Towson Elementary String Orchestra and

Band Presents:

Animato

May 2nd, 2023, 7:00pm

By Nick Sparshott

Animato is a musical term that is used to describe what emotion a piece should be played with. In
this case, Animato quite literally means “animated”. So, prepare to hold on to your hats and seats
for an exciting and lively performance!
Program Notes

For Band:
Liturgical Fanfare (1995)
Robert W. Smith (1958)

Robert W. Smith is widely known for his compositions for school bands of all grades. Many of
his pieces have been played not just in the United States, but also in Canada, Europe, Australia,
South America, and Asia. His work has also received play on major television networks and
motion pictures. Liturgical Fanfare was written in mind as a concert opener – its rhythmic
qualities create an aggressive atmosphere provide a surprising opening that will immediately
change the mood in the room. This piece was created in mind to teach students concepts of
articulation and dynamics, and even allows for band directors to add or remove certain parts of
the piece in order to cater best to their students. During the performance, make sure to listen for
each time different instruments play the same phrases together.

Edifice (2014)
Robert Sheldon (1954)

Robert Sheldon has served as a music conductor and clinician throughout the United States, as
well Japan, Italy, Taiwan, Australia, and much more. Most of his work has been centered around
Florida and Illinois public schools and colleges, teaching instrumental music, music education,
and directing university bands. His numerous works have won him many titles, such as the
Volkwein Award for composition and the Stanbury Award for teaching. Composed in 2014,
Edifice was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 6th grade school building in
Troy, Ohio. The opening features “block chords” (all notes played at the same time) represents
the power of the entire piece, while the main theme represents vibrance and optimism. Expect to
hear a change in tempos, driven by the tambourine.

Above and Beyond (2011)

James Swearingen (1947)

James Swearingen has earned degrees from Bowling Green State University and Ohio State
University. He has rich experience in performance, composition/arranging, and education.
Students, educators, and audiences worldwide have enjoyed over 700 published works of his, all
of which containing vast musical forms and styles. Above and Beyond was composed as an
opener for a performance because of its triumphant and dramatic qualities, but can also be used
in between the program. James Swearingen also dedicated this piece to Nancy Youse for her 30
years of service and devotion to the education field. For any musicians in the audience, pay close
attention to the contemporary-era harmonies. Overall, expect to hear strong, bold rhythms played
amongst the many harmonies.
As Winds Dance (2003)
Samuel R. Hazo (1966)

Samuel R. Hazo has been a music teacher for every educational grade level from kindergarten to
college, and has been invited to guest conduct over 70 university ensembles and half of the All-
State bands in the United States. His compositions have also compiled over 4 million hits on
Youtube, and his compositions were even listed in a published national survey of the “Top
Twenty Compositions of All Time” for wind band. As Winds Dance was a piece commissioned
by a friend of Hazo, Stephen Kraus, after he took paternity leave at the peak of his career. Hazo
composed the piece based on a phrase his college sight-singing professor taught him, “repetition
is the mother of knowledge”. The piece also contains syncopated rhythms which are often
repeated, but also serve as a great educational concept to teach young musicians. Be sure to listen
for these syncopated rhythms, as they drive the piece. This piece will end the concert on an
thrilling note.

For String Orchestra

Electric Breakdance (2019)
Benjamin Dean Taylor (1983)

Benjamin Dean Taylor is a trained trumpet player who performs and writes music for chamber
ensembles, jazz choirs, and experimental ensembles. He has been commissioned by over 100
band directors at all educational levels and is also the founder and executive director of Music
Creators Academy. Much of his music includes electronic elements, such as pre-recorded audio
and interactive video. Electric Breakdance, created to teach compound and duple meter, features
a play-along audio track that emphasizes excitement. This piece is also a part of a larger suite of
six works titled “Blue Dot Collection”, which all range in different difficulties. While listening,
be sure to look out for the small instrumental solos. This piece will serve as an exciting opener
for the concert.

Beyond The Thunder (2016)

Deborah Baker Monday (1953)

Deborah Baker Monday is a retired string educator after completing a 25-year tenure in the
award-winning Logan City, Utah orchestra program. She perused her interest in composition and
arranging for educational strings after Logan, and went on to compose and arrange over 135
works, many becoming honored as J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice selections. In 2006 and 2011,
she also was the winner of the UtahASTA Composition contest. Beyond The Thunder was
composed in a way to tell a story that can be interpreted differently for each group of students. It
opens with a pulsing rhythmic pattern in the low strings, which slowly builds once the violins
and violas are introduced. Contrast is created once the upper strings begin to play the melody
over the rhythmic eight notes.

Sahara Crossing (Late 1990’s-early 2000’s)

Richard Meyer (1957)

Richard Meyer graduated from California State University, Los Angeles and has been involved
in middle school instrumental music education for over 16 years. He has served as a guest
conductor-clinician many times throughout California, and has also been a member of the Bellis
Music Camp staff for 15 years. In 1994, he received the Outstanding Music Educator Award for
his compositions and his education. Sahara Crossing takes you on a desert caravan through fun
and exciting harmonies and rhythms. This piece was composed to teach beginner players low
first-finger notes, and to introduce the Far Eastern harmonic minor sound. While listening, be
sure to pay attention to the driving cello and bass section.

String Thang (2014)

Mark Wood (1957)

Mark Wood is a trained violinist and highly prized recording artist, performer, producer,
inventor, and music education advocate. Dubbed the Eddie Van Halen of the violin world by
PBS, Wood is one of the greatest electric violinist of his generation. Wood has also had many
chances to work with big names, such as Lenny Kravitz, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and Celine
Dion. His compositions are very modern, mostly taking from electric and rock influence. String
Thang, composed to introduce 12-bar blues, is a great example of his love for rock. This piece
uses strong and steady rhythms which will certainly get you up and out of your seat! This piece
also features violin solos, so make sure to applaud those students! This last piece will end the
concert on a fun and exciting note.
Enjoy.