Locust Grove High School Band: “Three Sculptures of Willard Stone” Project
LOCUST GROVE OKLAHOMA
Welcome to the Locust Grove High School Band. I have been working with your director, Mr Bell, to compose something that is uniquely written for your ensemble. In doing so I have done some research about your community and have found that there was a very famous sculptor, Willard Stone from your town.
I have been reading about him and have been captivated by his wood sculptures as well his ability to tell the story of the Cherokee people with his art.
With your permission, I would like to write a concise 3 movement work for you that parallels the STRUGGLE, EXODUS, and HOPE embodied in his work.
Please Take some time to weigh in in on the blog.
I will post more information about Willard stone and some intermittent audio clips of the new music soon.
Tom Davis
Mr. Davis is providing our ensemble with an opportunity that we have not been able to find. Our high school band has eleven members. Obviously traditional wind band literature is a bit out of reach just because of our small size. When searching for music, especially for our size ensemble, I keep encountering tunes in which I refer to as “bandy.” I, as a band director am not interested in teaching my students to play “bandy” literature. I am interested in exposing them to quality literature that is more intellectually oriented. The music we pass out to the students to play is our curriculum. Therefore, I must put quality literature in front of my students.
Mr. Davis is providing our ensemble with the opportunity to play quality literature through rehearsing and performing his original composition entitled, “With the Grain.” Mr. Davis researched sculptures by Willard Stone and subsequently began composing a multi-movement work centering around three of Mr. Stone’s sculptures. Since Mr. Stone is from our town and a part of our local history, this personalizes the experience for the students. In other words, we aren’t just playing another tune; we are playing a piece of music that was inspired by a local hero!
The weather has been abnormal this month and we have been out of school for nine days. Today was our first day back. Mr. Davis sent me the sound files for all three movements over our “break” while we were snowed in.
I played Mr. Davis’ composition for our students during band. They loved it! I am excited to begin rehearsing as this piece will be causing us to grow musically. I will keep you posted on the progress.
A huge thank you to Mr. Davis and his diligent efforts in creating such a wonderful piece of music for us!
Mr. Davis,
On behalf of everyone at Locust Grove High School, let me say how much we appreciate this incredible honor. Your gift is more generous than words can say.
Joel Green
Principal, Locust Grove High School
In reflecting upon my first post, I would like to add a few additional points. In my opinion it is difficult for an ensemble of our size to obtain quality literature from most publishing companies. It seems that the compositions or arrangements available equate small ensembles with lack of substance, in regard to the writing. I have spent many hours listening to the sample cd’s that are sent to me by publishers only to find lifeless notes grouped together which are sold under the guise of compositions. I understand that sales is a factor as no one would stay in business very long if they did not move their product.
Maybe we as band directors are partly to blame for the endless amounts of “bandy” arrangements which tend to permeate the market. Maybe we should stop insulting the capacity of our students and make sure we use quality literature in the classroom. You are probably asking yourself, “where will I find quality?” Contact Tom Davis!
Am I biased? Yes! After all, today was the first day in the past three years we were able to actually compare a piece that was written for my ensemble (thanks to Mr. Davis) to one of Maria Schneider’s compositions. How many stock arrangements would lead to that sort of comparison and discussion?
Today as we sight read “Exodus of Tears” I looked at the musicians in my band. I noticed a very serious demeanor in the way that they approached and rehearsed this movement. I believe a large part of their demeanor is because they recognize that this piece is a very mature work which will lead to their growth.
Justin,
I am humbled by your remarks.
It is truly an honor to write for your students.
I am looking forward to helping you bring this music to life!
Tom Davis
I would be interested to read what the students think about the suite – and if there are any questions I could answer for them.
Tom Davis
I am astounded by the music we have recieved. When Mr. Bell allowed us to listen to the three individual movements one of the many thought processes going through my mind at the time happened to be, “This has got to be the most coolest thing I am going to get to play.” I was curious about how many different percusion instruments are being played all at once, mainly during the first movement that is if you don’t mind me asking.
Ms Watson -
Thank you for your comments!
The percussion is designed to be played by one Drum Set Player.
If the Set player plays congas with Clave’ sticks instead of drum sticks – and plays the bass drum and Hi Hat with his feet – the effect will seem to be that there are more players that just one.
I am glad that you like the music. I am looking forward to hearing how you bring this to life!
Tom Davis
I go to Locust Grove and i wanted to ask about the words that you used to describe the feeling of the music.
Why did you pick those words in particular?
Hi Kimberly
The words mirror the feeling that I want that section of the music to express. If you look at all of the words across the page you will see that they express a continuum of tension and release. Building and subsiding. They are musical in their own way in that they ask you to expand and contract with the musical ideas.
The words also make me think about what the sculpture means to me artistically.
Finally, the words are inspiring. They are what life can be.
So is the music!
I hope you are enjoying the music!
Tom Davis
Mr. Davis, I just want to say that you are such an incredible person to do this for us! The music sounds really GREAT! I love how you made the music sound like we’re back in the time of Willard Stone, if you know what I mean. It’s an amazing piece of work, Thanks so much!!!!
It’s all about HOPE, Ms. Potter!
Tom Davis
Sir,I first of all, I would like to say that I love this new music.Second of all,I think this music will show that there is more to our town than just a few square miles and some farm land.I think the people of Locust Grove deserve something that puts this town on the map and shows that we are interested in music,Especially music this great.
Hi Billy
It’s good to hear from you.
You know, Locust Grove is ALREADY on the map. You guys just discovered me! And I am just a servant of great men like your band director, Mr. Bell, and of course, the great Willard stone.
Are you the drummer?
If so do you have any questions about the parts. You are a very very importsnt person in this music.
yes sir.I am the drummer.Mr.Bell and I got together awhile back in lessons and listened to the music and we did have some questions.I’m not sure if he has got back to you on that yet but I hope you can clarify some stuff in the music.
Mr. Davis,
First of all, thank you so much for composing this wonderful piece of music for our band. Second of all, I really appreciate how much research you put into the different movements. I went to see some of Mr. Willard Stone’s sculptures in a museum before you started composing the music. I liked them back then, but now it’s amazing to be able to look at the sculptures and see their beauty, AND have a musical story playing in my head at the same time. I’d also like to thank you for making this piece in such a manner that everybody gets to share the spotlight, and not just one or two people get to showcase their skills. One last thing, thank you so much once again! I can’t wait to meet you come this March!
Sincerly,
Ms. Carissa Sanders
Ms Sanders,
Thank you for the very thoughtful note.
I too, am looking forward to meeting you all.
Now …. PRACTICE!
Thank you so much Mr. Davis for writing this music for us! It sounds so beautiful and very fun to play! I am looking forward to meeting you and thanking you in person for what you have done for us!
Ms Starling, I am also looking forward to coming out.
I hope that the preparations are coming along well.
Tom Davis
I would just like to say thank you for giving us this opportunity to play such a wonderful piece of music. It has seemed tough at first, but once you get through it, it is much more simple than it seems. I believe that once we get finished with the music, it will sound great and we will be very proud of our accomplishments. The music is great, challenging, but no where near impossible, and I think it will help us to further enjoy playing our instruments, and to play them to our full potential.
Mr. Horton
You are ABSOLUTELY right on in your comments here…
Tom
P.S. How are those mallets holding up?
They seem to be working pretty well. They have not torn yet even.
Mr. Davis, I am so glad that you came out to see us! I wasn’t there the second day of practice, but I was the first. And when you played with us (Trumpets) I really seemed to get the hang of it. I play the 3rd trumpet part, I still have a little trouble playing it. I know what notes to play, it’s just that when I hear the 1st trumpet I get messed up and lose count, then I’m just lost in the music. Do you have any suggestions of what I can do to help solve this problem? I really want to play this beautiful piece of music, but in order for me to do that I must play it without playing the wrong notes and getting lost in time.