Courtney Sisson is a dedicated, high achieving orchestra teacher who always puts her students first. She built the strings program at Colvin Run Elementary School from the ground up as the inaugural director. For the twentieth anniversary of the school and thus her twentieth year of teaching there, Mrs. Sisson decided to celebrate by celebrating…
Rachael Altekruse, orchestra director for John R. Lewis High School, came to me with a special request. She wanted an all-inclusive piece so that every single one of her students could perform. A master teacher of all levels, her orchestra ranges from true beginners to All-Regional performers. I thought the idea was beautiful and said…
It was a treat to work with Sarah Geiger from Loudoun County Public Schools on sight reading for their all-county orchestras. Sight reading presents several challenges: 1) It must serve the needs of the honorary ensemble auditions; 2) It is often dreaded by students; 3) It is often dreaded by auditions just as much because…
It is so much fun to write outer space themed music! Vienna Summer Strings commissioned a piece for their outer space themed summer and I had an absolute blast writing for them. Your imagination can run wild, there are scores of scores on celestial topics to reference, and you can get away with including all…
During the lazy summer months, the students and directors at Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp have been working hard to make great music, build technique, and create new friendships! Students get the chance to play in large ensembles, receive regular sectionals, and learn about music theory. When Lawrence Walker and Cindy Crumb commissioned a piece…
Mark A. Taylor is primarily an instrumental composer, though he has also written for voice and electronics. Each of his compositions has been crafted according to the interests and abilities of the designated performer(s) and audience, while maintaining the unique style and creative integrity of the composer. As a result, each performance becomes an equal collaboration between the composer,…