Not Jazz, Closer to Barbershop, But Something to Consider

Up Above My Head

arr. Fingerprints

So I know that this isn't exactly a jazz group, but I think it is still a really good group. I am not just saying it because my brother happens to be the bass.  The material is excellent, as well as the presentation. At times, I hear some fuzziness in the soloist that makes me think they are going out of key, however, they seem to bring it right back.  (On a related note, at one point I think the soloist starts to sound like Freddie Mercury) One thing that I really like in the group is the fact that there is an equal balance of the stereotypical bright spread jazz choir, and the more traditional choir sound.  The vowels are not overly pure, nor are the suffering from excessive diphthongs.   In reflecting on the dynamics, I thought it was pretty balanced with the exception of half way through the solo. I had to turn up the volume to hear the the vamp.

All in all, a great piece, a great group.  I should probably get the notation sometime soon.

Phantom of the Music Room

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIqX4ueyAZw

Relating to the readings for class today, this is a "musical".  However, it isn't your typical musical.  

Phantom Of The Music Room

From Alfred Music Publishing

A Musical For 2-Part Voices

by Janet Gardner

Who or what is that shadowy figure playing the piano in the school music room after dark? Several students and Deputy Barney set out to solve this musical mystery with surprising results. Phantom Of The Music Room features six songs with clever texts set to musical classics by Beethoven, Haydn, Chopin, Dvorák, Sousa, Grieg, and others. (30 minutes, Grades 3 and up)  

http://www.musick8.com/store/alphadetail.php?product_group=1349#.UWbpQb_v5LQ

I remember doing this in elementary school as an extra curricular activity.  In the youtube link, the music starts at around 2:50.  While the music itself is good, now that I look back on it with the ears of a future music educator, I realize that this may not be the best quality. In the video, the quality of singing isn't terrible, but at times, it seems that it is not in a great range for some of the guys who are singing both on and off stage.  There was obviously emphasis on the choreography, but it was not overdone to the point where it took away from the vocal line.  One thing that I am not a big fan of is the fact that much of the accompaniment was "can" music. While I understand that getting a pit orchestra or band together can be almost impossible, singing with a CD is never ideal.  Overall, if the school that did this had it as an extracurricular I think it is okay. If they did this in place of General Music, the administration/teacher should probably re-evaluate musical priorities.

Children Making Beautiful Music is not as significant as Music Making Beautiful Children

Children's Choir of Texas

A Lullaby Alleluia

So this was one of those random stumbles that in my opinion, just ended really well.  I am not actually sure what school or organization this choir is associated with, but the uniforms make me think a parochial school of some sorts.  When listening to the piece, the first thing I noticed was the pure tone they have at the beginning.  There is unification of vowels, everything seems North-South instead of East-West.  They obviously worked very hard to rid themselves of the "Al-lay-lu-ya", so much so to the point where I find the second syllable to be a bit distracting. I guess there really is such a thing as going too far when it comes to that word.  There is a bit of English text, and I had times understanding what was being said. However, the phrasing, shape, and direction of the piece kept a mood that allowed me to fill in appropriate lyrics.  Many children's choirs are just cute.  This choir was cute, and extremely musical.