composers. Each piece explores styles and/or instrumentations that are less common in the current body of repertoire. These pieces are Scenes for Charlie by Bryan Kennard, Love’s Last Gift by Thomas Juneau, and But Joy Comes in the Morning by William Brusick. A performance guide has been included for each piece, providing tips and suggestions for musicians wanting to perform these pieces in the future. In addition to the performance guide, each composer answered a list of interview questions to provide background information and give insight into their compositional process. Accompanying this document are recordings performed by the author.
ContributorsSummers, Season (Author) / Schuring, Martin (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Norton, Kay (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2021
Description
Repertoire for solo bassoon is becoming more common as music advances and evolves. There is a vast array of works for solo bassoon; however, only a small percentage of those are by composers from an underrepresented community, with an even smaller percentage written by composers with East Asian or Southeast Asian heritage. Furthermore, these works have little to no high-quality studio recordings. Additionally, these works often include contemporary techniques such as multiphonics, difficult tremolos, flutter tonguing, pitch bends, and glissandi, among others. This adds another layer of inaccessibility for those bassoonists who are unfamiliar with how to perform these techniques and therefore may be afraid to “take the plunge” into contemporary works that utilize them. I have created performance guides for Tilt by Tonia Ko, Legend of the Sea by Xinyan Li, and Jeu des Cinq Éléments II by Tôn-Thât Tiêt, in hopes of promoting and raising the accessibility of works by living composers with East Asian and Southeast Asian backgrounds.
ContributorsJohnson, Bradley Raymond (Author) / Micklich, Albie (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Temple, Alex (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024
Description
This project includes recordings, composer biographies, and performance guides for four original works commissioned for me. All four compositions were written specifically for the baritone saxophone and piano accompaniment, to contribute and expand the repertoire for baritone saxophone while incorporating pedagogical and performance practices that will aid in the development of a baritone saxophonist. In addition, I will highlight the problems that have become consistent with the limited amount of repertoire for baritone saxophone, and how these commissioned works can be one of many ways to amend these issues. Within these four works, I will discuss and expand on fundamental pedagogical concepts, suitable healthy practice and performance habits to ensure wellness to the performer, as well as my personal approach to each piece. Two of these four original compositions were recorded in Organ Hall at ASU on April 19, while the other two compositions were premiered at the 2023 North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conference held in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on Friday, March 31st. Furthermore, all four compositions will be recorded in a recording studio by the Azure Duo, which consists of myself on baritone saxophone, and John Fabius Solari on piano. Recordings will be done at the recording studio Fusion on First, located at Arizona State University Downtown Campus in June 2023. The first piece, On the Hunt (2022) was written by Jorge Machain (b. 1993). The second piece, written by Brooke Herndon (b. 1995), is titled Vignettes (2022). The third piece, Fantasia V (Five) (2023), was written by Kevin Day (b. 1996). The fourth and final piece in the set of commissions is Lonepine (2023), written by Tanner Bayles (b. 1999).
ContributorsLee, Bonson (Author) / Creviston, Christopher (Thesis advisor) / Gardner, Joshua (Committee member) / Navarro, Fernanda (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2023