Hello families! Learn a little bit more about some of our pieces and composers!
Rigaudon – Henry Purcell, arr. Bob Phillips.
Henry Purcell was a 17th century English composer, and is considered to be one of the greatest composers in English history. Rigaudon is one of his long-remembered melodies, composed around 1687.
Sword Dance – Thoinot Arbeau, arr. Bob Phillips
The term “Sword Dance” is actually a generic name for a type of dance popular during in 16th Century Renaissance Europe. These dances were used for social events, with explicity laid out steps to follow. Interestingly enough, Thoinot Arbeau is actually a pseudonym, used by a French clergyman. In the Renaissance, members of the clergy were not encouraged to engage in activities such as dancing, so a pseudonym would have hidden this transgression!
Anasazi – Carl Strommen, edited by Shirley Strohm-Mullins
From the composer: The Anasazi were a tribe of Native Americans who lived in the Four Corners area of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado. The name Anasazi is an anglicized form of a Navajo word meaning “the ancient ones.” They lived from about 1-1300 CE, and there is no apparent reason for their decline and disappearance. This composition is named in honor of that ancient tribe.
King Henry’s Choice – Keith Sharp
A lively and authentic early style evokes the music and dance of the Tudor time in England. King Henry VIII was known for his lavish style, keen intellect, and artistic appreciation. Dance, pursued as a daily exercise and social engagement, was central to courtly celebration. This piece depicts several different dance styles common during King Henry’s time.
Haymaker Hoedown – William Owens
Haymaker Hoedown is an original fiddle tune from Hammond, Indiana native William Owens. The piece is a quick and fun hoedown!
The Haunted Carousel – Soon Hee Newbold
Get into the Halloween spirit with this piece, depicting an eerie, and sometimes out-of-control carousel. Soon Hee Newbold lives in California, and along with a prolific school composition career, has composed music for many tv shows and movies. Additionally, she graduated from police school in 2019 and serves a reserve officer in Burbank, CA.