Podcast appearances and mentions of Imani Winds

There's a new law in Suffolk to help protect animals. How cuts to AmeriCorps will impact Connecticut. New York will tap into its rainy day fund for unemployment insurance debt. Plus, Imani Winds speaks to WSHU.

Chamber Music Circle releases 2024-25 schedule Akiko Sasaki, the music director at the Howland Chamber Music Circle, always tries to book top talent for the nonprofit's annual concert series. This year, she worked her connections and pulled off a huge coup by bringing pianist Emanuel Ax to Beacon for a solo recital. One of the biggest names in classical music, Ax just played with cellist Yo-Yo Ma in Luxembourg and is performing Mozart's Piano Concerto 14 with the New York Philharmonic on Sept. 13 and 15. "When I tell people, their jaws drop," she says. That show is scheduled for Oct. 1, a Tuesday. Nearly all the others are on Sundays at 4 p.m., like the kickoff on Sept. 15 with the Brentano String Quartet, which will perform quartets by Haydn and Beethoven and the world premiere of Madrigal Mongolia by Chinese American composer Lei Liang. The series' fall session includes six concerts through the Ulysses Quartet on Nov. 17. A piano festival with four performances begins Jan. 12 with the Cann Duo and ends with Shai Wosner on March 2. The spring session opens with the Daedalus Quartet on March 23 and concludes on May 18 with Imani Winds, a quintet that pushes the musical envelope, says Sasaki, who likes to book at least one wind ensemble each year. Another boundary-stretcher is ArcoStrum (Oct. 6), with Strauss Shi (violin) and TY Zhang (guitar). The duo met at The Juilliard School and perform a jumble of styles from traditional Chinese instrumental music, progressive rock and what they call "original transcriptions of classical repertoire." There is no rock on their program, which includes Baroque (Vivaldi, Scarlatti), Spanish influences (Astor Piazzolla, Manuel de Falla), three Asian composers (Li Zhihul, Haihuai Huang, Choi Jun Young) and the theme of Schindler's List. Sasaki admires their "virtuosic energy." A first this year is an appearance by four singers from the Metropolitan Opera (May 4) who will perform "aria hits we might know and some we might not know," says Sasaki. "Sometimes we have solo vocal recitals, but it's nice to provide a taste of opera." To cultivate a generation of classical musicians and people who appreciate them, the circle collaborates with Arlington High School in Lagrangeville and the Jasper String Quartet to provide a chamber music experience for string students. So Percussion Imani Winds Brentano String Quartet (Photo by Juergen Frank) ArcoStrum (Photo by Karina Rodriguez) Emanuel Ax (Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco) In November, the innovative So Percussion will perform at Beacon High School for music students in the fifth grade and higher. "They use everyday items to make their sounds, not just percussion instruments," says Sasaki. The Brooklyn-based quartet will perform a Classics for Kids concert at 1 p.m. on Nov. 3. Later that afternoon, they'll play a program geared toward adults. Three more shows for the wee ones are planned this season. Sasaki contracts some acts so far in advance that no music programs are available for performers in 2025. She also has fun with pop-up concerts booked a month ahead and held where "people wouldn't normally expect to find classical music," such as the Howland Public Library, an art gallery, churches and the outdoor space across from Hudson Beach Glass. "People will have to stay on their toes to find out when it's happening," she says.

Part 1 - Broadcasting from St Thomas, Neville James speaks on the phone with Nicole Parson of the Forum and Jeuné B. Provost of the St. John's School of the Arts as they talk about Imani Winds' performance on St John & St Thomas.

Award-winning musician Shawn Okpebholo earned his degrees at the prestigious University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. But he credits his start in music to The Salvation Army church, where he received free music lessons as a child, and to his mother's tenacious support. The breadth of Dr. Okpebholo's work is extraordinary: chamber works, art songs and choral music, opera, orchestral music and concertos, and music for wind and brass band, as well as some jazz, film music, and pop. He is in demand as a composer for commissions from top-tier ensembles including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, United States Air Force Strings, Tanglewood, Aspen, and Imani Winds, to name just a few. Shawn Okpebholo spoke with Suzanne about his career as a working composer and an educator.

Andrew is joined by seven brass players who share thoughts about a musician they were thankful for in 2023. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Guests Giving Thanks: Sasha Romero (Principal Trombone of the Metropolitan Opera) is thankful for Claudio Sanchez (8:10) Rodney Marsalis (Lead Trumpet + Founder of The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass) is thankful for Terry Everson (19:04) Dr. Danielle VanTuinen (Professor of Tuba + Euphonium at The University of Florida) is thankful for Deanna Swoboda (27:51) Jeffrey Scott (Professor of Horn at Oberlin Conservatory and Former Horn Player and Founder of Imani Winds) is thankful for Carolyn Clark (36:34) Dr. Steph Frye-Clark (Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at East Tennessee State and Tuba Player of Mirari Brass Quintet) is thankful for Sarah Paradis (46:08) Ryan Little (Principal Horn of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra) is thankful for Gail Williams (52:05) Hakeem Bilal (Professor of Trombone at West Virginia University and Bass Trombonist for C Street Brass) is thankful for Omar Lateef (58:13) Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jens/ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/pray4jens/ The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media https://www.brassjunkies.com/

Grammy-nominated flutist Brandon Patrick George is a member of Imani Winds and has appeared as a soloist with soloist with the Atlanta, Baltimore, and Albany symphonies, American Composers Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, among others.  He's also on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music. Suzanne spoke with Brandon Patrick George about his debut 2020 solo recording, and welcomed him back in Fall 2023 to talk about his second solo recording, TWOFOLD, which pairs solo flute works by composers such as C.P.E. Bach, Ruth Crawford Seeger, and Claude Debussy with new works by composers including Reena Esmail, Saad Haddad, and Shawn E. Okpebholo.

Consider It Blacklit host Kim Singleton sits down with Monica Ellis, founding member of the wind quintet Imani Winds. Ellis discusses the performances and accomplishments of the group, as well as the representation of people of color in classical music.

Host Kim Singleton sits down with Monica Ellis, founding member of the wind quintet Imani Winds.  Ellis discusses the performances and accomplishments of the group, as well as the representation of people of color in classical music.  www.imaniwinds.comStay connect to Consider It BlacklitInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/consider_it_blacklit/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ConsiderItBlacklitX(Twitter)https://twitter.com/WeAreBlacklit

in this week's episode, we chat with THEE Monica Ellis, Bassoonist and Executive Director of THEE Grammy Nominated Imani Winds. We talk trust, the importance of location, and how Imani Winds has become the iconic ensemble that it is now.More on Imani Winds and Monica at imaniwinds.com

The Imani Winds has had faith in commissioning new works that uplift the profile of BIPOC composers and performers. They have been doing so for over a quarter century. Find out more in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

"In choir we have a chance to learn to embody a different culture through its language. When you're singing pieces in another language, there's a moment where you have to feel that you speak that language if only for a few words, if only a few moments. I think that has the capacity to create a kind of empathy regardless of whether that's your culture or not. To embody it does create this empathy that I really believe in as a way to make our world a little closer for the right reasons."Indian-American composer Reena Esmail works between the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, and brings communities together through the creation of equitable musical spaces. Esmail's life and music was profiled on Season 3 of PBS Great Performances series Now Hear This, as well as Frame of Mind, a podcast from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.Esmail divides her attention evenly between orchestral, chamber and choral work. She has written commissions for ensembles including the Los Angeles Master Chorale,  Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Kronos Quartet, and her music has featured on multiple Grammy-nominated albums, including The Singing Guitar by Conspirare, BRUITS by Imani Winds, and Healing Modes by Brooklyn Rider. Many of her choral works are published by Oxford University Press.Esmail is the Los Angeles Master Chorale's 2020-2025 Swan Family Artist in Residence, and was Seattle Symphony's 2020-21 Composer-in-Residence. She also holds awards/fellowships from United States Artists, the S&R Foundation, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Kennedy Center.Esmail holds degrees in composition from The Juilliard School (BM'05) and the Yale School of Music (MM'11, MMA'14, DMA'18). Her primary teachers have included Susan Botti, Aaron Jay Kernis, Christopher Theofanidis, Christopher Rouse and Samuel Adler. She received a Fulbright-Nehru grant to study Hindustani music in India. Her Hindustani music teachers include Srimati Lakshmi Shankar and Gaurav Mazumdar, and she currently studies and collaborates with Saili Oak. Her doctoral thesis, entitled Finding Common Ground: Uniting Practices in Hindustani and Western Art Musicians explores the methods and challenges of the collaborative process between Hindustani musicians and Western composers.Esmail was Composer-in-Residence for Street Symphony (2016-18) and is currently an Artistic Director of Shastra, a non-profit organization that promotes cross-cultural music connecting music traditions of India and the West.She currently resides in her hometown of Los Angeles, California.To get in touch with Reena, you can find her on Instagram (@reenaesmail) or check out her website: https://www.reenaesmail.com.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode from September 16, 2022, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

A clip from each Brass Junkies interview of 2022 along with some brief thoughts on each. TBJ180 Matt Neff of the North Carolina Symphony on getting incredibly nervous in auditions, even two decades into his professional career (2:51) TBJ181 Kevin Newton of Imani Winds on his mental approach to auditions (7:44) TBJ182 Jeff Curnow of The Philadelphia Orchestra on Rolf Smedvig setting the tone for Empire Brass concerts (9:45) TBJ184 International tuba phenom Sergio Carolino on staying away from negative people (11:24) TBJ185 Sylvia Alimena, formerly of the National Symphony Orchestra, on why it's never too early to talk about artistry with students (13:23) TBJ186 Beth Wiese of Appalachian State University on how musicians don't control much but do control how they approach a piece of music (14:40) TBJ187 Jack Burt of the University of Maine on the concept of any performance being just a snapshot (17:28) TBJ188 Joe Dollard, retired Navy Band, on making the case for strengthening the connection between your singing voice and your playing (19:36) TBJ190 Kevin Gebo of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on the importance of listening (21:43) TBJ191 Steve Lange of the Boston Symphony Orchestra on the breakthrough he had after experiencing a real low point early on in his career (23:31) TBJ192 William Russell of Boston Brass on the intense moment in a lesson with Mike Roylance that really impacted him (27:01) TBJ193 Billy Hunter of the Metropolitan Opera on using his imagination to help him perform at his best  (30:30) TBJ194 Natalie Mannix of the University of North Texas on the benefits of using a Pomodoro timer when practicing (32:32) TBJ195 Jasmine Pigott on overcoming a less than encouraging teacher early in her career and how she went about learning to improvise (35:41) TBJ196 Christopher Davis on the mindset he brings to subbing with orchestras around the world (38:31) TBJ197 Jonathan Fowler of West Chester University on the importance of regularly checking in with yourself to make sure your goals are still your goals (40:57) TBJ198 Terry Bingham, formerly of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own", on his ability to morph to match any style or any musician and credits listening to lots of different music (43:00) TBJ200 Lance LaDuke, formerly of a lot of things, on being too stupid to quit (45:11) TBJ201 Joe Burgstaller or Arizona State University on teaching students improvisation using a theater technique (48:02) TBJ202 Andrew Dougherty of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on exactly how organized he has been for the three professional auditions he has won to date (52:13) TBJ203 Bruce Faske of Arkansas State University on losing his father and how all we have is today (52:23) TBJ204 Pete Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Symphony on the legendary Charles Dutoit messing with Pete's head in his first year with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (58:02) TBJ205 Kevin Harrison of Axiom Brass on his former teacher, Floyd Cooley, never quitting on him when he was at a difficult point in his life (1:05:10) Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/ Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jens/ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/pray4jens/ The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

This weekend (November 6th), the Grammy-nominated group Imani Winds plays a concert at First United Methodist Church in Ashland. Monica Ellis, bassoonist for the group, visits with oboist Toyin Spellman-Diaz and Anima Mundi Executive Director Ethan Gans-Morse.

Wind Quintet, Imani Winds joins WQED's Lead with Music Fellow, Kamera Dorsey, to discuss their work with Chamber Music Pittsburgh, critically acclaimed album “Bruits”, what keeps them going, and some nuggets of wisdom for the next generation of musical creatives!    To support the work of Imani Winds please visit: https://imaniwinds.com

Edward Leonard, the Artistic Director of the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh, and Executive Director Andrew Swensen talk with Jim Cunningham about their collaboration with Imani Winds on Saturday night September 24th, 7:30 PM in Levy Hall of Rodef Shalom Temple.   There will be music by Boris Blacher and Jeff Scott on the program.  How did the opener with "From the Canyons to the Stars" by Olivier Messiaen go?   What's next in December? It's all here.    

Next Saturday, April 9, at 8pm at the Seligman Center for Performing Arts, Chamber Music Detroit premieres a new work by composer Jeff Scott and poet Robert Laidler. Fallen Petals of Nameless Flowers combines Scott's music with Laidler's text – based on the personal stories and writings of several former “juvenile lifers” in Michigan. It promises to be a powerful experience, not just as a work of musical art, but also as social commentary. The piece is scored for wind quintet, piano, cello and narrator and will be performed by Grammy-winning wind quintet Imani Winds with pianist Cory Smythe, cellist Seth Parker Woods and Robert Laidler as narrator. Jeff Scott and Robert Laidler speak with 90.9's Peter Whorf about the piece…begin with Laidler speaking of the text's inspiration…

TEM254: Monica Ellis of Imani Winds Monica Ellis has been the bassoon player for Imani Winds since founding it 25 years ago and is a creative force in the musical world. Head over to tem.fm for the TEM254 Show Notes including a list of topics covered in this episode as well as links to all references mentioned. ----- Do you ever jump from project to project and rarely seem to finish anything? Let TEM Coaching design you a personalized plan to help give you clarity on which things to work on and which to put on hold. I promise you will leave our session knowing exactly what your next move should be. Visit temcoaching.com to take control of your career today. ----- Want to help the show? Here's a couple of ways you can do that! 1. Want to access exclusive bonus coverage while helping to make more TEM episodes possible? Join the TEM Patreon family or support the show via a one-time Venmo payment: https://www.tem.fm/support 2. My next Apple Podcasts goal is 200 ratings and 75 reviews. Take just a minute to leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts to help me get there. Thank you! 3. Subscribe to the TEM YouTube channel! And finally, a huge thank you to Parker Mouthpieces for providing the hosting for TEM. Produced by Andrew Hitz Show notes for all episodes of TEM including topics discussed, links to all books and websites referenced can be found at: http://www.tem.fm/shownotes

Monica Ellis is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and one of the founding members of the GRAMMY nominated, Imani Winds. She joins us to talk about Imani Winds, chamber ensembles in general, and her scholastic musical journey.

Monica Ellis from Imani Winds joins the Soundweavers team to chat about their ensemble's origin and the gradual development of their mission over their first several years. She shared about Imani's really interesting experience with having "in-house" composers in the ensemble. We chat about the evolution of their recording process and how they have sought out new ensemble members. And, we speak about the ensemble's new gig as faculty members at the Curtis Institute of Music. Celebrating over two decades of music making, the Grammy nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The ensemble's playlist embraces traditional chamber music repertoire, and as a 21st century group, Imani Winds is devoutly committed to expanding the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from new voices that reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live. Present and future season performances include a Jessie Montgomery composition inspired by her great-grandfather's migration from the American south to the north, as well as socially conscious music by Andy Akiho, designed to be performed both on the concert stage and in front of immigrant detention centers throughout the country. Imani Winds regularly performs in prominent international concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Walt Disney Hall and the Kimmel Center. Their touring schedule has taken them throughout the Asian continent, Brazil, Australia, England, New Zealand and across Europe. Their national and international presence include performances at chamber music series in Boston, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Philadelphia and Houston. Festival performances include Chamber Music Northwest, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Ravinia Festival, Chautauqua, Banff Centre and Angel Fire. Imani Winds' travels through the jazz world are highlighted by their association with saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter, woodwind artist and composer Paquito D'Rivera and pianist and composer Jason Moran. Their ambitious project, "Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot!" featured chanteuse René Marie in performances that brought the house down in New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Los Angeles and St. Louis. In 2016, Imani Winds received their greatest accolade in their 20 years of music making: a permanent presence in the classical music section of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC. The transcript for this episode can be found here. For more information about Imani Winds, please visit their website, Apple Music, Spotify, SoundCloud, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Reena Esmail joins us to chat about integrating her Western and Hindustani roots in her composition and throughout her work as artistic director of Shastra. We chat about how she prepares listeners with less experience for musical experiences that are new to them. She speaks about her work as composer-in-residence of Street Symphony, a non-profit organization bringing music to Los Angeles-based homeless and incarcerated populations on Skid Row and beyond. And, we talk about her methods for introducing Western musicians to primarily aural traditions. Indian-American composer Reena Esmail works between the worlds of Indian and Western classical music, and brings communities together through the creation of equitable musical spaces. Esmail's work has been commissioned by ensembles including the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Kronos Quartet, Imani Winds, Richmond Symphony, Town Music Seattle, Albany Symphony, Chicago Sinfonietta, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Girls Chorus, The Elora Festival, Juilliard415, and Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Upcoming seasons include new work for Seattle Symphony, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Amherst College Choir and Orchestra, Santa Fe Pro Musica, and Conspirare. Esmail is the Los Angeles Master Chorale's 2020-2023 Swan Family Artist in Residence, and Seattle Symphony's 2020-21 Composer-in-Residence. Previously, she was named a 2019 United States Artist Fellow in Music, and the 2019 Grand Prize Winner of the S & R Foundation's Washington Award. Esmail was also a 2017-18 Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow. She was the 2012 Walter Hinrichsen Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters (and subsequent publication of a work by C.F. Peters). Esmail holds degrees in composition from The Juilliard School (BM'05) and the Yale School of Music (MM'11, MMA'14, DMA'18). Her primary teachers have included Susan Botti, Aaron Jay Kernis, Christopher Theofanidis and Martin Bresnick, Christopher Rouse and Samuel Adler. She received a Fulbright-Nehru grant to study Hindustani music in India. Her Hindustani music teachers include Srimati Lakshmi Shankar and Gaurav Mazundar, and she currently studies and collaborates with Saili Oak. Her doctoral thesis, entitled Finding Common Ground: Uniting Practices in Hindustani and Western Art Musicians explores the methods and challenges of the collaborative process between Hindustani musicians and Western composers. Esmail was Composer-in-Residence for Street Symphony (2016-18) and is currently an Artistic Director of Shastra, a non-profit organization that promotes cross-cultural music connecting music traditions of India and the West. The transcript for this episode can be found here. For more information about Reena Esmail, please visit her website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Rising Stars Podcast is excited and proud to showcase Jessie Montgomery, the highly acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator; this brilliant woman was appointed by Riccardo Muti, Zell Music Director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as the ensemble's Mead Composer-in-Residence this past July. Jessie shares her thoughts with our host, Carol Jantsch,  on many topics of conversation including social activism, exercises to address "composer's block," and how she has shaped her artistic voice in her stunningly vivid compositions. *LINKS*Jessie's website Follow Jessie on Facebook, SoundCloud, YouTube, and InstagramJessie's NYT piece “Orchestras Are Rushing to Add Black Composers. Will It Last?” NYTimes Fall Preview profile piece Recent interview on the BBC Radio 3 Music Matters show Selected Videos:LA Phil performs “Banner” Minnesota Orchestra performs “Starburst” Catalyst Quartet - Jessie Montgomery - “Strum” Sergeant McCauley - Nonet written for Imani Winds & Catalyst Quartet Passacaglia -  flute quartet commissioned by National Flute Association  Follow us on Instagram and LinktreeMore about the host at caroljantsch.comMore about the co-host at theflythegroup.comMore about the producer and audio engineer at michnari robinsonWe hope our patrons will donate at least $1 each week to Buy Me a Coffee to support the many talents and services of our wonderful producer and audio engineer, Michnari Robinson. He has worked tirelessly behind-the-scenes to help make this podcast a success.  You are also welcome to support him through donations on PayPal (michnarr@gmail.com) and on Cash App ($MichnariRobinson).

The Imani Winds Highlight the Cooperstown Summer Music Festival by WSKG News

On this episode of Spoleto Backstage, we continue our series spotlighting the First Viennese School composers with three of Ludwig van Beethoven's works, one from each of the stylistic periods in which his works are often categorized. We're also joined by bassoonist Monica Ellis, founding member of the quintet Imani Winds, to chat about performing in one of these pieces as well as Alicia Hall and Jason Moran's "Two Wings: The Music of Black America in Migration" at this year's Spoleto Festival USA.

Our sponsor: Houghton Hornswww.houghtonhorns.comUse code "REX" for $19 entry to Rex Richardson's "Inside the Practice Room"!Hitz Academy - Inside the Practice Room with Rex RichardsonAndrew Hitz has appeared as a soloist, clinician and speaker in over 40 states and 30 countries including Japan, Brazil, Russia and Singapore. He is probably best known for the 14 years he spent touring the world as the tuba player and co-owner of Boston Brass. Andrew has also performed with the National Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Utah Symphony, Kennedy Center Honors Orchestra, U.S. Army Field Band, U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West, Imani Winds, T’Ang Quartet, Dallas Brass, Alarm Will Sound, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Lin Manuel Miranda, Renée Fleming, Trey Anastasio, Steve Gadd, Medeski, Martin & Wood and as a soloist with the U.S. Army Blues and the Marine Band of Mexico.As an Educational Ambassador for Jupiter Band Instruments, Andrew appears all over the world as both a teacher and performer. He has presented at over 20 state music educator conferences and taught master classes at some of the finest music schools in the world including Juilliard, the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore. Andrew has also spoken about the music business and entrepreneurship at many colleges and universities including Northwestern University, Carnegie Mellon and the University of South Carolina, where he appeared as a thought leader specializing in marketing and social media at David Cutler's The Savvy Musician In Action Retreat.Andrew hosts two podcasts through his latest venture, Pedal Note Media, a digital media company founded with former Boston Brass colleague Lance LaDuke. Pedal Note Media provides products and programs to educate, entertain and inspire music teachers, players and fans. "The Brass Junkies" is a podcast interviewing the best brass players in the world on everything from the serious to the ridiculous, just like the music business. Previous guests have included Joe Alessi, Carol Jantsch and Marty Hackleman. The other is "The Entrepreneurial Musician" which features interviews with some of the most successful people in the music business. Previous guests on TEM have included David Cutler of The Savvy Musician, Ranaan Meyer of Time for Three and Noa Kageyama of The Bulletproof Musician.Andrew is also the author of "A Band Director's Guide To Everything Tuba: A Collection of Interviews with the Experts" which features interviews with Sam Pilafian, Pat Sheridan, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and others. The second volume, "A Band Director's Guide to Everything Trombone: A Collection of Interviews with the Experts", features interviews with Joe Alessi, Harry Watters, Ralph Sauer and others and is available now.Andrew is proud to serve on the Board of Directors for the Mockingbird Foundation, a non-profit organization which has awarded over $1.8 million in grants to help bring music education to underserved populations.Andrew is a graduate of Northwestern University. He studied with Rex Martin and was the Graduate Teaching Assistant for Sam Pilafian at Arizona State University.Andrew lives in the Washington, DC area with his son Nicholas, his dog Izabella, and his wife Tiffany, who he thinks is the best band director in the country. He is an avid sports fan, loves history, and has seen the band Phish in concert 20Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

A native of Brooklyn, NY, Deryck Clarke (French horn) comes from a family of immigrants from Guyana, South America. He is a graduate of the High School of Performing Arts in New York City and the Curtis Institute of Music. He holds a BM from the North Carolina School of the Arts and a MM from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. His professional engagements include Soulful Symphony, the Martina Arroyo Foundation’s Prelude to Performance orchestra, Early Music New York, the Paula Kimper Ensemble, the Ray Chew Orchestra, Imani Winds, Oregon Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, Seoul Philharmonic, and Broadway productions of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Aida, and the US Tour of Oklahoma! Throughout his career Deryck has performed with renowned artists including Leonard Bernstein, Isaac Stern, Donnie McClurkin, Ashford and Simpson, Sir Andrew Davis, Aaron Copland, Paquito D’Rivera, and James DePriest. While in college, Mr. Clarke discovered his passion for teaching at the NY State Music Camp/Hartwick College Music Festival. He was faculty member at the Apple Hill Chamber Music Festival, the Juilliard School's Music Advancement Program and the Mannes College preparatory division. Mr. Clarke also served as Interim Music Director of the Harlem School of the Arts. As a NJ state certified music educator, Deryck received awards and recognition for his service as instrumental and vocal music teacher at the Mount Vernon Elementary School in Newark, NJ. He later served as Program Director of William Paterson University’s Music After School program in Paterson, NJ and Start the Music camp, and an artist-in-residence at the Cicely Tyson School of the Arts in East Orange, NJ. Deryck is currently the Educational and Community Outreach director for The Harlem Chamber Players and founder of the Harmony Effect, an instrumental music learning program. He serves on the Leadership Council of the Newark Arts Education Roundtable, the Education Committee for the American Federation of Musicians Local 802, and the Education Committee of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Classical Tracks: Imani Winds

Jessie Montgomery is an acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator. She is the recipient of the Leonard Bernstein Award from the ASCAP Foundation, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, and her works are performed frequently around the world by leading musicians and ensembles. Her music interweaves classical music with elements of vernacular music, improvisation, poetry, and social consciousness, making her an acute interpreter of 21st- century American sound and experience. Her profoundly felt works have been described as “turbulent, wildly colorful, and exploding with life.” Jessie was born and raised in Manhattan's Lower East Side in the 1980s during a time when the neighborhood was at a major turning point in its history. Artists gravitated to the hotbed of artistic experimentation and community development. Her parents - her father a musician, her mother a theater artist and storyteller - were engaged in the activities of the neighborhood and regularly brought Jessie to rallies, performances, and parties where neighbors, activists, and artists gathered to celebrate and support the movements of the time. It is from this unique experience that Jessie has created a life that merges composing, performance, education, and advocacy. Since 1999, Jessie has been affiliated with The Sphinx Organization, which supports young African - American and Latinx musicians. She currently serves as composer-in-residence of the Sphinx Virtuosi, their Organization’s flagship professional touring ensemble. She was a two-time laureate of the Annual Sphinx Competition and was awarded their highest honor, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence. She has received additional grants and awards from the ASCAP Foundation, Chamber Music America, AMerican Composers Orchestra, the Joyce Foundation, and the Sorel Organization. The New York Philharmonic has selected Jessie as a featured composer for their Project 19, which marks the centennial of the ratification of the 19th amendment, granting equal voting rights in the United States to women. Other forthcoming works include a nonet inspired by the Great Migration, told from the perspective of Montgomery’s great-grandfather William McCauley and to be performed by Imani Winds and the Catalyst Quartet; a cello concerto for Thomas Mesa jointly commissioned by Carnegie Hall, New World Symphony, and The Sphinx Organization; and a new orchestral work for the National Symphony. The question of the week is, "What will the next period of classical music look like?" Ms. Montgomery and I discuss what she believes will define the next period of classical music, how to avoid making the same mistakes as our predecessors when writing the narrative of classical music, the widening skillsets of classical musicians, and why it is important for musicians to know how to improvise. You can find out more about Jessie Montgomery and her amazing music on her website, jessiemontgomery.com.

Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboist of the Imani Winds and oboe faculty at NYU Steinhardt shares her approach to making reeds for a demanding career as a touring musician. Music credits: Prelude and Menuet from Tombeau performed by the Imani Winds on their 2006 CD & Chorinho baiano from Três Peças Atlânticas performed by Courtney Miller. Reed Talk is produced by Jason Slote.

A document of our time, as well as an exploration into a celebrated career, Venezuelan pianist and composer, Edward Simon joins us.   Now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but long associated through his work with the all-star SF JAZZ Collective, Simon is celebrating over 30 years in music with his Ridgeway Records release, 25 Years.  His work has found him collaborating with prominent jazz, vocals, and chamber groups, such as Gretchen Parlato, Imani Winds, Mark Turner, David Binney, Scott Colley, and Brian Blade.  The latter of which includes celebrated trio recordings along with John Patitucci.   We spoke with Edward about his two-disc career retrospective, as well as his newly announced role as Associate Artistic Director with the Ridgeway Arts organization (a producer of this podcast). At the time of our conversation, the country was several months into the shelter-in-place effects of COVID-19; where musicians in particular were some of the first to lose prevalent sources of their financial living.  Along with renewed light shone on familiar issues of racial injustice, the black lives matter movement, and escalated political divisiveness, it was only natural that some discussion swayed into addressing the systemic indignities more often directed towards people of color in the U.S.; implicitly, and/or overtly. Tracks featured throughout Episode #019: Impossible Question - Edward Simon - 25 Years Pathless Path - Edward Simon - 25 Years Aguantando - Edward Simon - 25 Years Triumphs - Edward Simon - 25 Years Govinda - Edward Simon - 25 Years Fiestas - Edward Simon - 25 Years Lover’s  Park - Edward Simon - Steel House Simplicity - Edward Simon - 25 Years Alma Llanera (Part 2)- Edward Simon - 25 Years Pere - Edward Simon - 25 Years What if… - Edward Simon - 25 Years Gracias La Vida - Edward Simon - 25 Years Navigator - Edward Simon - 25 Years Ericka - Edward Simon - 25 Years More Information: https://www.edwardsimon.com

BRANDON'S DEBUT ALBUM IS OUT NOW ON ALL PLATFORMS- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/j-s-bach-boulez-aho-prokofiev-flute-sonatas-solo-works/1529663533 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1PjM7pLn3o2kDum6jP6Xqs?si=jmkyXVBnRriWGnPX0HnQ8Q Amazon (hard copy) : https://www.amazon.com/Flute-Sonatas-Brandon-Patrick-George/dp/B08DSZ33WM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S4MBANWJHRJ8&dchild=1&keywords=brandon+patrick+george&qid=1600750237&sprefix=Brandon+Patrick+%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1 Brandon Patrick George is the flutist of the Grammy®-nominated Imani Winds, and has performed with many of the world's leading ensembles including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE). He has appeared at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Elbphilharmonie, the Kennedy Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Dresden Music Festival, and the Prague Spring Festival. An avid chamber musician, Brandon has collaborated with members of the Gryphon Trio, New York Philharmonic, Jasper String Quartet, and has performed live on New York's WQXR with harpist Bridget Kibbey. He has been hailed by The New York Times as “the elegant Brandon Patrick George”, as a “virtuoso” by The Washington Post, and called a “knockout musician with a gorgeous sound” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/support

Explore the beautiful music of flutist and composer Valerie Coleman and hear her ensemble, Imani Winds. Episode 20 playlist Valerie Coleman: Silver Rain — She discovered she was an amazing flutist who could write beautiful music. LISTEN — Valerie Coleman:Silver Rain by Valerie Coleman: Umoja — Umoja is Ki-Swahili for the word 'Unity'. This piece is performed by her ensemble, Imani Winds. LISTEN — Valerie Coleman: Umoja by Valerie Coleman: Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit — She wrote this piece to sounds like an African American church choir singing. LISTEN — Valerie Coleman: Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit by You can now search and listen to YourClassical Kids Corner where podcasts are found. Explore more from YourClassical Adventures! What are you curious about? You must be 13 or older to submit any information to American Public Media/Minnesota Public Radio. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about things like our programs, products and services. See Terms of Use and Privacy.

On this episode we discuss heading back to school virtually! For our interview we welcome Monica Ellis, bassoonist and founding member of the Imani Winds! Learn more about the Imani Winds at www.imaniwinds.com This podcast is brought to you by Chemical City Double Reeds (www.chemicalcityreeds.com), Edmund Nielsen Woodwinds (www.nielsen-woodwinds.com), Barton Cane (www.bartoncane.com), and Singin' Dog Double Reed Supplies (http://www.singindog.com/)! Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

In this episode, I interview Imani Winds hornist and newly minted Oberlin Associate Professor of Horn, Jeff Scott. Join us as we talk about his career, life on the road and reminisce with stories we've shared over the years! I honestly haven't laughed this hard in a long time, so grab a drink and prepare to kill an hour or so hanging with us on Music on the Rocks!

Listen to the full episode here: https://anchor.fm/fortebyclarinetandfriends/episodes/GRAMMY-Nominated-Imani-Winds-members-Monica-Ellis-and-Mark-Dover-discuss-pushing-the-boundaries-of-innovation-and-the-changing-artistic-and-social-world-we-live-in-egla9f/a-a2me11r --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/support

The GRAMMY-Nominated woodwind quintet, Imani Winds, has been at the forefront of a creative revolution in the performing arts. The ensemble frequently commissions new works from a diverse body of composers to reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live. Imani Winds regularly performs in top concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Their touring schedule has taken them throughout the Asian continent, Brazil, Australia, England, New Zealand, and across Europe. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thefortepodcast/support

In this chat, host Adam Wolf hangs with Jeff Scott, hornist of Imani Winds, professor at Oberlin, and much more. They discuss his origin onto the horn, and his amazing career up to this point, including Broadway, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Imani, Lion King, and much more.

In this chat, host Adam Wolf hangs with Jeff Scott, hornist of Imani Winds, professor at Oberlin, and much more. They discuss his origin onto the horn, and his amazing career up to this point, including Broadway, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Imani, Lion King, and much more.

TBJ136: Boston Brass joins Andrew & Lance sharing stories both new and old. The five current members of Boston Brass catch us up with how the quintet is dealing with quarantine, swaps stories, and future plans.  From their website: For 31 years, Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Performing exciting classical arrangements to burning jazz standards, Boston Brass treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment captivating all ages. The ensemble’s lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun. The philosophy of Boston Brass is to provide audiences with a wide selection of musical styles in unique arrangements, provided in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Through over 100 performances each year, the members of Boston Brass play to audiences at concerts, educational venues, and jazz festivals. In addition to solo performances, Boston Brass regularly performs with orchestras, wind ensemble, brass bands, marching bands, and a variety of other ensembles. They have performed in 49 states and 30 countries and have conducted master classes around the world including sessions and residencies at the Eastman School of Music, The Julliard School, Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, Peabody Conservatory of Music, University of North Texas, Royal Academy of Music in London, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory at the National University of Singapore, Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts and Mahidol University in Bangkok.  Boston Brass is a Yamaha Performing Group and has been featured educators and performers at the Mid West Band and Orchestra Clinic, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Japan Band Clinic, Music Educators National Conferences, American Bandmaster Association Conference, The American Band College, Western International Band Clinic and Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. Boston Brass has been featured on The CBS Early Show, National Public Radio’s Performance Today, The Great American Brass Band Festival and has recorded many diverse albums. Their latest recording “Concerto Grosso” is a collaboration with Eric Rombach-Kendall and University of New Mexico Wind Ensemble, “Reminiscing” is a tribute to Rolf Smedvig of the Empire Brass, “Rewired” features new arrangements by the members of Boston Brass, Latin Nights, features a collection of some of the greatest classical and jazz works by Latin composers and performers and features the legendary drummer Steve Gadd, the beautiful voice of Talita Real, percussion and guitar. Other albums include Ya Gotta Try, featuring music from Horace Silver, Chick Corea and Dizzy Gillespie, produced by legendary jazz recording genius Rudy van Gelder and Within Earshot, featuring classical works by Shostakovich, Ginastera, Dvorak, Liszt, and others.  Boston Brass has two holiday recordings, Christmas Bells are Swingin’, and The Stan Kenton Christmas Carols, featuring the Boston Brass All-Stars Big Band playing the truly phenomenal charts made popular by the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Boston Brass tours a vibrant holiday show each year featuring many of the charts from these two albums, combined with a variety of solo and combo selections and some fun surprises, which has quickly established the show as a perennial audience favorite.  2011 marked the 25th Anniversary of Boston Brass and was celebrated with the “25 Fanfares Project,” wherein 25 fanfares were premiered by composers from all over the country.  Boston Brass also premiered a new major commission by noted wind ensemble composer Brian Balmages and new arrangements by the legendary Sam Pilafian. Additionally, Boston Brass was very excited to have the opportunity to collaborate in the 2010/2011 season with the fabulous Imani Winds in a program entitled “Sketches of Spain,” featuring the music of Miles Davis and Gil Evans. In the 2012/2013 season, the quintet began touring their “Notes from the Balcony” program with the Enso String Quartet. The program features music based on “Romeo and Juliet”. In this fun and lively discussion, we cover: Taps Boston Brass intros How they’re staying busy Planning for the future Videos by Jose, Chris, and Domingo Where they were when it all blew up Chris on a plane Will in Chicago Will leads a double life Jose’s teaching schedule Chris at Walmart in the cereal aisle Domingo taking advantage of the downtime Domingo reconnecting with his roots in Latin America Domingo working with Sam on a solo project just before he passed “Then fire me.” Sam’s impact in Boston Brass William replacing Sam in the group Chris Bill is sitting in Lance’s lap Brass Recording Project The Pickle Test New projects Jeff sigh “Blues for Sam” for the new Boston Brass album Busting Jeff’s chops for fun and profit Bose Wave radio Pray for Jens apron The Facebook Jeff ate a bug in Brazil Wichita leave-behind Random Christopher Bill LINKS: Boston Brass site Yamaha Artist Page Pray for Jens merch!!! Want to help the show? Here are some ways: Unlock bonus episodes galore by becoming a Patreon patron. Help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. Show us some love on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.) Buy Pray for Jens and The Brass Junkies merch at The Brass Junkies online store! Tell your friends! Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.

Experience the 2019 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the judges who listened to the participants.  They talk about their experience at Fischoff, give us insight as to what they're looking for in a group when they're judging, and they'll answer the questions that my listeners sent me before I left!   Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition: https://www.fischoff.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fischoffchambermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFischoff/                 Marc Reese – Trumpet – Winds/Brass Junior Division - https://www.lynn.edu/campus-directory/marc-reese Marc Reese is the Assistant Dean and Brass Department Head for Lynn University's Conservatory of Music and he's well known for his near two-decade tenure in the world-famous Empire Brass Quintet. Toyin Spellman-Diaz – Oboe – Winds/Brass Junior Division - http://www.imaniwinds.com/artist-bios/toyin Toyin Spellman-Diaz has built a reputation as a world-class oboist, both as an orchestral musician, and as a member of the renowned Imani Winds. She is on faculty at Brooklyn College. Jeffrey Zeigler – Cello – Strings/Piano Junior Division - http://www.jzcello.com/ Jeffrey Ziegler was the cellist of the internationally renowned Kronos Quartet for eight seasons and is acclaimed as one the most versatile cellist of our time. He is on the Cello Faculty at Mannes College's New School For Music. Rebecca Fischer – Violin – Strings/Piano Junior Division - http://www.rebeccafischerviolin.com/ Rebecca Fischer was the first-violinist of the Chiara Quartet for eighteen years and is praised for her “beautiful tone and nuanced phrasing.” She is currently teaching violin and chamber music at the Mannes School of Music and at the Greenwood Music Camp, and writes about artistry and creativity for publications such as Strings Magazine and the SHAR Music blog.     If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support! Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.   THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson. Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/    

On this episode we catch up on our transition into summer, sleep patterns, and practice. For our interview we welcome Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboist and founding member of the Imani Winds. Learn more about Toyin and the Imani Winds at http://www.imaniwinds.com! This episode is brought to you by Jende Reed Knives (www.jendeindustries.com), Jennet Ingle Reeds(jennetingle.com/about-jennet-ingle-reeds/), MKL Reeds (MKLReeds.com), and JDW Sheet Music (https://www.jdwsheetmusic.com/). Thank you to our amazing sponsors!

Today's guest in this third episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet.  In this series, I bring you five former winners of the Fischoff competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win! My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet , Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet, and Lydia Reah from the former Kairos String Quartet!  Whether you are a musician about to compete at the competition, or a music lover looking for a fresh approach to practicing and preparing for a concert, make sure to subscribe and tune in everyday, because those conversations are bursting with inspiration and EXTREMELY useful information!  Each group has a unique and motivating story and my guests are so generous with their insightful tips and advice!    About Fischoff Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, attracting the finest and most talented young musicians from around the globe. and is one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. Since its founding, more than 6,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.  Fischoff is also deeply committed to music education and partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative Arts-in-Education programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, nearly 50,000 children, youth and adults have received free educational programming of the highest order. Website: http://www.fischoff.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFischoff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fischoffchambermusic/     Meet the Akropolis Reed Quintet – 2012 Senior Wind Division Silver Medal, 2014 Senior Wind Division Gold Medal, & 2015 Fischoff Educator Award Kari Landry, clarinet | Andrew Koeppe, bass clarinet | Ryan Reynolds, bassoon | Matt Landry, saxophone | Tim Gocklin, oboe   https://akropolisquintet.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akropolisquintet/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akropolis5tet/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGAiaA8x7b3W_OpBKgg7eXg   Hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” (Fanfare Magazine), Akropolis was founded in 2009 at the University of Michigan and has won seven national chamber music prizes since 2011, including the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal and the 2015 Fischoff Educator Award. Akropolis is an alumnus of APAP's prestigious Young Performer's Career Advancement Program and is generously supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, CultureSource, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Chamber Music America, Alice M. Ditson Fund, Amphion Foundation, High Wire Lab, and Quicken Loans. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Akropolis' 19/20 season features 10 commissions for the ensemble including the first concerto for reed quintet and wind band by Roshanne Etezady, a chamber concerto by Jenni Brandon with guest bassoonist Monica Ellis of Imani Winds, a work for reed quintet and rideable percussion bicycle by Steven Snowden, and more. The season also features a 10-show, choreographed and staged production with BodyVox Dance in Portland, OR and Akropolis' 3rd annual Together We Sound festival in Detroit featuring a multimedia collaboration with Detroit projection artist, L05 (Carlos Garcia). Akropolis' recent and upcoming appearances includes stops at Caramoor, Chamber Music Northwest, the Oneppo Series at Yale University, the Chautauqua Institution, Artist Series of Sarasota, Chamber Music Abu Dhabi, Chamber Music Columbus, and more. Akropolis has been awarded a juried showcase at APAP (YPCA), Chamber Music America twice, Performing Arts Exchange, Western Arts Alliance, and the Mid-Atlantic Performing Arts Market. With three studio albums, including its March 2017 release of The Space Between Us, called “pure gold” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Akropolis has recorded 17 original reed quintet works. Akropolis' 2018 Together We Sound festival featured an improvisatory new work with YAK and a concert with acclaimed soprano Shara Nova. Akropolis premiered the first work for reed quintet and string quartet by David Schiff with the Dover Quartet in 2015 and has performed with artists like the Miró Quartet and renowned clarinetist David Shifrin. Akropolis has even performed with HarperCollins published author and scientist, Vic Strecher. In April 2017, Akropolis' residency in Abu Dhabi featured a performance of Marc Mellits' Splinter with original Arabic poetry performed by Khalifa University students, written around Mellits' music. Establishing Akropolis WORKS in 2016, Akropolis' members teach an annual 7-week music business mini-course at the University of Michigan as well as two semester-long courses at Michigan State University. They have delivered WORKS lectures to university musicians around the United States on marketing, financial planning, brand identity, and more. Equally committed to students K-12, Akropolis reached over 10,000 K-12 students in 2018. They conduct an annual school year long residency with students at three Detroit high schools including chamber music and music composition. Winner of a coveted Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant, Akropolis has premiered more than 50 works from composers in 7 countries and was selected to adjudicate and premiere the 2018 Barlow Prize funded by the Barlow Endowment, the first time the prize was given for a reed quintet work. Akropolis' members are the first of any reed quintet to judge major chamber music competitions including the Fischoff (2018) and Chamber Music Yellow Springs (2019) competitions. Akropolis produces a YouTube Web Premiere Series with more than 50,000 views, showcasing new works, arrangements, and composer interviews for a live Internet audience. In 2012 Akropolis created Akropolis Collection and has now sold over 400 original and arranged sheet music works to more than 100 new and established reed quintets. Akropolis regularly appears in unconventional settings, including performances in office spaces in Detroit as part of its Corporate-to-Corner Tour in January 2017. In May 2016 Akropolis conducted a live recording session featuring audience participation for John Steinmetz's Sorrow and Celebration for reed quintet and audience, which Akropolis commissioned in 2014. Akropolis presents its annual Together We Sound festival in Detroit each June, bringing together multidisciplinary collaborators, new works, and educational outreach to increase arts access throughout the city. Akropolis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by individuals around the world. All Akropolis events include informative musical introductions and a chance to greet the artists. Originating at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Akropolis remains its founding members: Tim Gocklin (oboe), Kari Landry (clarinet), Matt Landry (saxophone), Andrew Koeppe (bass clarinet), and Ryan Reynolds (bassoon). Akropolis is represented exclusively by Ariel Artists. Contact Matthew Kulas at matthew@arielartists.com for booking.   If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support! Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice. THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson. Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!   MIND OVER FINGER: www.mindoverfinger.com https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/ https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/   Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

TBJ110: Listener's Choice - How to Start a Brass Group, Part 2 In this Listener's Choice episode, Andrew & Lance follow up with more information on starting a brass group. Topics include: Killer squirrels Rehearsal techniques How will you present the art? Being producers of music vs. consumers of music Lindberg (not that one) Collaborations with other artists like the T'Ang Quartet, Imani Winds, Enso Quartet, etc. How do you find gigs? Working with management How to spend $20,000 Do the legwork LINKS: Want to help the show? Here are some ways: Help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes. Show us some love on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron. Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.) Tell your friends! Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.

Valerie Coleman was creative long before learning how to play the flute. At a young age, she started to write music down and began writing symphonies by the time she was 11. Since then, Valerie Coleman has established her career as the flutist and resident composer of the wind quintet, Imani Winds. Valerie shared with me more about collaboration, composition, and the next phase in her career.

Flute 360 | Episode 37: “An Interview with Valerie Coleman” (40:37) In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Professor Valerie Coleman who is a flutist, composer, and teacher. In August of 2018, she was appointed as Assistant Professor of Performance, Chamber Music, and Entrepreneurship at Frost School of Music in Miami, Florida! Today, Heidi and Valerie talk about the creative process and Valerie’s past and current projects! Episode 37 – Main Points: 1:00 – Welcome! 1:17 – Frost School of Music, FL 2:12 – Valerie’s Background 2:50 – Valerie’s Compositions 2:59 – Trudy Kane, flutist 3:06 – Flute New Music Consortium 3:18 – Carol Wincenc, flutist 4:00 – NFA: 2018 Convention in Orlando 4:25 – Imani Winds 5:48 – “Taking risks is saying: Make a commitment!” – Valerie 6:45 – Marcel Moyse, flutist 7:34 – Imposter syndrome! 7:58 – “Proper practice prevents piss poor performance!” – Quote 9:06 – Question: How did you get into composing? 9:12 – Valerie’s Answer 12:04 – Valerie’s mother runs a daycare (going strong for 53 years)! 14:16 – Question: What is your writing process like? 14:33 – Valerie’s Answer 14:58 – Reference to Gary Schocker’s Episode 36 – check it out here! 18:20 – Being aware of what you are doing with your body! 19:15 – Improvise! 23:40 – Question: What is your favorite composition? 24:18 – Valerie’s Answer 24:38 – “Everything has its season!” – Valerie 25:57 – Henri Matisse, French artist 27:09 – Question: Any suggestions for the budding new composer? 27:27 – Gary Schocker, flutist 27:45 – “You are already creative!” – Valerie 28:52 – Dutilleux’s Sonatine for flute and piano – purchase here! 29:50 – “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert 33:00 – Question: Any last comments? 33:13 – Valerie Coleman, Amanda Harberg, and Nicole Chamberlain’s course - Summer of 2020! (University of South Carolina – 1st year!) 34:32 – Dedication to Katherine Hoover! 39:10 – Conclusion Episode 37 – Picks: Heidi Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oils! Episode 37 – Resources Mentioned: “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert Frost School of Music at The University of Miami Valerie Coleman’s Website Valerie Coleman’s Compositions Theodore Presser – Valerie Coleman Frost School of Music's News - Valerie Coleman YouTube Video: “Celebrating Women Composers” Valerie Coleman Performs “Fanmi Imèn” at NFA (2018) Imani Winds Imani Winds Perform “Umoja” Heidi Kay Begay’s Website Episode 37 – Sponsors: J&K Productions’ Website

For this episode, we discuss recent epiphanies that we're bringing with us back into the school year! For our interview, we welcome Alison Teale, Principal Cor Anglais player with the BBC Symphony Orchestra! Learn more about Alison at http://www.alisonteale.com This episode is brought to you by Jende Reed Knives (www.jendeindustries.com, Jennet Ingle Reeds(jennetingle.com/about-jennet-ingle-reeds/), JDW Sheet Music (www.jdwsheetmusic.com/), and MKL Reeds (MKLReeds.com). In this episode: LunART Festival: https://www.lunartfestival.org/ Imani Winds: http://www.imaniwinds.com/ BBC Symphony: https://www.bbc.co.uk/symphonyorchestra

Podcast and live radio collide in an evening of music inspired by fractals, dynamic systems, feedback loops and nature. Open G Records and Access Contemporary Music present: Caroline Mallonee‘s Butterfly Effect, a string quartet inspired by the idea that a butterfly flapping its wings in Australia could cause a tornado in Texas, Chin Ting Chan's gorgeously abrasive Fractals, Lyudmila German's nod to organic systems Six Fragments and Four Miniatures, David Glaser's haunting Moonset No. 1 and two world premieres written for acclaimed soprano Sharon Harms and clarinetist Mark Dover of Imani Winds. Late Night at National Sawdust is a quarterly live taping of Relevant Tones, a contemporary music podcast hosted by Seth Boustead that will also be broadcast in real time on the nationally syndicated WFMT Radio Network and on WKCR in New York. Live radio has never been so intimate. The broadcast will be preceded by the Discovery Series, a process-oriented exploration of musical creativity led by composer/pianist Jeremy Gill. The three composers to be performed, chosen from a pool of more than five hundred, are Henrique Coe, Adina Dumitrescu and Ryan Homsey.

Jeffrey Scott, composer and horn player with Imani Winds, joins Andrew & Lance to discuss how he and the group got started. Imani Winds has charted new ground in the medium for 19 years and Jeff explains how they found their mission. Jeff covers his development as a composer, the need for entrepreneurial skills, how they set up residencies, marketing and what it was like to replace a long-standing group member. We also relive the fun we had back in the day when Boston Brass and Imani Winds joined forces onstage in an evening of music by Miles Davis. Oh, and Jeff thought Jens was a trombone player. You can’t make this stuff up. Links: http://www.imaniwinds.com/ http://www.musicbyjeffscott.com/ Want to help the show? Take a minute to leave us a rating and a review on iTunes. You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated! Produced by Joey Santillo  

Medverkar gör fagottisten Monica Ellis i ensemblen Imani Winds, tonsättaren Nkeiru Okoye och countertenoren Darryl Taylor. Monica Ellis bor i Harlem och spelar fagott i blåskvintetten Imani Winds, vilket betyder tillit och förtroende på swahili. Gruppen, tre kvinnor och två män, firar 2017 tjugoårsjubileum! - Klangen och färgerna i instrumenten är unika, annorlunda än stråkkvartetter eller pianotrios. Våra gemensamma musikaliska rötter är mångfaldiga: klassisk musik, jazz, rythmnblues och negro spirituals säger Monica Ellis. Vi är stolta över att representera våra rötter på det här sättet. Nkeiru Okoye komponerade operan Harriet Tubman, When I Crossed that Line. Harriet Tubman var en f d slav som blev frihetskämpe och var en av dem som räddade 300 slavar från den amerikanska södern genom de underjordiska järnvägarna. Harriet Tubman sjunger i operan: Solen lyser som guld genom träden. Det känns som om jag är i himlen. Jag gick över gränsen och jag är fri! Countertenoren Darryl Taylor grundade 1997 The African American Art Songs Alliance. Ett arkiv och en samlingsplats på nätet för konstfulla sånger i den afroamerikanska traditionen. Han har spelat in en CD med Negro Spirituals arrangerade av konstmusiktonsättare. - Bland operastjärnor av idag kan jag bara komma på en enda svart tenor i hela världen! Svarta barytoner får ofta jobb som operans skurkar, Scarpia i Tosca eller Jago i Othello, berättar Darryl Taylor. Musiklista:SYMFONI NR 1William Grant Still,John Jeter/ Fort Smith SymphonyNAXOS 14590, 8.5591743 Visions - No. 2. SummerlandWilliam Grant Still,Althea Waites PianoCambria Cd 1097, CAMBRIA CD-1097 AMAZING GRACETrad, Hale SmithJohn NewtonDarryl Taylor / Brent McmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244Homage To DukeJeff Scott,Imani WindsKOCH INTERNATIONAL, CLASSIC SKIC-CD-7599 Homage To DukeJeff Scott,Imani WindsKOCH INTERNATIONAL, CLASSICS KIC-CD-7599Rite Of SpringStravinskij,Imani WindsGo Tell It On The MountainValerie Coleman,Imani WindsKOCH INTERNATIONAL, KIC-CD-7748 DE GOSPEL TRAINTrad Från Usa,Trad Från UsaMarian Anderson / Franz RuppURANIA 22858, URN 22.328DE GOSPEL TRAINTrad, Kurt Kaiser / Don Marsh / Patrick RussTradKathleen Battle / Jessye Norman / James LevineDGG 00174, 429 790-2Songs Of Harriet Tubman - 1. My Name Is AaramintaNkeiru Okoye,Louise ToppinJulius P Williams, dirigent Dvoand 345 K Symphony OrchestraAlbany Troy 1314, TROY1314Songs Of Harriet Tubman - 3. I Am Harriet TubmanNkeiru Okoye,Louise Toppin Julius P Williams, dirigentDvoand 345 K Symphony OrchestraAlbany Troy 1314, TROY1314 GUIDE MY FEETTrad Från USA, Jacqueline HairstonTrad Från USA Darryl Taylor / Brent McmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244OH PETER GO RING DEM BELLSTrad Från USA, Margaret BondsTrad Från USADarryl Taylor/ Brent McmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244SISTER MARY WORE THREE LENGTHS OF CHAINTrad, George WalkerDarryl Taylor / BrentMcmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244AIN'T GOT TIMET O DIETrad Från USA,Trad Från USARobert Mcferrin / Norman JohnsonRIVERSIDE 00325, RLP 12-812

Joséphine Baker - sångerska, dansare, regnbågsmamma och motståndskvinna som lyckades förverkliga sig och sina musikaliska drömmar 'mot alla odds'. Andra delen av "När vinden vänder". Medverkar gör fagottisten Monica Ellis i ensemblen Imani Winds från New York, pianisten Althea Waites från Los Angeles och dirigenten och tonsättaren Renée Baker från Chicago.Joséphine Bakers klassresa är gigantisk. Vinden vänder flera gånger. Från fattigdom och misär reser hon sig och blir den första afroamerikanska scenartist som når stjärnstatus. Joséphine Baker blir en av Europas mest populära och högst betalda artister - en riktig fashionista, som har en gepard som sällskapsdjur, blir filmstjärna, bor i ett slott med sina tolv adopterade barn och är bästis med furstinnan Grace av Monaco.Joséphine Baker föds 1906 och växer upp under knappa villkor i St Louis, Missouri. Hon arbetar som barnvakt och städerska hos rika, vita familjer redan som 8-åring.1917, när Joséphine Baker är 11 år, upplever hon ett av de värsta rasistiska dåden i USAs historia. Den s k Östra St Louis-massakern. Tusentals vita människor demolerar och bränner ner svarta människors hem och skjuter rakt in i folkmassor med afroamerikaner. Flera svarta lynchas efter utrop som Söderns negrer förtjänar en geniun lynchning. Mellan 100 och 200 människor dör i de våldsamma upploppen, de allra flesta afroamerikaner. Sex tusen afroamerikaner blir hemlösa efter massakern.Händelserna i Östra St Louis satte outplånliga spår hos Joséphine Baker och under hela sitt vuxna liv arbetar hon aktivt mot rasism. Redan under sina föreställningar på 20-och 30-talen kräver hon i kontrakten att även svarta skall ha tillåtelse att komma till hennes föreställningar.Joséphine Baker vinner sin första danstävling vid 14 års ålder. I samband med det här turnerar hon I USA med Jones Family Band och Dixie Steppers. Hon flyttar till New York och uppträder i The Chocolate Dandies ett namn som används av en mängd olika jazzensembler USA på 1920- och 1940-talen.Som liten upplever pianisten Althea Waites de 1876 instiftade Jim Crow-lagarna i USA, vilka möjliggör segregationen.- Vi svarta förbjuds att använda samma toaletter, restauranter, dricksvattenfontäner, bussar ja, t o m kyrkor som vita. Det finns skiljeväggar mellan säten för vita och svarta i bussarna. Svarta kan inte prova kläder i varuhusen och det finns biografer för vita dit svarta aldrig får tillträde, berättar Althea Waites.Joséphine Baker står inte ut med segregationen i USA utan köper 1925 en enkel biljett till en atlantångare och går i exil i Paris. Hon är endast 19 år gammal.Blåskvintetten Imani Winds gav nyligen ut cdn Joséphine Baker - A Life Of Le Jazz Hot!, med två sviter om artisten.- Nuförtiden känner många inte ens till Joséphine Baker. Därför vill vi ställa henne i rampjuset genom de scenshower vi sätter upp med musiken från vår cd, berättar Monica Ellis, fagottist i ensemblen.- Artistkretsarna i USA under 30- och 40-talen begränsar henne. De är så inskränkta att en kvinna, en så stor personlighet som Joséphine Baker, är tvungen att finna en plats där de uppskattar hennes talang.-Vinden vänder helt på fransk mark och Joséphine Baker upplever för första gången att publiken struntar i hennes hudfärg och ser henne som den artist hon är. Detta är Joséphins viktigaste vändpunkt och hon använder den till att skapa sin magnifika karriär, säger fagottisten Monica Ellis i programmet.Joséphine Baker inleder sin Parisvistelse med att framträda I föreställningen La Revue Nègre, Neger-revyn, på Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.Den ökända finalen, Vildens dans, väcker starka reaktioner hos vissa delar av publiken. Joséphine Baker dansar nämligen topless, endast iklädd fjäderboa vid stussen och huvudet. Hon har stora örhängen och skelar med ögonen. Jospéhine Baker har med sin dans skapat en skandalsuccé!- Vissa anser att Joséphine Baker tjänar pengar på att uttrycka parisarnas fördomsfulla syn på afroamerikaner som abnorma freaks som sysslar med pajaserier. Många svarta tar illa vid sig över den där driften med svarta kvinnors kroppar och deras bakdelar, säger dirigenten och tonsättaren Renée Baker, som bildade 50-personersgruppen Chicago Modern Orchestra Project.- Joséphine Baker blir extremt sexualiserad, speciellt av vita män. Själv ser hon inte enbart sig själv som sexobjekt, utan använder sig av det dramatiska, det provokativa och det som mest chockar publiken, säger Monica Ellis.- Jag förstår att hon gör så här för att visa att hon är en stor artist, helt enkelt! Hon använder de instrument hon har; sin kropp och sin skönhet. När vi nu kan vi se hela bilden är dessa uppträdanden bara ett utsnitt ur det bildspel som är hela hennes konstnärliga historia, förklarar fagottisten Monica Ellis.I Paris spelar Joséphine Baker in filmroller som Siren of the Tropics, Zou-Zou och Princessan Tam-Tam. 1935 tar hon sånglektioner inför sin roll som Dora, dottern till guvernören i Guadeloupe, i Offenbachs komiska opera La Créole.1936 gör hon än en gång succé. Denna gång med föreställningen La Folie du Jour dagens galenskap - där hon dansar endast iklädd bh, strass och 16 konstgjorda bananer runt midjan. Här utför hon de kända Charleston-rörelserna där armarna korsas över knäna. En del ser de här gula frukterna som symboler för manliga könsorgan. Joséphine Baker får smeknamn som Svarta Pärlan, Brons Venus och Kreolgudinnna. Över hundra män friar till henne.Joséphine Baker är nu en av Europas mest populära och högst betalda artister och promenerar nedför Champs-Élysées med sin gepard Chiquita, gullar med sin get Toutoute eller dränker sin gris Albert i dyra parfymer.Hon återvänder till New York i mitten av 30-talet för att medverka i föreställningen Ziegfield Follies på Broadway. Det svarta samhället i Harlem hyllar henne, men varken den vita publiken eller vita recensenter i USA accepterar att en afroamerikansk kvinna kan vara sofistikerad och glamorös. I New York Times kallas Joséphine Baker för 'negerslinka'.Hon återvänder till Frankrike. Hon blir fransk medborgare 1937 och uppsäger samtidigt sitt amerikanska medborgarskap.- I Joséphine Bakers liv vänder vinden många gånger, anser fagottisten Monica Ellis. Bland annat när hon arbetar för den franska motståndsrörelsen under andra världskriget. Hon inser att hon är duglig även utanför scenen och filmduken och får visa vilken humanist hon är.Under nazisternas ockupation av Frankrike arbetar Joséphine Baker för den franska motståndsrörelsen genom att smuggla meddelanden bland sina notblad eller i underkläderna.- Att Joséphine Baker skulle utföra den här typen av hemliga uppdrag är för många helt osannolikt, och det gör henne än mer undercover, skrattar Monica Ellis. Sångerskan använder smarta, listiga och varierande sätt att göra en insats för det hon tror på. Hon är en extraordinär kvinna.Joséphine Baker är en föregångare till Marilyn Monroe och Madonna. Eller en legering av dessa båda artistiska ättlingar. Men hur kunde då Joséphine Baker, som var så ensam i sitt slag, vara så extremt stark och målmedveten?- Elasticiteten hos ett förtryckt folk är speciell, förklarar Monica Ellis. Det sista du tänker på är att du är förtryckt. Du funderar ständigt på hur du skall komma ur din misär, hur du skall kunna förverkliga det du har inom dig; dina drömmar, ditt kall. Du tänker inte på svårigheterna utan på vad som ligger framför dig. Hur tiderna skall förändras, avslutar fagottisten Monica Ellis i blåskvintetten Imani Winds.Den 8 april 1975 firar Joséphine Baker sina 50 år som entertainer genom en revy på varitéteatern Bobino på Montparnasse, på Seines vänstra strand i Paris. Den är finansierad av bl a Grace av Monaco och Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Fyra dagar senare avlider Joséphine Baker i en hjärnblödning. Hon är knappt 69 år gammal. Paris hylllar henne med en begravning värd en statschef och skjuter en salut med 21 skott.Låtlista:12:03 Billie Holiday, Harry Edison, Ben Webster, Jimmy Rowles, Barney Kessel, Red Mitchell, Alvin Stoller - Body And Soul Album: Holiday For Lovers Kompositör: Johnny Green Bolag: VERVE 12:05 Josephine Baker, Jo Bouillon - Don'T Touch My Tomatoes Album: My Greatest Songs Kompositör: Trad Bolag: RCA 12:08 Josephine Baker - Lonesome Lovesick Blues Album: Bravo A Josephine Baker Kompositör: Spencer Williams Bolag: COLUMBIA 12:13 Joséphine Baker, Adrien Lamy, Melodic-Jazz Du Casino De Paris, Edmond Mahieux - J'Ai Deux Amours Album: Exotique Kompositör: Vincent Scotto Bolag: FLAPPER 12:18 Josephine Baker - I Want To Yodel Album: Bravo A Josephine Baker Kompositör: W Spencer Bolag: COLUMBIA 12:20 Joséphine Baker - Sans Amour Album: Exotique Kompositör: Charles Borel-Clerc Bolag: FLAPPER 12:25 Imani Winds - La Belle Sirène Comme Le Comedienne/ I Journey Across The Ocean Kompositör: Jeff Scott Bolag: KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS 12:27 Josephine Baker, Comedian Harmonists, Erwin Bootz - EspabilateAlbum: Joséphine Baker 1933-1937 Kompositör: Eliseo Grenet Bolag: CHANSOPHONE 12:29 Joséphine Baker, Melodic-Jazz Du Casino De Paris, Edmond Mahieux - La Petite TonkinoiseAlbum: Exotique Kompositör: Vincent Scotto, G Villard Bolag: FLAPPER 12:34 Josephine Baker - MadianaAlbum: Joséphine Baker 1933-1937 Kompositör: Maiotte-Almaby Bolag: CHANSOPHONE 12:37 Imani Winds - La Belle Sirène Comme Le Comedienne/ Ii One Ticket PleaseKompositör: Jeff Scott Bolag: KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS 12:43 Joséphine Baker, Le Jazz Du Poste-Parisien, Al Romaine - HaitiAlbum: Exotique Kompositör: Vincent Scotto Bolag: FLAPPER 12:46 Josephine Baker, Wal-Berg - I'M Feelin' Like A MillionAlbum: Joséphine Baker 1933-1937 Kompositör: Nacio Herb Brown Bolag: CHANSOPHONE 12:50 Imani Winds - Portraits Of Josephine Baker Vi Les Milandes Imani WindsKompositör: Valerie Coleman Bolag: KOCH INTERNATIONAL CLASSICS 12:53 Josephine Baker, John Ellsworth - Doudou Album: Joséphine Baker 1933-1937 Kompositör: Pothier, Maurice Hermite, Pipon Bolag: CHANSOPHONE 12:56 Josephine Baker, Jo Bouillon - Je Voudrais Album: My Greatest Songs Kompositör: Bruno Coquatrix Bolag: RCA 12:59 Joséphine Baker - The Times They Are A-Changing Album: Live At Carnegie Hall Kompositör: Bob Dylan Bolag: TELE GENERAL STUDIOS

Om Joséphine Baker, sångerska, dansare, regnbågsmamma. Med fagottisten Monica Ellis och tonsättaren Renée Baker. Del 2 av 5 av Birgitta Tollan. Birgitta Tollans nya programserie "När vinden vänder" handlar om människor som lyckades förverkliga sig och sina musikaliska drömmar ”mot alla odds”. Medverkar gör fagottisten Monica Ellis i ensemblen Imani Winds från New York, pianisten Althea Waites från Los Angeles och dirigenten och tonsättaren Renée Baker från Chicago. Joséphine Bakers klassresa är gigantisk. Vinden vänder flera gånger. Från fattigdom och misär reser hon sig och blir den första afroamerikanska scenartist som når stjärnstatus. Joséphine Baker blir en av Europas mest populära och högst betalda artister - en riktig fashionista, som har en gepard som sällskapsdjur, blir filmstjärna, bor i ett slott med sina tolv adopterade barn och är bästis med furstinnan Grace av Monaco. Joséphine Baker föds 1906 och växer upp under små villkor i St Louis, Missouri. Hon arbetar som barnvakt och städerska hos rika, vita familjer redan som 8-åring. 1917, när Joséphine Baker är 11 år, upplever hon ett av de värsta rasistiska dåden i USA’s historia. Den s k Östra St Louis-massakern. Tusentals vita människor demolerar och bränner ner svarta människors hem och skjuter rakt in i folkmassor med afroamerikaner. Flera svarta lynchas efter utrop som ”Söderns negrer förtjänar en geniun lynchning”. Mellan 100 och 200 människor dör i de våldsamma upploppen, de allra flesta afroamerikaner. Sex tusen afroamerikaner blir hemlösa efter massakern. Händelserna i Östra St Louis satte outplånliga spår hos Joséphine Baker som under hela sitt vuxna liv aktivt arbetar mot rasism. Redan under sina föreställningar under 20-och 30-talen kräver hon i kontrakten att även svarta skall ha tillåtelse att komma till hennes föreställningar. Joséphine Baker vinner sin första danstävling vid 14 års ålder. I samband med det här turnerar hon I USA med Jones Family Band och Dixie Steppers. Hon flyttar till New York och uppträder i The Chocolate Dandies ett namn som används av en mängd olika jazzensembler USA på 1920- och 1940-talen. Som liten upplever pianisten Althea Waites de 1876 instiftade Jim Crow-lagarna i USA, vilka möjliggör segregationen. - Vi svarta förbjuds att använda samma toaletter, restauranter, dricksvattenfontäner, bussar ja, t o m kyrkor som vita. Det finns skiljeväggar mellan säten för vita och svarta i bussarna. Svarta kan inte prova kläder i varuhusen och det finns biografer för vita dit svarta aldrig får tillträde, berättar Althea Waites. Joséphine Baker står inte ut med segregationen i USA utan köper 1925 en enkel biljett till en atlantångare och går i exil i Paris. Hon är endast 19 år gammal. Blåskvintetten Imani Winds gav nyligen ut cd’n Joséphine Baker - A Life Of Le Jazz Hot!, med två sviter om artisten. - Nuförtiden känner många inte ens till Joséphine Baker. Därför ville vi ställa henne i rampjuset genom de scenshower vi satte upp med musiken från vår cd, berättar Monica Ellis, fagottist i ensemblen. - Artistkretsarna i USA under 30- och 40-talen begränsar henne. De är så inskränkta att en kvinna med en så stor personlighet är tvungen att finna en plats där de uppskattar hennes talang. -Vinden vänder helt på fransk mark och Joséphine Baker upplever för första gången att publiken inte bryr sig om hennes hudfärg utan istället ser henne som den artist hon är. Detta är Joséphins viktigaste vändpunkt och hon använder den till att skapa sin magnifika karriär, säger fagottisten Monica Ellis i programmet. Joséphine Baker inleder sin Parisvistelse med att framträda I föreställningen La Revue Nègre, Neger-revyn, på Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. Den ökända finalen, Vildens dans, väcker starka reaktioner hos vissa delar av publiken. Joséphine Baker dansar nämligen topless, endast iklädd fjäderboa vid stussen och huvudet. Hon har stora örhängen och skelar med ögonen. Jospéhine Baker har med sin dans skapat en skandalsuccé! - Vissa anser att Joséphine Baker tjänar pengar på att uttrycka parisarnas fördomsfulla syn på afroamerikaner som abnorma freaks som sysslar med pajaserier. Många svarta tar illa vid sig över den där driften med svarta kvinnors kroppar och deras bakdelar, säger dirigenten och tonsättaren Renée Baker, som bildade 50-personersgruppen Chicago Modern Orchestra Project. - Joséphine Baker blir extremt sexualiserad, speciellt av vita män. Själv ser hon inte enbart sig själv som sexobjekt, utan använder sig av det dramatiska, det provokativa och det som mest chockar publiken, säger Monica Ellis. - Jag förstår att hon gör så här för att visa att hon är en stor artist, helt enkelt! Hon använder de instrument hon har; sin kropp och sin skönhet. Nu kan vi se hela bilden och då är dessa uppträdanden bara ett utsnitt ur det bildspel som är hela hennes konstnärliga historia, förklarar fagottisten Monica Ellis. I Paris spelar Joséphine Baker in filmroller som Siren of the Tropics, Zou-Zou och Princessan Tam-Tam. 1935 tar hon sånglektioner inför sin roll som Dora, dottern till guvernören i Guadeloupe, i Offenbach’s komiska opera La Créole. 1936 gör hon än en gång succé. Denna gång med föreställningen La Folie du Jour – dagens galenskap - där hon dansar endast iklädd bh, strass och 16 konstgjorda bananer runt midjan. Här utför hon de kända Charleston-rörelserna där armarna korsas över knäna. En del ser de här gula frukterna som symboler för manliga könsorgan. Joséphine Baker får smeknamn som Svarta Pärlan, Brons Venus och Kreolgudinnna. Över hundra män friar till henne. Joséphine Baker är nu en av Europas mest populära och högst betalda artister och promenerar nedför Champs-Élysées med sin gepard Chiquita, gullar med sin get Toutoute eller dränker sin gris Albert i dyra parfymer. Hon återvänder till New York i mitten av 30-talet för att medverka i föreställningen Ziegfield Follies på Broadway. Det svarta samhället i Harlem hyllar hennes vistelse, men varken den vita publiken eller vita recensenter i USA accepterar att en afroamerikansk kvinna kan vara sofistikerad och glamorös. I New York Times kallas Joséphine Baker för “negerslinka”. Hon återvänder till Frankrike. Hon blir fransk medborgare 1937 och uppsäger samtidigt sitt amerikanska medborgarskap. - I Joséphin Bakers liv vänder vinden många gånger, anser fagottisten Monica Ellis. Bland annat när hon arbetar för den franska motståndsrörelsen under andra världskriget. Hon inser att hon är duglig även utanför scenen och filmduken och får visa vilken människovän hon är. Under nazisternas ockupation av Frankrike arbetar Joséphine Baker för den franska motståndsrörelsen genom att smuggla meddelanden bland sina notblad eller i underkläderna. - Joséphine Baker var en helt osannolik person att utföra den här typen av hemligt uppdrag, och det gjorde henne ännu ner undercover, skrattar Monica Ellis. Sångerskan använder smarta, listiga och varierande sätt att göra en insats för det hon tror på. Hon är en extraordinär kvinna. Joséphine Baker är en föregångare till Marilyn Monroe och Madonna. Eller en legering av dessa båda artistiska ättlingar. Men hur kunde då Joséphine Baker, som var så ensam i sitt slag, vara så extremt stark och målmedveten? - Elasticiteten hos ett förtryckt folk är speciell, förklarar Monica Ellis. Det sista du tänker på är att du är förtryckt. Du funderar ständigt på hur du skall komma ur din misär, hur du skall kunna förverkliga det du har inom dig; dina drömmar, ditt kall. Du tänker inte på svårigheterna utan på vad som ligger framför dig. Hur tiderna skall förändras, avslutar fagottisten Monica Ellis i blåskvintetten Imani Winds. Den 8 april 1975 firar Joséphine Baker sina 50 år som entertainer genom en revy på varitéteatern Bobino på Montparnasse, på Seines vänstra strand i Paris. Den är finansierad av bl a Grace av Monaco och Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Fyra dagar senare avlider Joséphine Baker i en hjärnblödning. Hon är knappt 69 år gammal. Paris hylllar henne med en begravning värd en statschef och skjuter en salut med 21 skott. Manus, regi och produktion: Birgitta Tollan.

Det tredje programmet av tio i Birgitta Tollans serie How sweet the sound. Medverkar gör fagottisten Monica Ellis, tonsättaren Nkeiru Okoye och countertenoren Darryl Taylor. Monica Ellis bor i Harlem och spelar fagott i blåskvintetten Imani Winds, vilket betyder tillit och förtroende på swahili. Gruppen, fyra kvinnor och en man, har existerat i 16 år. - Klangen och färgerna i instrumenten är unika, annorlunda än stråkkvartetter eller pianotrios. Våra gemensamma musikaliska rötter är mångfaldiga: klassisk musik, jazz, rythm’nblues och negro spirituals säger Monica Ellis. Vi är stolta äver att representera våra rötter på det här sättet. Nkeiru Okoye komponerade operan ”Harriet Tubman, When I Crossed that Line”. Harriet Tubman var en f d slav som blev frihetskämpe och var en av dem som räddade 300 slavar från den amerikanska södern genom de”underjordiska järnvägarna”. Harriet Tubman sjunger i operan: ”Solen lyser som guld genom träden. Det känns som om jag är i himlen. Jag gick över gränsen och jag är fri!” Countertenoren Darryl Taylor grundade 1997 The African American Art Songs Alliance. Ett arkiv och en samlingsplats på nätet för konstfulla sånger i den afroamerikanska traditionen. Han har spelat in en CD med Negro Spirituals arrangerade av konstmusiktonsättare. - Bland operastjärnor av idag kan jag bara komma på en enda svart tenor – i hela världen! Svarta barytoner får ofta jobb som operans skurkar, Scarpia i Tosca eller Jago i Othello, berättar Darryl Taylor. För manus, regi och produktion står Birgitta Tollan.

VIDEO: Imani Winds perform 'Red Clay Mississippi Delta' Imani Winds was a novelty when it first arrived on the scene in 1997, a wind quintet that veered away from the customary European classical fare to focus on compositions drawing from African and Latin American styles and idioms. Composers like Astor Piazzolla, Paquito D’Rivera and Wayne Shorter were the group's mainstays. So were arrangements of spirituals or songs by jazz singer Josephine Baker. Critics and audiences praised the quintet's freshness and accessibility. But its members started to feel pigeonholed. "At the beginning of our career, we used to do a lot of children's concerts,” Toyin Spellman-Diaz, the quintet’s oboist, told WQXR's Jeff Spurgeon. “That was kind of our vehicle into the large concert stage. People would hire us to do a bunch of residency activities in their town and we would do a main stage concert.” By playing for kids the quintet learned how to ratchet up their on-stage energy, a skill that also served increasingly distracted adults. “But making that into a more sophisticated thing, and learning how to be sophisticated artists, that’s our next evolution,” said Spellman-Diaz. “Our manager has this phrase: 'we’re trying to go from being successful to being significant.'" By any measure, the Imani Winds has been a success. The group has taken an outlier format in chamber music – lacking the deep repertoire of a string quartet – and has commissioned dozens of works. It has released eight recordings, the latest being an arrangement of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring for EMI. Along with touring, the group is a staple on Public Radio stations across the U.S. In an effort to build a sharper identity in New York, the quintet has launched the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival, which begins its fourth installment this Thursday. The four-day event features performances at Juilliard, Christ & St. Stephen’s Church and Bryant Park, plus a daylong symposium at Mannes College of Music, and an emerging composers workshop. The Imani will perform with violinist Lara St. John and host guest ensembles like the Zodiac Trio and Project Trio. “The festival came about as a macrocosm of what we do on the road, which is to perform an evening concert and go and give a master class at the local conservatory or school of music,” said Mariam Adam, the group’s clarinetist. “That recipe became necessary for us to expand on.” Adam notes that the quintet's recent tours abroad have been a wakeup call. The exposure to other styles "has been wonderful to regain a concept of what the wind quintet is and what it can be,” she said. As the Imani Winds members seek to deepen their profile, the members face the immediate reality of family life. Flutist Valerie Coleman is currently away on maternity leave (Sato Moughalian is filling in) and bassoonist Monica Ellis is expecting a baby shortly. The group plans to use substitutes, said Spellman-Diaz, noting that both children are due two days apart from each other. "It’s a testament to women living together in harmony in that we are very much joined together in a way that we don’t understand at this point," she joked. Video: Amy Pearl; Audio: George Wellington; Text & Production: Brian Wise

Composer Daniel Bernard Roumain and Imani Winds discuss and rehearse the Carnegie Hall–commissioned piece "Five Chairs and One Table."

Watch a great performance of original works by Imani Winds Wind Quintet and then get to know the members Valerie Coleman, Toyin Spellman, Mariam Adam & Monica EllisMusic Academy onLive