Per one of my graduation requirements for ASU, I had to produce a 8 - 10 minute documentary on a subject of my choice. Since I worked with my friend Dan (who recorded the concerts) and the Arizona Musicfest back in February, I asked them if I could do a piece on their composer in-residence for the week, Mason Bates. I could be boring and just type a bunch of information about him and his music, or I could invite you to watch the 9-minute piece on YouTube. I suggest YouTube.

It was hard, but I did it: composed a piece for a junior high band completely in 4/4.

The work is called “Shine,” runs about five and half minutes at quarter note = 152, has a 3.5-ish difficulty level, and is commissioned by the Rhodes Junior High School bands under a good friend of mine, Keith Kuczynski. Rhodes will premiere the piece on Tuesday, and after  that, I will finish engraving and proofing parts/score for publication by Manhattan Beach Music in the fall.

I was also lucky to be able to visit with Marc Dickey’s Symphonic Band at California State University-Fullerton for a short, 30-minute reading and recording session last Monday, their last day of class. You can listen to Marc’s wonderful group and/or check out the latest version of the score at the links below. If you like what you hear, drop me a line!

Shine Score
http://www.michaelmarkowski.com/music/shine-score-v2.pdf

Shine MP3
http://www.michaelmarkowski.com/music/shine-fullerton.mp3

Only a few sweet days left before my college career comes to halt. Am I busy putting final touches on final projects? No. Am I busy studying for that big test on Tuesday? No. What am I doing?

Answer:

I Don’t Care About Your Boyfriend

Time Ain’t On My Side