Tag Archives: tuesday’s tidbits

Tuesday’s Tidbits: UIL Orchestra (PML)

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While we realize that everyone is not as invested in the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List (PML) as we are, since two of our stores are in Texas, it still merits mention that this year there were many new titles added to the list(s), including music for full orchestra and string orchestra.

And while your particular situation may not require that you perform music from the list, that doesn’t mean that the list, in and of itself, is not indeed still a good resource when you’re simply looking for festival or competition music for other uses. That’s why we highlight it here and on our website, as well as across some of our other media channels (Slideshare, Flickr, Facebook, etc).

Just think about it….some great folks in Texas have done a lot of the work for you: reviewing, listening, and critiquing music, looking for only the best of the best in all levels for orchestra and strings. There are other states around the country that simply adopt the Texas UIL/PML list as their own, and call it day. Now, some people might call that robbery, and some people might just call it knowing when to take advantage of a good thing…..we’ll let you decide that for yourself. In the meantime, view the slideshow, download the pdf, and take a look at some great music for full orchestra and string orchestra.

Texas UIL Orchestra Sheet Music (PML): New Additions for  2011

The full orchestra/string orchestra sheet music titles that were recently added to the Texas UIL Prescribed Music List (PML) [2011].

Orchestra PML | New Selections for 2011 | TX UIL

 

And here is a link to the pdf brochure, which is on our website (also interactive):

 

Tipster: Teaching Young String Groups

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We came accross this article on the web, and thought it would be a good one to pass along, especially since school will be starting up again in just a few weeks. It’s by Jacquelyn Dillon-Krass from Wichita State University.

Tips for Teaching Young String Groups to Play “In Tune”

by Jacquelyn Dillon-Krass

Music students learn more than music – they learn of life and self-worth. You are a valuable person in the lives of your students. “Don’t under-estimate the importance of your work or the responsibility that your job demands; enjoy it.”

Without a doubt, the most important and most difficult task facing the string teacher is teaching students to play “in tune.” Orchestral educators need to understand that (1) Good pitch never just happens; it is very carefully taught; (2) Poor pitch never gets better on its own; in fact, it usually gets worse; and (3) Concern for playing with good pitch is a never-ending quest, that has to be stressed daily with every group.

A beginner group, playing even the simplest music, should be expected to play with good pitch (first fingers in correct place, whole steps and half-steps obvious, etc.). “All purpose” second fingers (neither high enough nor low enough), so often heard, are simply unacceptable. In other words, there is absolutely no excuse for groups at any level to play out of tune.

If students are trained to be concerned about pitch from the very beginning, and then never allowed to play out of tune in rehearsals, they will play in tune under pressure at concerts. My beliefs and ideas on teaching young students to play in tune follow:

Follow the link below for the tips and the rest of the article from Conn-Selmer‘s Keynotes Magazine…

via Keynotes Magazine – Now Viewing Classroom Technique : Strings : Tips for Teaching Young String Groups to Play “In Tune” by Jacquelyn Dillon.

Spring Things for Strings

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It’s easy to get caught up in the post-Spring Break Slump…..many are likely thinking about how many days are left in the current school year, and when does all-things-summer begin. But let’s not be too hasty! Is there a Spring concert looming ahead? Do you need some help in making some programming decisions?


Pender’s Picks the Pops for Orchestra is here! Our Orchestra Buyer, James Nicholson, has selected the best-of-the-best to include in his top Picks of new and best-selling music for orchestra. There’s sure to be something listed that would be perfect for your group’s final performance of the year.
And not only that, but our Carrollton and Oklahoma City stores are having a Spring Sale on Full and String Orchestra music. That’s right, it’s 50% off, in-store only, on lots and lots of titles…..there are some exclusions, of course (no TX UIL music, and no brand-new titles), but there are literally hundreds of other pieces to choose from — great additions to any school library. Email or call Carrollton (jnicholson@penders.com -or- 972.818.1333/866.589.0751) or Oklahoma City (okcmusic@penders.com -or- 405.842.7825/800.772.8405) for more information. The sale ends May 31st, so take action now for the best selection, and Happy Spring!

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Tuesday’s Tidbits for Strings, the series, will post to www.pendersbuzz.com a couple of times a month, with information from our staff, our publisher partners, guest bloggers and more. Come back to this site, or access it from our main Home Page, to find out the latest buzz!

Back to Bach

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The Denton Bach Society (DBS) hosts a competition each year for young musicians, where the prizes in each division include $150 cash, a Pender’s Music Co. gift certificate, and the opportunity to perform at a Denton Bach Society event.

Any high school or home-schooled student of voice, piano or an orchestral instrument may enter. Students from Denton County and its adjacent counties are eligible (Competitors must have turned 14 by September 1, 2010).

Do you want to enter, or know someone who might be interested? Here’s what you need to know:

The Music: To enter, eligible musicians must prepare two challenging pieces, each in a contrasting style. The pieces must be approved by the student’s instructor, as well as the DBS audition committee. The audition itself lasts only 10 minutes, so participants may not be required to perform each piece in their entirety.

The Money: An entry fee of $15 is required, and needs to be made to The Denton Bach Society. It should be sent with the completed application form.

 

The Method: Applications may be obtained at Pender’s Music Company [Denton].

The Mail: The Application and fee must be mailed to Heidi Klein, Denton, TX 76201. Postmark may be no later than Friday, April 15, 2011. Entrants will be notified of the exact time and place of their audition.

The Denton Bach Society: The Denton Bach Society (DBS) exists to provide Denton and the greater North Texas Community with the highest quality choral and instrumental music, particularly of the baroque period, at a reasonable cost and in a format which encourages attendance by the widest possible audience. Established in 1976 as a not-for-profit organization, the Society and its performance groups, the Denton Bach Choir and the Denton Bach Orchestra continue to offer the community a unique and accessible opportunity to experience fine choral and instrumental music. For more information about the DBS or the Competition, you may contact Heidi Klein – heidiklein@verizon.net.

Tuesday’s Tidbits for Strings, the series, will post to www.pendersbuzz.com about once a month, with information from our staff, our publisher partners, guest bloggers and more. Come back to this site, or access it from our main Home Page, to find out the latest buzz!

ASTA and You

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It’s Tuesday — Time for Tuesday’s Tidbits for Strings @ Pender’s Music Co.! The Pender’s Buzz is our added way in bringing content, resources, teaching tidbits & strategies, social media and more to you, our loyal customers.

If you’re a string person, whether it be a teacher, student, or performer, you’re most likely aware of ASTA – The American String Teacher Association. This national organization supports string orchestra teaching and playing, by providing various resources and benefits that include an annual conference, membership competitions, advocacy initiatives and more.

But here’s something you may not know about yet: The brand new Eclectic Strings Festival, which is scheduled for March 17-19th, in Kansas City, MO. The Eclectic Strings Festival (ESF) is a three-day event that provides participants with the opportunity to work with nationally-recognized clinicians in their specialty areas. For 2011, it’s: Andy Carlson (fiddle), Christian Howes (rock), Martin Norgaard (jazz), and Randy Sabien (jazz). The event will culminate in a featured performance at the ASTA National Conference.

Who’s eligible to attend, you ask? Well, students in the eighth through twelfth grades during the 2010-2011 school year can apply, as well as registered participants of the National ASTA Conference, may participate in this event. The festival is sponsored by Yamaha Music Corporation, NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), and Alfred Publishing Co.

Tuesday’s Tidbits for Strings, the series, will post to www.pendersbuzz.com about once a month, with information from our staff, our publisher partners, guest bloggers and more. Come back to this site, or access it from our main Home Page, to find out the latest buzz!