Meet "Galileo!"
It was premiered last week by the Wichita State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble under my baton. Great experience working with some amazing young musicians! Many thanks to Dr. Victor Markovich, Director of Bands, for the opportunity to have this work performed and recorded. It is now on it's way to two international composition contests. Wish me luck!
Peace,
Jeffrey
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
New Symphony Available for Purchase
I'm very happy to offer my newest composition, Symphony No. 3 for Strings "Nativitas," for sale directly through this site. This Grade 4 symphony is based structurally on Haydn's Symphony No. 94, but with a great twist: all of the thematic material is taken from our favorite Christmas Carols! Here are the first two movements:
And here are the last two movements:
Cost for the entire 16-minute work is $75 and includes a PDF of score and parts delivered electronically along with a "Permission to Copy." A personally signed score inscribed with your name and the name of your ensemble is available for only $30 more ($105), which includes shipping costs.
Please contact me at nwbishop@smsd.org for more information. Thank you for helping to keep independent music composition alive!
Jeffrey
And here are the last two movements:
Cost for the entire 16-minute work is $75 and includes a PDF of score and parts delivered electronically along with a "Permission to Copy." A personally signed score inscribed with your name and the name of your ensemble is available for only $30 more ($105), which includes shipping costs.
Please contact me at nwbishop@smsd.org for more information. Thank you for helping to keep independent music composition alive!
Jeffrey
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Composer Ramblings....
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
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
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Persephone's Revenge!
My newest publication from the Neil A. Kjos Music Co. was released on the String Tracks XXIII CD!
Many thanks to Chris Doemel and the Mabry Middle School Orchestra in Marietta, GA for commissioning this work!
I hope your summer was amazing! I'm looking forward to another awesome school year at SMNW while writing some new works for some amazing orchestras and choirs!
Check back soon!
Best wishes,
Jeffrey
Many thanks to Chris Doemel and the Mabry Middle School Orchestra in Marietta, GA for commissioning this work!
I hope your summer was amazing! I'm looking forward to another awesome school year at SMNW while writing some new works for some amazing orchestras and choirs!
Check back soon!
Best wishes,
Jeffrey
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Long Time, No Blog...
Wow. It's already been a month since my last posting? Geez...it's a good thing I'm not popular or anything. My adoring fans would've been really upset (hi, Mom)!
So, what's going on in the world of this sorta-famous composer? Let's see... Finishing up work on my third string symphony, working title "Nativitas," which is based on Christmas Carols. I'm really enjoying it because it's written in the style of Haydn, so it's VERY classical. The second movement is a hoot, especially, since I do my own version of the "Surprise" symphony. You'll just have to wait to hear it....
Other creative endeavors have been put on hold by some other, less savory, things in my life. Those will pass soon, however!
Until then, stay cool in this nasty July heat!
Peace,
Jeffrey
So, what's going on in the world of this sorta-famous composer? Let's see... Finishing up work on my third string symphony, working title "Nativitas," which is based on Christmas Carols. I'm really enjoying it because it's written in the style of Haydn, so it's VERY classical. The second movement is a hoot, especially, since I do my own version of the "Surprise" symphony. You'll just have to wait to hear it....
Other creative endeavors have been put on hold by some other, less savory, things in my life. Those will pass soon, however!
Until then, stay cool in this nasty July heat!
Peace,
Jeffrey
Monday, June 20, 2011
Western Kansas Orchestra Festival Commission
Showdown! is complete! My newest work for string orchestra is ready for the Western Kansas Orchestra Festival!
It's my take on the classic Western gunfight: good guy/bad guy face off in the center of main street. But when it seems that the "good guy" wins, did he really? And just what is "good," anyway? Hmmm....
Hope you enjoy it!
Best,
Jeffrey
It's my take on the classic Western gunfight: good guy/bad guy face off in the center of main street. But when it seems that the "good guy" wins, did he really? And just what is "good," anyway? Hmmm....
Hope you enjoy it!
Best,
Jeffrey
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Chicago, Chicago....My Kind of Town!
Actually, Lake Forest, IL. Deerpath Middle School to be exact!
The Deerpath Middle School Orchestras premiered "Erebus" on Monday, May 16. I had the opportunity to rehearse the orchestras Monday morning and then conduct the premiere at their concert that evening. The kids were a hoot - lots of middle school energy and excitement. Their teacher, Ms. Sarah Truding, along with her colleagues and family, was amazing. She's a great teacher and her family were kind enough to run me all over town during my stay.
It's always fun to be able to bring a new work to life. It's even MORE fun to bring it to life with a group of people who care!
Thanks, DPMS! YOU ROCK!
Jef
The Deerpath Middle School Orchestras premiered "Erebus" on Monday, May 16. I had the opportunity to rehearse the orchestras Monday morning and then conduct the premiere at their concert that evening. The kids were a hoot - lots of middle school energy and excitement. Their teacher, Ms. Sarah Truding, along with her colleagues and family, was amazing. She's a great teacher and her family were kind enough to run me all over town during my stay.
It's always fun to be able to bring a new work to life. It's even MORE fun to bring it to life with a group of people who care!
Thanks, DPMS! YOU ROCK!
Jef
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