SCORE STUDY EPISODE #1: CHORALE AND SHAKER DANCE

I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS COMPOSITION OR THIS RECORDING, THEY ARE THE PROPERTIES OF THE COMPOSER, PUBLISHER AND PERFORMER. THIS VIDEO IS SOLELY FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES AND HAS BEEN MONETIZED FOR THE COPYRIGHT OWNERS.

Chorale and Shaker Dance (1972)
Composed by John P. Zdechlik
Published by the Neil A. Kjos Music Company
Performed by The University of North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Corporon conducting.
Reduction and Analysis by Anthony J. O'Toole

[benjamintschirhart]

This was the very last piece I played in HS band. That was for my state assessment in March 2020. The evening we got back to school was the last time I'd see the building in-person until my graduation later that year. While I cannot say I have fully moved on from my anger at the fact that I was not able to properly end that portion of my life, I am grateful two years onward that this piece was my finale. I was on timpani, and somehow, until listening to this piece again (for the first time since that night) I had forgotten just how powerful the ending of this piece is, especially for that instrument. The cinematic finale to this marvelous composition is quite fitting to have ended what will always be one of the most important experiences of my life.

[IgnisConsumens]

“Pieces I have played in honors and community bands” is a YouTube genre I consult rather often. This was one of the former, in 1992. Thanks for the insights.

[pukalo]

I love the "god chords" the composer uses in the final 5 bars.

[patgibsonguitar]

I thnk it's awesome you posted this, it brought back some HS Band memories, that's for sure.

[rxjmak]

This took me back to high school days, this was one of my faves and our symphony band absolutely murdered this at district and state festivals. I played the keyboard one creative choice that I made that my director didn't hate (and if memory serves me correctly, I got a shout out in the judge's notes for doing this....) - the bells part at S - I did that on chimes....gave it a little more depth and matched the brass a little better.

[pukalo]

I played this piece in 2014 (bass clarinet). Definitely one of my favourites, especially around 4:20. Thank you for doing the score analysis.

[Omegafoxx]

This brings back so many good memories of playing in a band in Highschool and College. One of my most favorite songs in my life time. Shout outs to Melvin Maxwell, and Steven Matthews. Some of the best teachers and conductors who really shaped my life.

[DianaGee]

Zdechlik passed away 3 days ago, may he rest in peace :(

[ukestasz]

Great help getting mallet entrances, as well as digging into rich sonorities of the work.

[ericashmusic]

Just a qwk mention; the Shaker tune ? is actually much older written by St Francis of Assisi in 1225 & known as 'The Canticle of the Sun', The original is quite Wonderful. and plus a shout out for Anthony O'T, for a 'good job' here on this piece.

[imuawarriors]

brilliant! love the ending of this song... that shaker melody is so inspiring...

[AlexandriPatris]

Thanks for posting this. It really helped me prepare for the performance this evening. The snare part from [233] to the end was killing me, so I spent the 2 weeks since our last rehearsal playing along with the recording.
Having the reduced score also helped me to discover that my part was missing 2 measures prior to [271].

[shiquote]

While I absolutely love playing in my band, and I do enjoy listening to band and orchestra pieces, my taste in wind band music is very much limited to what my director likes (which is a lot of Tichelli). I initially discovered your channel through your breakdown of Rocky Point, and that led me to this playlist of score breakdowns. While i do quite like Tichelli’s take on Simple Gifts, this channel let me discover this arrangement of it, which has in turn become my favorite arrangement of the tune. Thank you for broadening my taste in composers and letting me branch out with what pieces I should pay attention to!

[rickydeleonabreu]

You should make a score study for Grainger’s Molly on the Shore

[mhsbandfan]

Junior year of HS on Bassoon. Brings back memories!

[FunksIncKeys]

Thanks, played this my senior year in HS and haven't heard it since !!!

[geraldwatts]

Thanks for the thorough analysis! This was one of my favorite pieces from my high school glory year, after making the cut for wind symphony. We got first place in the state band festival that year!

[luxinveritate]

Another great analysis to another inspiring concert band piece. Clear and concisely labeled.

[obinnanwakwue]

I'm here from the last 5 bars and I hope I get to play this eventually

[baucums]

Love these score study videos. Hope you can publish H. O. Reed’s La Fiest Mexicana!