Rob Traugh - Composer | Conductor | Arts Advocate
  • About Me
  • My Music
    • Performances - Upcoming & Past
  • Projects
    • Pittsburgh Creators' Project
    • Other Projects >
      • Resources for Educators
      • My Recs
  • Blog
  • Collaborate

Perspective

A 2020 Update

12/27/2020

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

View this email in your browser

A 2020 Update

In this update you will find…

What’s New - A quick overview of the year

What’s Next - Some upcoming projects

IMO - A short blog in support of music teachers

Dear Colleagues & Friends,

The most polite way I can describe 2020 is as a year that tested our ability to adjust and adapt. Everyone has been affected by this pandemic. With all of the variables that the last year has brought, I want you to know that if there is anything I can do to help you or your students, ask, and I will be there to help in any capacity that I can.

Thank you to all who programmed my music, asked me to write for, or work with your class or ensemble. Because of you, I am able to maintain a career in music. I do not take your support lightly and am grateful every day that I am afforded this opportunity through your confidence. Because I know that space in your inbox and your time is valuable, I rarely write an update. Below is a collection of information about projects and happenings during 2020 and looking toward 2021.

What’s New

Anti-Social

First, I don't social media anymore (my last personal FB post is above). I made a choice to break from most of my accounts. I do still use Twitter (only because I don't find it addictive), and I also run the Rob Traugh, Composer Facebook page with updates and try to interact from there. If you want to reach me, the best way is through email, text, or phone! #OldSchool

Email & Say Hello!

“Cartwheeling”

Cartwheeling is my flexible instrumentation concert band composition. This piece took its origins from all of the outside time that my family had this past summer. My daughter Maia learned to cartwheel and spent the whole summer cartwheeling around our yard. I realize this isn't very deep "arting" (that's a verb). But, I did appreciate the simple, child-like fun and wanted to write something whimsical for this new category of composition. I also threw in some musical humor. You can find a score and recording by clicking the image above.

“When The Fog Lifts”

photograph by João Cruz

Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich reached out to me in early 2020 to begin conceptualizing a piece of music for the 2021 Honors Flute Choir at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. Through the process, she shared with me a recording of the Oslo Kammerkor singing a traditional Norwegian folk song "Når mitt øie, trett av møie" (translated as "When my eye, tired of toil"). This piece of music was so beautiful and straightforward, in 2020, it was precisely the type of music that resonated with me. 

I used Når mitt øie, trett av møie as the inspiration for When The Fog Lifts. Drawing upon the opaque nature of what the world has been going through in the last year amidst a global pandemic, contentious election, and general cloudy future, I used this idea to inspire the piece. The use of melodic fragmentation, an aeolian flute palate, vocalization, and tonal clouding give the listener a sense of watching the fog lift and give way to more clarity. This piece resembles that idea, leading to the work's apex directly inspired by the traditional folk melody.  Click the image above to hear more!

Thanks to Dr. Eisenreich for initiating this collaboration!

“A Gift Resounding”

I completed a memorial commission for the Norwin Band in early 2020. In the fall of 2019, Tim Daniels, Director of Bands at Norwin High School, asked me to write a commission for the Norwin Bands honoring a student's memory, who was lost just months before. I am looking forward to scheduling a premier of this with Norwin when we can organize this. Until then, any potential performances will be on hold.

“Through These Woods”

Since 1965, the North Hills High School Bands have annually commissioned a composer to create a new wind band work. I am honored to contribute to that collection in 2020 with “Through These Woods...” Thank you to the North Hills High School Band Directors Len Lavelle & Lucas Beaver, for the opportunity to interact with you and your students through early 2020. The premier at the 2020 MFA National Festival was canceled; however, you can check out a rehearsal recording and score of the piece by clicking the image above. Lucas Beaver did a fantastic job bringing this composition to life under his baton in the rehearsals.

Free Etudes Avaliable!

In 2020, I finished a series of 20 FREE etudes. To learn more about this and check out the etudes that have been written thus far, click the link below!

Click Here

If you hear an etude you like and would like it transposed for your instrument, send an email!  

What’s Next

In addition to teaching as an adjunct at Duquesne University and doing some work with the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras, I’ll be continuing to compose through 2021. Here is a preview of my current project.

New Music for Saxophone & Percussion

I am just finishing up a collaborative composition with composer David Reeves for saxophone and percussion octet. I met David in 2007 when I was beginning to dabble in composition. David has been a great mentor and friend since then.

Equally incredible people, Dr. Jason Kush and Dr. David Glover at Slippery Rock University, are leading the consortium to sponsor this piece. It is turning out to be one of my favorite projects thus far.

If anyone is interested in joining the consortium last minute, send me an email, and I can send you more specific information to peruse. I will send a separate email in January with more details about the completion of this project.

Commissioning Music

I am currently available for commissions. If you are interested in collaborating with me to create new music for your group, send me an email inquiry and ask for more information about the timeline and pricing. It is best to allow a significant amount of time to create new works—the more time to write ultimately, the more meaningful and appropriate the work. I also have a few composer friends I can direct you to if you are looking for something different!

Reach Out Here

I am also available to collaborate through zoom!

Pageantry

For those of you who are interested in working towards fall pageantry design, we can start to plan in January. Send me and email with your thoughts!

Upcoming Scheduled Performances!

February 28th, 2021 @ 7 PM via Facebook Live - The Slippery Rock University Honors Flute Ensemble will be premiering "When The Fog Lifts" a piece commissioned by Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich and the Slippery Rock University Flute Studio.

More Info

Report An Upcoming Performance!

Report A Performance!

IMO

There is no doubt this year has been disheartening for society as a whole. It is easy to read or watch the news and become discouraged by what you see every day. What typically doesn't get enough credit is how much teachers and students have stepped up to the plate. Society can take a collective lesson from teachers, and the generation of students currently experiencing significant change. Teachers continue to demonstrate what it means to rise to the occasion and move forward through countless obstacles.

The situations our teachers of all levels find themselves in are inconsistent and unpredictable. Resources are less than what is needed across the board to handle what is/will be demanded. I would encourage anyone who reads this update to send a note of appreciation and support to your local music programs as they move past the pandemic. The challenges of maintaining and remodeling our performing arts programs begin when the pandemic ends. We can all help by offering a donation in kind, money, or time to support these professionals. Be involved as a citizen of your arts community.

President John F. Kennedy once stated that "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource." Now is the time for the entire community to partner with and preserve our music programs for the general good they offer to our world. The bottom line is, what happens in schools is our path to a more enlightened future. Teachers and this generation of students are to be admired. Against all the odds and inequity, you make this world a better place to live. Thank You.

Website
Murphy Music Press
My Rec’s

Happy Holidays!

Facebook icon Instagram icon Twitter icon

Copyright (C) *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*. All rights reserved.

*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|**|LIST:DESCRIPTION|**|END:IF|*

*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|**|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|**|END:IF|*

Update Preferences | Unsubscribe

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*

0 Comments

Perspective Matters in Selecting a Program!

1/29/2020

 
So, I mentioned that I would write a quick blog where you can find more information with composer diversity.

Composing is always more fun when you have a variety of unique timbres and voices with which to write. Programming a concert with a similar mindset can be just as fun. Of course, I appreciate your consideration of my music as you are programming for your ensembles. Besides, I believe we have a responsibility to the students in our groups to take a serious approach to select a program of music that reflects the diversity of the world around us. After all, perspective is one of the greatest gifts a teacher/conductor can provide to those sitting in their ensemble. Consider the diversity of views you can afford to your students through the diverse compositional voices you select, particularly from people who may not traditionally have had the opportunity to contribute within the mainstream wind band "scene." One of the most amazing things happening in the band world right now is the ease of access to diverse voices. There are many resources for finding these voices and their contributions to consider.

Institute for Composer Diversity
This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in promoting diversity in programming. I would recommend that this be your first stop on the journey to seeking out diverse programming.

If you are looking for a quick catalog to comb through, you can try a few of these options for diverse literature:

  • … And we were heard - https://www.andwewereheard.org/recordings

  • Jodie Blackshaw's ColourFull Music has a list of prescribed programming. This is recommended programming by Kevin Sedatole - https://www.colourfullmusic.com/kevin-sedatole

  • The Institute for Composer Diversity has listed their recommendations for where to find more resources at this link: https://www.composerdiversity.com/advocates

  • Adjective New Music: https://www.adjectivenewmusic.com/about.html​​
Murphy Music Press, LLC
I am also really proud to be associated with Murphy Music Press.  That catalogue has a great cross section of representation.  You should check it out!
More composers than ever are indeed self-publishing. There are some great discussions to be had about why this is. However, this blog is going to be focused strictly on how to broaden literature choice. Sometimes, you may have to do a little digging to find the programming you were looking for. It exists. It may take a little extra effort.  But, nothing worthwhile was ever easy right?  We have to look for it or even communicate with the composers themselves. I have not met a composer that does not appreciate a politely worded email inquiry about what music they might have available. Social media can be a big help with this also. Sometimes the composer will have music available that may not be in a publisher's catalog. Find a composer you are interested in representing and just ask them to point you in the right direction if all else fails. Composers are some of my favorite people! They want to interact with you and your program and have their music performed. 

Again, I would encourage you to dive deeper into the composition and the voice that created it.  After all, that is what is most enjoyable about making music!

RTM 12/2019 Update

12/27/2019

0 Comments

 
*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*
View this email in your browser

12/2019 Update!

 

In the update below you'll find:

  • What's New
  • What's Next
    • Shared Works in Progress
    • Upcoming Performances
    • Commissions/Clinics
  • IMO - A Short Blog 
Scroll Down to See More!
Dear Colleagues & Friends,

I hope everyone is having a meaningful holiday season with friends and family.  One of my favorite times of year is going from The Midwest Clinic straight into the holiday season.  The Midwest Clinic is always a wonderful experience.  Fascinating sessions, presented by incredible people, internationally relevant performances, and the chance to meet and catch up with inspiring people from other islands in our archipelago of music education, creation, and performance.  Whatever your role is in our community, THANK YOU!
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward

What's New?



Boardman MS Directors Tim Tuite and Michael Shevock commissioned a new piece for their young band available soon.  This is a fun composition inspired by the music of Philip Glass.  CLICK HERE!  




Robert K. Matchett III and Elizabeth Freimuth commissioned a duet which I finished in October.  This is a fun piece that I am very much looking forward to hearing performed soon!  Music will be available at the MMP catalog.  Listen to the MIDI rendering HERE.




Since 1965, the North Hills High School Bands have annually commissioned a composer to create a new work for wind band.  I am honored to contribute to that collection in 2020 with “Through These Woods...”.  Thank you to the North Hills High School Band Directors Len Lavelle & Lucas Beaver, for the opportunity to interact with you and your students.  You can check out a MIDI rendering of the piece HERE.
 
Check Out My Music Here!

What’s Next?

 
I am currently writing a memorial commission for the Norwin High School Bands (Tim Daniels & Brandon Kandrack - Directors) who unexpectedly lost a member of the band in the summer of 2019.  I am honored to work on such a special project for a program that is very near and dear to my heart.

For those of you who have contacted me to work toward your pageantry design, I will be in touch within the first week of January about the next steps!  Enjoy this time with your families!  You deserve it!

 


Free Etudes!


In the summer of 2019, I was asking a question on the local Western PA Band Directors facebook page about a common concerto, and someone commented that it is getting harder and harder for their students and district to spend money.  In fact, I have been there myself when I was teaching full time.  To support this reality, I am writing a series of FREE etudes targeted at the high school instrumentalist.  Most Fridays I have a new etude for anyone that is interested.  My goal is to do this through May 2020.  To learn more about this and check out the etudes that have been written thus far, click the link below!  http://www.robtraugh.com/free-etudes.html
 


Upcoming Performances:

 
February 22, 2020 at 7:30 PM - Westmoreland Symphonic Winds— Christopher Marra, Conductor performs "#".
 
March 12-14, 2020 - North Hills HS Wind Ensemble - Len Lavelle & Lucas Beaver, Directors - premieres "Through These Woods..."  at the Music for All National Festival.
 
April 15, 2020 - Youngstown State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble - Stephen Gage, Conductor performs "The River at First Light".
 
April 22-25, 2020 - Bethel Park High School Wind Ensemble - Chad Thompson, Director performs "The River at First Light" @ The PMEA Conference
 

Report A Performance!

 

Commissions/Clinics:


A commission is a unique way to interact with a composer.  I am available for commissions for ensembles of all ability levels.  If you are interested in asking me to create something new for your ensemble, send me an email inquiry and ask for more information about the timeline and pricing.  I have a lot of composer friends I can direct you to as well if you are looking for something different!

I am also available to come into your school and guest conduct or clinic your ensemble or honors band!  I have had some great experience with groups from grades 7 - 12 of all levels.

Let me know how I can help YOU - the amazing educators making it happen every day.

 

IMO



To my friends who program concerts near and far:  Composing is always more fun when you have a variety of unique timbres and voices to write with.  Programming a concert with a similar mindset can be just as fun.  Of course, I appreciate your consideration of my music as you are programming for your ensembles.  In addition, I believe we have a responsibility to the students in our ensembles to take a serious approach to programming music that reflects the diversity of the world around us.  After all, perspective is one of the greatest gifts a teacher/conductor can provide to those sitting in their ensemble.  Consider the diversity of perspectives you can provide to your students through the diverse compositional voices you select, particularly from people who may not traditionally have had the opportunity to contribute within the mainstream wind band “scene."  One of the most amazing things happening in the band world right now is the ease of access to these diverse voices.  There are many resources for finding these voices and their contributions to consider.  I’ll create a blog post soon to help direct everyone to these groups.  A great place to start is the Murphy Music Press catalog.  I would encourage you to dive deeper into the composition and the voice that created it.  After all, that is what is most enjoyable about making music.  : )

I hope everyone has a great start to the new year!
Twitter
Facebook
Website
Email
SoundCloud
YouTube
LinkedIn
Copyright © *|CURRENT_YEAR|* *|LIST:COMPANY|*, All rights reserved.
*|IFNOT:ARCHIVE_PAGE|* *|LIST:DESCRIPTION|*

Our mailing address is:
*|HTML:LIST_ADDRESS_HTML|* *|END:IF|*

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

*|IF:REWARDS|* *|HTML:REWARDS|* *|END:IF|*
0 Comments

FREE Etude Fridays!

9/5/2019

0 Comments

 
​FREE #EtudeFRIDAY

So… I had an idea.  

Every Friday I am going to write a short etude and publish it for free download on my website!  Each of these etudes will be assigned a number to start.  I want you to name my etude.  My favorite performance of the etude will get to assign a title to that etude which I will change and republish!

Here are the rules!
  • A new etude will be published every Friday between 12 - 8 PM.  Download the etude!
  • That etude will have until the following Friday at Noon to submit a video performance through youtube, facebook, or twitter by tagging me!
    • Find me on Social Media
      • Twitter: @rtraugh
      • FB: @RobTraughMusic
      • Youtube: Rob Traugh Music & Media
    • It just has to be public so that everyone can see your submitted performance!
    • ANYONE can submit a performance!  
      • Studio Teachers —> Send it to your students!
      • Instrumental Directors —> Pass it out!
  • The chosen submission for my favorite performance of the etude will be contacted on the same medium that they submitted the performance and will get to assign a title to that etude that they performed.  And you get a special shoutout and video share from yours truly!

The etudes will be between 16 - 64 measures.  Not dissimilar from what methods books might have available.  The difficulty will be varied by etude.  I am going to start tomorrow with an etude for Flute!  Flute peeps, get ready!
Free Etudes
0 Comments

For your consideration, 2019-20

8/13/2019

0 Comments

 

First, Thank You!

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all of the ensembles, and directors for programming my music in the past.  Without your support, I would not have the opportunity to continue writing!  There are some exciting projects on the horizon!

Music for Band

I have several pieces for band for your consideration when choosing your programming in 2019-20.

Grade Level 3 - 4

  • Grade 3 - Roaring Run 2017 LISTEN HERE
    • Roaring Run is a color piece for your consideration.  Written in 2017 for the third Kiski Area High School Concert Band, the piece has an accessible instrumentation.
  • Grade 3.5 - The River at First Light 2018 LISTEN HERE
    • The River at First Light was commissioned by the Kiski Valley Community Band and was written as an experiment in the meshing of my writing, with influences drawn from the more traditional symphonic band literature.  This piece has had quite a lot of interest since it's premier.
  • Grade 4 - # (Hashtag) 2012 LISTEN HERE
    • Originally this piece was written as a concert opener.  I aimed to mesh a 16th note based funk with elements of fanfare which turned into something quite unique and exciting.  This is a blast to perform, and is a great introductory into the study of 16th note based rhythm for an advanced band.

Grade Level 5+

  • Grade 5 - A Fleeting Moment 2015 LISTEN HERE
    • This was written as a through line exploration in timbre and orchestration.  I aimed to explore expressive qualities in my own writing with this study in texture and tone.  The reward in the study of this piece is great, but it will take an advanced and independent ensemble to put it together.  This piece is strongly recommended for the ensemble interested in honing in on their expressive and communicative qualities.
  • Grade 5 - Fault Lines 2017 LISTEN HERE
    • Fault Lines was my masters thesis project.  This piece is a symphonic metamorphosis of themes.  The piece was written with a synthesizer part that would need planned out, and studied with the conductor to allow for a unique electro acoustic performance.  Due to the timbre choices in the synthesizer part, it is expected that no two performances of this work should sound the same.  There is a great opportunity for the advanced ensemble to create their own story through the study of this piece.  

For Jazz Ensemble

  • Grade 3.5 Outside Perspectives 2017 LISTEN HERE
    • Outside Perspectives is a funk chart centering around a 7/4 hook.  This is a great chart for an intermediate level to advanced level jazz ensemble.  The trumpet range is very accessible and the solo sections provide a great opportunity for a young improvisor to feel confident.  

Chamber Music

  • Bioluminescence for Saxophone Quartet and Laptop LISTEN HERE
    • This saxophone quartet uses a video track to help guide performers along the electronic accompaniment track.  This piece is recommended for the saxophone quartet that spends quite a bit of time together as a piece of repertoire that steps just outside of the traditional quartet.

Thank You!

Colleagues, thank you for your consideration of my music.  If you do decide to program something, or you would like to work on a project together, please let me know by using the button below!  As time moves forward, please keep checking back, as there are quite a few exciting projects on the horizon.  

​I sincerely appreciate all of the support.  
Intent to Collaborate
0 Comments

Introducing the Pittsburgh Creators Project

12/18/2017

0 Comments

 
 Today I am announcing the Pittsburgh Creators Project.  

I am starting this as a passion project.  I have always been interested in the the creative process for just about anything.  I think that whatever your occupation or hobby is, that we can find a level of art.  I have spent most of my life here and continue to be offered opportunities to grow in the Pittsburgh area.  There is a high volume of creators (in all fields) here.  While my career & hobby has always been music, getting to know people throughout the region in various fields has always been inspiring. 

I am starting a project with the sole purpose of sharing/connecting the creators in our region with more of Pittsburgh and the world through organized events both digital and live.  This project is what I am calling the Pittsburgh Creators Project.  It is starting humble and small within the medium of music (specifically band music) because it is what I know.  However, this has the potential to grow and offer something much more.  

If you are a Pittsburgh area composer or instrumentalist and would be willing to get involved in the start of this project with the Pittsburgh Creators Project Symphonic Winds please find more information here.

Please check out the pages I have created by clicking the button below!
Pittsburgh Creators Project
I also want to thank everyone who sent me photography of Pittsburgh.  I must specifically mention Steve Groves, Kathy Melago, and Jonathan Steele who were willing to let me use their photographs in starting this project.  Their work is posted below!
0 Comments

Fall Season Planning Checklist

11/21/2017

0 Comments

 
​After 10+ years spent teaching music in public schools, one thing I feel consistent in understanding is that there is no “one size fits all method" that can be applied to a music program.  We all teach in very different programs around the country based on the countless factors that contribute to the ownership of a school’s music program.  However, I have always found that it is worthwhile to learn as much as I can from others in my field and consider the benefits of their systems to help to continually update, assess relevance, and improve my own systems to provide opportunity for my students.

December/November is the time of the year I am able to find the time (and ease) to step back and clearly reassess the fall season that just finished.  In 2010, I began to compile a checklist for myself for planning success in the next competitive fall band season.  Please find below the checklist I have compiled for myself.
season_planning_checklist.pdf
File Size: 769 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

​Part of my aim with this blog is to help provide resources that work for me to directors that may be looking for a another perspective.  I hope that there is something here now or in the future that can work for you and your program.  
0 Comments

2017 Fall Season Congratulations!

11/18/2017

 
I would like to take a moment before the holiday season to congratulate the amazing groups I worked closely with in the fall of 2017.  First I would like to congratulate The Moon Area Band for a terrific showing this season.  I appreciate the opportunity to work with directors Nick Barthen, Alan Fear, Abigail Iksic as well as Visual Designer Austin Greene.  2017 marks my 5th year writing the wind book for this organization and each year they show incredible growth and maturity.  Congratulations on a terrific showing in BOA and PIMBA!  

​
I also have to congratulate the "home team" Kiski Area Cavaliers on a terrific season in 2017.  We took a leap of faith this season in a direction that felt right for the program and went back to our jazz inspired roots which propelled this program onto the national stage in the late 80's and early 90's.  This band has always had one of the most authentic interpretations of this uniquely American music on the field.  Personally, this was my first season back writing drill in a fall season in several years.  With the help of Brady Sanders, Jim Schaefer, and Tommy Allen we were able to create a product that the students were able to achieve at a high level.  

This year Kiski Area's arrangements were created by Shawn Pityk and Chad Heiny, two incredible professional colleagues I am lucky enough to spend each day teaching secondary instrumental music with.  We intended to take the ensemble to the toughest competitive regional that we could (Dayton) and the students rose to the occasion despite terrible weather for marching band.  Our students were proud to stand alongside the best in the activity that day.  

Kiski Area had an incredibly strong showing at the end of the season with their show "Echoes in Time."  Congratulation students, staff, and KAIB on a season that sets the trajectory for the culture of this program in the years to come.  

    Rob Traugh

    Music Composition, Conducting, Music Education, Leadership, Pageantry, & Arts Advocacy.

    Archives

    December 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    December 2017
    November 2017

    Categories

    All
    Director Resources
    Music
    Pageantry
    Pittsburgh
    UPDATE

    RSS Feed

contact

Inquire
  • About Me
  • My Music
    • Performances - Upcoming & Past
  • Projects
    • Pittsburgh Creators' Project
    • Other Projects >
      • Resources for Educators
      • My Recs
  • Blog
  • Collaborate