Composer's First Thoughts
Kenneth Amis
Florida Commission Project
Writing a successful piece that will be primarily performed by students for an audience more interested in the performers than the music performed requires that a composer make a few extra considerations during the conception and compositional process.
What is the level of technical proficiency that can be expected? How much of a time commitment can I expect a conductor/educator to be able to give a new piece? Should the piece be something familiar sounding or can it, should it, be different from other music written for that instrumental group--characteristically and/or harmonically? How liberal can the instrumentation be? How cautious and preemptive should the orchestration be? If the piece is commissioned, some of these considerations are made for the composer.
In the case of the Florida Bandmasters Association(FBA)/Florida Music Educators Association(FMEA) Commission Project it was agreed that I would compose a march for middle school band with limited double reed usage.
My experience composing for specific types of ensembles has led me to develop a habit that helps me remember, among other things, the resolutions of my considerations. I create a list of the decisions I've made and principals that I want to keep in mind while composing and I affix it to a visually conspicuous place near where I will be working. This month I am in residence at Lynn University for 12 days and will carry this list into a piano furnished practice room everyday. Here is the list
I've made for the FBA/FMEA Commission Project:
• Don't compromise the artistic level of the composition.
• The music must be compositionally interesting on multiple levels.
• Don't write "down" to the students.
• Give performers opportunities for individual recognition.
• Minimal double reed usage/reliance
• Cross cue only artistically acceptable alternatives.
I now sit at a piano with two pieces of paper on the rack stand--my list and a blank sheet of manuscript paper. Stay tuned to see how the tenets of one transfer to the other.
Kenneth Amis
For More Information on Kenneth Amis visit AmisMusicalCircle.com.