It's a lazy Sunday afternoon here at the Bishop Composition Factory. I should probably be watching the Chiefs game, but I just can't bring myself to do it. After the opening week drubbing of my favorite team by the Buffalo Bills, I'm a little hesitant to invest that kind of time into a losing effort. I know, I know....what kind of FAN am I? I'm one that's watched for too many years and been too disappointed to care right now.
It's been a productive week here at the Factory, though. I've received a couple new commissions, one of which could really establish me as the preeminent composer of concerti for bizarre yard implements. Yeah, you read that right. I've been asked to write a concerto for "wood chipper, snow blower, chain saw, and axe." Of course, at first I was like "what?" And within ten seconds I was already composing stuff in my mind. It'll be fun, bizarre, and entertaining. And, when it's written for those kind of "instruments," would you expect anything less?
I received word from Kjos this week that my newest publication, "Erebus," is in pre-production. That means that the typesetters have gone over the score and are now getting ready for the first set of proofs to come back. The editor will go over the proofs and send them to me for corrections. Sometimes this can be a little tedious and it's ALWAYS a little frustrating. If you know my Symphony for Strings No. 1, you'll know the infamous "C" in the viola part in movement 2, measure 44, which should be an "E." I checked that and proofed it three different times, in RED ink, but it never got fixed. Hence, my frustration. It's gotten a lot better with the advent of new computer technology since then, but I'm always leery of the process. After spending so much time to create the piece, I want it done right once it's published.
In other news, life at SMNW continues at a breakneck pace. We have a concert coming up on September 27th and I'm really looking forward to it. The students are playing well and we've incorporated some new assessment processes that have made an impact on student learning. And, dare I say it, have made me a little bit better teacher because of it.
I hope you're doing well out there. It's rainy and cool here in KC and I'm LOVING the hoodie/sweater weather!
Peace,
Jeffrey
