John McAllister
Composer, Educator
  • Start Here
    • Blog
  • Music
    • Concert Band - Marches
    • Concert Band - VE
    • Concert Band - E
    • Concert Band - ME
    • Concert Band - M
    • Adaptable Duets
    • Adaptable Quartets
    • Adaptable Quintets >
      • Adaptable Quintets - Classical
      • Adaptable Quintets - Pops
      • Adaptable Quintets - Folk & Traditional
      • Adaptable Quintets - Patriotic
      • Adaptable Quintets - Originals
    • Etudes and Exercises
    • Marching Band >
      • Marching Band - Stands Tunes
      • Marching Band - Community
    • Jazz
    • Christmas/Holiday
    • Strings
    • Complete Catalog
  • Instruments
    • Flute >
      • Flute Choir Christmas
    • Oboe
    • Bassoon
    • Clarinet
    • Saxophone
    • Trumpet
    • Horn
    • Trombone
    • Euphonium
    • Tuba
    • Percussion
  • Free Resources
    • Let's Read Music
    • Ensemble Theory
    • Warm-ups >
      • Foundation Warm-Ups
      • Chorales
    • Warm-Ups Symphony
    • Fundamentals
    • Scales and Technique
    • Rhythm
    • Arrangements
    • Sight-Reading
    • Breathing
    • Jazz Center
    • Games
    • Strings!
    • Recruitment Materials
    • Posters
    • Free Christmas
  • Cinematic Series
    • Complete Warm-Ups Sets
    • Long Tones
    • Flexibility
    • Articulation
    • Scales
    • Page of Patterns
    • Counting
    • Play Alongs
    • Arbans
    • Pop Rhythms
    • Classical Improv
    • LoFi
    • Music Humor
  • My Story
Picture

First Post - Patriotic Composing

6/30/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
With July 4th around the corner, and a Veteran's Day piece to start writing, my first post will be about how I plan to go about writing an "American" piece of music. 

      So here's the plan, compositionally speaking. I've found that when trying to create a certain "sound," listening is the best place to start. The more I get certain harmonies and melodic phrases in my head, the easier it is to create music in the same vein. So, what music should I listen to that's quintessentially American. Well, let's start with Copland. More specifically, Lincoln Portrait. For those people who know this piece, it is truly a journey. Aside from imitating the harmonies and melodies created, I really do like the range of colors and emotions he creates. At times, triumphant. At times, playful. All of it powerful.
      Next, I plan to take a detour to Bernstein. Though it will be a short detour, Bernstein has created so many great works of music, I certainly want his melodies spinning through my head. After listening to some Bernstein, I plan to end up on John Williams. I will specifically be listening to the patriotic films he scored, as well as his music for the Olympics. I'll probably watch Saving Private Ryan which will help with my own reverence factor. I am composing a piece to salute veterans and what a sobering reminder of how many Americans gave their lives for freedom. 
     So here's to listening for a few hours, then to sit at a piano for a while and start writing. Wish me luck!

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    The musings of a composer that also band directs!! ... or maybe it's the other way around..

    Archives

    May 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    March 2019
    December 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    April 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture
the music
Free Resources
​Instruments
Compositions
Instruments
Cinematic Series
​
Complete Catalog of Works
Picture
the composer
About
Contact
The Blog
JWPepper Composer Page
* STREAM THE BACKING TRACKS *
Picture
Picture
Picture
  • Start Here
    • Blog
  • Music
    • Concert Band - Marches
    • Concert Band - VE
    • Concert Band - E
    • Concert Band - ME
    • Concert Band - M
    • Adaptable Duets
    • Adaptable Quartets
    • Adaptable Quintets >
      • Adaptable Quintets - Classical
      • Adaptable Quintets - Pops
      • Adaptable Quintets - Folk & Traditional
      • Adaptable Quintets - Patriotic
      • Adaptable Quintets - Originals
    • Etudes and Exercises
    • Marching Band >
      • Marching Band - Stands Tunes
      • Marching Band - Community
    • Jazz
    • Christmas/Holiday
    • Strings
    • Complete Catalog
  • Instruments
    • Flute >
      • Flute Choir Christmas
    • Oboe
    • Bassoon
    • Clarinet
    • Saxophone
    • Trumpet
    • Horn
    • Trombone
    • Euphonium
    • Tuba
    • Percussion
  • Free Resources
    • Let's Read Music
    • Ensemble Theory
    • Warm-ups >
      • Foundation Warm-Ups
      • Chorales
    • Warm-Ups Symphony
    • Fundamentals
    • Scales and Technique
    • Rhythm
    • Arrangements
    • Sight-Reading
    • Breathing
    • Jazz Center
    • Games
    • Strings!
    • Recruitment Materials
    • Posters
    • Free Christmas
  • Cinematic Series
    • Complete Warm-Ups Sets
    • Long Tones
    • Flexibility
    • Articulation
    • Scales
    • Page of Patterns
    • Counting
    • Play Alongs
    • Arbans
    • Pop Rhythms
    • Classical Improv
    • LoFi
    • Music Humor
  • My Story