Detailed Descriptions of Music in Motion Events from February 2012

Featured Guest Clinicians for 2012: 

James Curnow, Band Clinician/Band Composer and Director of Music in Motion Festival Band

James Curnow was born in Port Huron, Michigan and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. He lives in Nicholasville, Kentucky where he is president, composer, and educational consultant for Curnow Music Press, Inc. of Nicholasville, Kentucky, publishers of significant music for concert band and brass band. He also serves as Composer-in-residence Emeritus on the faculty of Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, and is editor of all music publications for The Salvation Army in Atlanta, Georgia. 

His formal training was received at Wayne State University (Detroit, Michigan) and at Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan), where he was a euphonium student of Leonard Falcone, and a conducting student of Dr. Harry Begian. His studies in composition and arranging were with F. Maxwell Wood, James Gibb and Irwin Fischer.

James Curnow has taught in all areas of instrumental music, both in the public schools (five years), and on the college and university level (thirty years). He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

As a conductor, composer and clinician, Curnow has traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Europe where his music has received wide acclaim. Curnow has been commissioned to write over three hundred works for concert band, brass band, orchestra, choir and various vocal and instrumental ensembles. His published works now number well over five hundred. 

Curnow was most recently honored with a listing in the Grove Dictionary of American Musicians.

Robert Gillespie, Strings Clinician and Director of Music in Motion Festival Orchestra

Robert Gillespie, violinist and professor of music, is responsible for string teacher training at The Ohio State University, which has one of the largest and most extensive string pedagogy degree programs in the nation. Dr. Gillespie is a past national President of the American String Teachers Association. He is a frequent guest conductor of All-State, region, and festival orchestras. Dr. Gillespie has appeared in 46 states, Canada, and throughout Europe. He is co-author of the Hal Leonard string method book series, Essential Elements for Strings, the leading string instrument teaching series in the country. Also he is co-author of the college text Strategies for Teaching Strings: Building A Successful School Orchestra Program, the String Clinics to Go DVD series, and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Orchestra texts for GIA publications. He received the Distinguished Scholar award for 2002-2003 in the School of Music at Ohio State University, and he is a member of the editorial committee of the Journal of Research in Music Education.   

Eric Barnum, Choral Clinician/Choral Composer and Director of Music in Motion Festival Choir

A choral conductor and composer, Eric William Barnum is currently a DMA candidate in choral conducting at the University of Washington under the direction of Dr. Geoffrey Boers.  He holds a BA in Music with emphases in Composition and Vocal Performance from Bemidji State University.  He also has an advanced degree in Choral Conducting from Minnesota State University, Mankato under the direction of Dr. David Dickau.

Eric William Barnum's compositions have been performed throughout North America as well as Europe and Asia.  He has been a recipient of numerous composition awards and grants, including a Bush Foundation Artist Fellowship (2005) and a McKnight Foundation Grant (2005), as well as winning the 2006 VocalEssence Essentially Choral Competition, recieving the 2006 Nathan Davis Prize in Composition, and winning the 2003 Chanticleer Composer Competition.  He has served as composer in residence for ensembles such as the The Rose Ensemble (2004-2005), Kantorei (2005-2006), CORO Vocal Artists (2009-2010), and has had frequent premiere performances at national and regional choral conventions. 

Friday, February 3, 2012

12:30-2:00 PM
Overnight Participants: Event Check-in at Gruenhagen Conference Center – Receive your room key and settle into your accommodations. Meet Gruenhagen Conference Center and Music in Motion staff. Receive a map of the University.

12:30-2:00 PM
All Participants: Event Check-in at A/C Center Music Hall Lobby – Receive your participant package and your name badge. This will also be an opportunity to meet your faculty and the Music in Motion staff. The exhibits will be open for you to enjoy.

2:00-2:45 PM
All Participants: Opening Convocation – Faculty and staff will be introduced, and detailed information about rehearsals and sessions will be disseminated. An exciting and inspiring rhythmic group activity will kick-off the weekendʼs event: “Rhythm and Movement” presented by UWO faculty member Dr. Alison Shaw.

3:00-4:30 PM
Wind/Percussion: Music in Motion Festival Band, directed by Guest Artist James Curnow – This exciting ensemble will consist of student and music educator participants, UW Oshkosh Wind and Percussion Music faculty, and UW Oshkosh Wind Ensemble members. This will give the student participants the opportunity to share and interact with UWO students, plus the benefit of modeling and “on the spot” teaching from the faculty. Music educators will have the opportunity to play, observe, and interact with the faculty members, thus gaining valuable information for their own instrumental teaching. The Festival Band will focus on newly released band music including those of our special guest Mr. James Curnow. Mr. Curnow’s contribution to the wind band repertoire is prolific (see: http:// www.curnowmusicpress.com). Several of his works will be performed by the Music in Motion Festival Band on the Grand Finale Concert. In addition to reading newer band works, the Friday afternoon session will also serve as a chance to begin rehearsing repertoire for the final concert.

Vocalists: Music in Motion Festival Choir, directed by Guest Artist Eric Barnum – This fantastic ensemble will consist of student and music educator participants, UWO Choir members, and the Music in Motion vocal faculty. This will give the student participants the opportunity to share and interact with UWO students, plus the benefit of modeling and “on the spot” teaching from the faculty. Music educators will have the opportunity to sing, observe, and interact with the faculty members, thus gaining valuable information for their own instrumental teaching. The Festival Choir will focus on newly released choral music including those of our special guest Mr. Eric Barnum. Mr. Barnum’s contribution to vocal repertoire is awing (see: http://www.ewbmusic.com). Several of his works will be performed by the Music in Motion Festival Choir on the Grand Finale Concert. The Friday afternoon session will also serve as a chance to begin rehearsing repertoire for the final concert.

Strings: Music in Motion Festival String Orchestra, directed by Guest Artist Dr. Robert Gillespie – All students and music educators who specialize in strings are invited to join Dr. Gillespie for an all-strings ensemble, and sit with members of the UWO faculty and UWO student String Orchestra. Rehearsals will include preparation of music for the Grand Finale Concert. In addition, repertoire, technique, and pedagogy will be emphasized.

Guitar & Piano: Injury prevention workshop with UWO faculty member Dr. Paula Brusky

4:45-5:45 PM
All Participants: Small Group Break Out Sessions – Following ensemble rehearsals, small group break out sessions will be lead by Music in Motion faculty to provide individualized attention to participants to properly prepare for the Grand Finale Concert. These sessions will provide the opportunity to practice good instrumental techniques, interpretive musical matters, and pedagogical method.

6:00-7:00 PM
All Participants: Dinner – A pizza dinner will be offered to all Music in Motion participants.

7:00-8:00 PM
Opening Gala Concert – Music in Motion Collage Concert – Music in Motion faculty will be joined by some of UW Oshkoshʼs talented music students for a kaleidoscopic adventure in live performance. Enjoy a compilation of solos, chamber music, and ensembles––vocal, instrumental, and combined genres with no pause or intermission. This concert will be free and open to the public.

8:15-9:00 PM
All Participants: Ice Cream Social – Reflect on the dayʼs events with your friends and colleagues in the newly renovated Memorial Reeve Union while enjoying some of UWOʼs own Babcock ice cream.

9:00-10:00 PM
All Participants: Interactive Drum Circle – What the heck is a drum circle? A drum circle, most simply put, is a group of people gathered into a circle for the purpose of making music. The music in this case is produced by playing drums and other small percussion instruments that can be easily played by anyone. A drum circle can be as simple as three friends in a living room, or as involved as a thousand music industry workers jamming outside the Civic Center in Anaheim after the NAMM show closes. A facilitated drum circle is a form of group drumming in which a person helps to focus the intent and improve the quality and effect of the activity, making it easier for people to effectively participate. The facilitator takes responsibility for constantly monitoring the music in the group, and generally being encouraging and accepting of participant ideas. At the beginning the facilitator directs the music through verbal and non- verbal cuing. Cues, which often mirror the movements of an orchestral conductor, are directed at the participants, who respond to the leader. Actions such as rolling (rumbling), starting, stopping, raising/ lowering the volume, accents, and when to play/not play are often given by the facilitator. The facilitatorʼs aim is to direct the group in the early stages to create enough connection and communication for the group to groove. They are looking to empower the group to take ownership of the music by the end of the session. This community-building exercise is a great way to end the day and prepare the Music in Motion participants for the focused work of day 2.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

8:00-9:00 AM
Overnight Participants: Breakfast – Breakfast will be served in the Gruenhagen Conference Center for your convenience.

9:30-10:30 AM
All Participants: Conducting Workshops – Festival Band, Choir, and String Ensemble play for conducting workshops led by UWO conducting faculty and Guest Artists James Curnow, Robert Gillespie, and Eric Barnum. Participating music educators will conduct their respective Music in Motion Festival ensemble in masterclass fashion––conducting workshop participants will be selected on a first-come first- served basis via event registration.

Guitar & Piano: Lessons and Master Classes – Guitar and Piano participants will be placed in master classes for individualized teaching by our master teaching faculty. Solos and chamber music may be prepared for performance in the Grand Finale Concert. Special topics in each area will also be presented throughout the weekend.

10:45-11:45 AM
All Participants: Large Ensemble Rehearsal – All participants meet to rehearse for the Grand Finale Concert.

Guitar & Piano: Lessons and Master Classes – Guitar and Piano participants will be placed in master classes for individualized teaching by our master teaching faculty. Solos and chamber music may be prepared for performance in the Grand Finale Concert. Special topics in each area will also be presented throughout the weekend.

11:45 AM-12:30 PM
All Participants: Lunch – Lunch will be provided in the A&C Center.

12:30-1:30 PM
A General Music Refresher for Instrumental and Choral Music Teachers – Led by UWO faculty member Dr. Kenneth L. Liske.

Getting Started in Improvisation – UWO faculty member Dr. Marty Robinson.

Getting Started in Composition – Led by UWO faculty member Dr. Theresa Martin.

String Clinic – Led by Guest Artists Dr. Robert Gillespie.

Breathing Techniques; after the Breathing Gym – Led by UWO faculty member Dr. Dylan T. Chmura- Moore.

Percussion Clinic – Led by UWO faculty member Dr. Alison Shaw. 

Musical Theatre Workshop – Led by UWO faculty member Dr. Nathan Krueger 

Performing with Electronics – Led by UWO faculty member Ms. Sarah Kind

1:45-2:45 PM
“Put Your Best Foot Forward” – How to Prepare Your Song for Solo and Ensemble Contest - UWO faculty member Joyce Andrews will work with selected students in a master class setting. This is a special opportunity to receive critique and suggestions on songs that are being prepared for solo and ensemble contest.

Educator Panel – Panel discussion on music education topics by Guest Artists James Curnow, Robert Gillespie, and Eric Barnum

Instrumental Master Classes: High Brass, Low Brass, Woodwinds, Strings - UWO & Music in Motion faculty will present clinics and master classes to Tuba, Euphonium, Trombone, Trumpet, French Horn, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Saxophone, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass.

3:00-4:00 PM
All Participants: Large Ensemble Rehearsal – All participants meet for a final rehearsal for the Grand Finale Concert.

Guitar & Piano: Lessons and Master Classes – Guitar and Piano participants will be placed in master classes for individualized teaching by our master teaching faculty. Solos and chamber music may be prepared for performance in the Grand Finale Concert. Special topics in each area will also be presented throughout the weekend.

4:00-5:45 PM
All Participants: Large Ensemble Dress Rehearsal – All participants participate in a dress rehearsal for a final rehearsal for the Grand Finale Concert. When not participating in the dress rehearsal:

• Hors Dʼoeuvres in the A&C Center 
• Early check-out of the Gruenhagen Conference Center 
• Tour UWO Electronic Music Studio, UWO Music Technology Lab, and lobby exhibits

6:00-7:00 PM
All Participants: Grand Finale Concert – Concert featuring all participants of Music in Motion, and will feature the Music in Motion Festival Band, Choir, and String Ensemble. The event and will be free and open to the public.