This thesis is a musical composition featuring solo percussion with wind ensemble. It is in three movements with a cadenza linking the second and third movements. The performance time of this work is approximately 12’ 30”. The work will receive its world premiere in the spring of 2014 by Adam Groh and the Graceland University Symphonic Band. / text

Encomium celebrates the life and contribution of Pianist and Master Teacher Jane Allen Ritter. She is mine and so many other’s musical mother. / text

Concerto for violin and wind ensemble is a 25-minute virtuosic work for the violin and accompanying winds, brass, and percussion. As a trained violinist, among the first works I learned were the concerti of J.S. Bach. Thus, I pay special homage to Bach in this piece by using the famous B-A-C-H motive (each letter corresponding to a pitch) to generate much of the musical material in the work. The analysis of the Concerto details the processes in which B-A-C-H affected and shaped the melodic and harmonic language of the piece, while also touching upon the use of orchestration and the problems associated with balancing a single solo instrument against a large ensemble. I also discuss the several existing works for violin that were highly influential in composing the Concerto and the "anxiety of influence" associated with each model. / text

This document examines David Amram's (b. 1930) diverse compositional style, as represented by his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra (1974). Amram's unique background as a performer in various genres allows him to blend styles seamlessly. He highlights the use of a wide range of styles in this work, which makes this concerto a significant work in the twentieth century, American violin concerto repertoire as well as bridging the classical, jazz, and world genres creating a truly American style of music. This document examines how these influences--including classical, jazz, world music, and "Beat Generation" artists--have influenced David Amram's compositional style as represented in his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra. Biographical information about David Amram, including his life, compositional output, and a brief musical analysis with an emphasis on performance information useful to violinists are presented. In addition an interview with Amram was conducted, in which his compositional style and in particular his Concerto for Violin and Orchestra was discussed. A transcript of the interview is provided in the Appendix of this document.

ANALYSIS AND INFORMATIVE INTERVIEWS TO AID IN THE PERFORMANCE PRACTICE OF THE CONCERTO FOR MARIMBA AND STRING ORCHESTRA BY ERIC EWAZENThe research found in this document will assist in a performer's preparation of Dr. Eric Ewazen's Concerto for Marimba and String Orchestra. In order to give an informed performance of the work, it is this author's belief that an understanding of the collaboration between the composer and the premiering artist, Ms. She-e Wu, as well as the impact Ms. Wu's artistry had on Dr. Ewazen is paramount. Also, knowledge of Dr. Ewazen's compositional style, reference to his other works for percussion, and an understanding of the structure of the work will assist future performers in demonstrating a well-versed and rewarding performance of the piece. This study presents insightful interviews from both the composer and the premiering artist. These interviews offer a wealth of understanding into the composition and performance of the work. The performance practice suggestions offer tools to interpret and prepare the piece. Though the Concerto may be a challenge for many marimbists, this author hopes that future performers find the rewards in this well-constructed and exciting work after reading this document.

Until such players as Lionel Tertis improved the status of their instrument in the twentieth century, violists have had to rely to a considerable extent on arrangements to help redress the void which exists in viola literature (when compared with the extensive repertory of many other instruments), a gap that is particularly apparent in the eighteenth century. One such example is the arrangement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, K. 622 for solo viola. During the twentieth century, a small number of arrangements were made of this composition for viola; however, among the most interesting is an anonymous arrangement made only eleven years after the composer’s death, in 1802, by the German publishing firm Johann Anton André. This paper identifies the extant sources for the original clarinet version of the work, followed by an examination of the 1802 André arrangement. A comparison of the latter with an arrangement for viola by Lionel Tertis dating from the 1940s will also be made, with each version discussed in light of the culture, techniques and performance practices of its period, alongside a consideration of the overall feasibility of this work for the viola.

Until such players as Lionel Tertis improved the status of their instrument in the twentieth century, violists have had to rely to a considerable extent on arrangements to help redress the void which exists in viola literature (when compared with the extensive repertory of many other instruments), a gap that is particularly apparent in the eighteenth century. One such example is the arrangement of Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, K. 622 for solo viola. During the twentieth century, a small number of arrangements were made of this composition for viola; however, among the most interesting is an anonymous arrangement made only eleven years after the composer’s death, in 1802, by the German publishing firm Johann Anton André. This paper identifies the extant sources for the original clarinet version of the work, followed by an examination of the 1802 André arrangement. A comparison of the latter with an arrangement for viola by Lionel Tertis dating from the 1940s will also be made, with each version discussed in light of the culture, techniques and performance practices of its period, alongside a consideration of the overall feasibility of this work for the viola.

abstract: This study presents a conductor's guide to the Carpathian Concerto by Myroslav Skoryk. As a Deputy Head of the National Composers Association of Ukraine, a professor at the Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music and the Music Artistic Director of the National Opera of Ukraine, Skoryk continues to be active as a composer, teacher, and conductor. The Carpathian Concerto was composed in 1972 and was inspired by the culture and folklore of the west region of Ukraine, the Carpathian Mountains. Over the years the Carpathian Concerto has become standard repertoire for many symphony orchestras in the Ukraine. The author, himself from the Ukraine, performed this work in 2002, as a member of the Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra, with the composer present. That experience was the inspiration for this study. This guide is intended as a score study supplementary from a conductor to a conductor, to aid in preparing a performance of the paper. The commentary focuses on issue of conducting, suggestions for score study, suggestions for interpretation and instructions to performers in connection with the rhythm, intonation, balance and orchestra placement. Programming ideas conclude this project, with short program notes provided for each program, in which Carpathian Concerto would contribute toward building a "theme" concert. / Dissertation/Thesis / D.M.A. Music 2012

This concerto is the composer’s conversation with the past. In four movements, each one embodies a traditional musical form. The work is a continually transforming kaleidoscope of relentless virtuosity, fanciful flights of harmony and melody, and unapologetic shifts in timbre and texture. Although conceived in four separate movements, the entire work is without intervening pauses. The concerto grosso is scored for flute, violin, piano, and string orchestra, and is approximately twenty-five minutes in duration.

abstract: Martin Ellerby (b. 1951) is a prominent composer for wind and brass bands, and his Euphonium Concerto and Baritone Concerto are among the best and most challenging works in the euphonium and baritone repertoire. This project aims to assist the performer in learning these important works by utilizing specific practice strategies. Each work has been performed and thoroughly examined by the author in order to develop and offer specific strategies for learning each piece. This project utilizes identification of themes and motives, existing methods, suggested exercises, and suggestions from the premiere performers in order to develop a strategic practice regimen for learning these important works. The discussion of each movement begins with a brief thematic overview to identify the motives and ideas used to construct each movement. The musical content discovered through thematic and motivic identification is used to recommend modified exercises from Arban Complete Method for Trombone and Euphonium edited by Joseph Alessi and Dr. Brian Bowman, Clarke’s Technical Studies for The Cornet by Herbert L. Clarke, The Brass Gym: A Comprehensive Daily Workout for Brass Players by Sam Pilafian and Patrick Sheridan, Scale and Arpeggio Routines for Undergraduate & Graduate College & University Students by Milt Stevens and Brian Bowman, and “The Carmine Caruso Method” as taught by Julie Landsman. Each exercise presented is aimed to target a specific challenge of the movement being discussed and will facilitate effective and efficient practice of each work. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Music 2018