Scully Notes

First Discussion for my Online Summer Jazz Appreciation Class

2011-06-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

So, with a summer session class on the books I'll be working this summer. Since I'm pretty bad at keeping up with the blogging I'm going to cross post the discussions from that class here for all to see.

Here is the first......

Hi folks -

One of the great things about a music class is that we all walk into that class with an idea about the topic. We ALL listen to music regularly - while we clean the house, cook dinner, drive to work or school or hang out with friends. This isn't like astro-physics where we walk into the class complete blank slates with regard to the topic.

We know something about music - we know what we like. But do we know why we like it?

That's what this discussion is about. What do you listen to and why? Don't default to, "because it has a good beat" or "because it sounds good". Try to dig deeper.

To that end, I'll go first...

What do I listen to? Well that is a loaded question. I listen to Eminem, Duncan Sheik, Ben Folds, Van Halen (early stuff!), Bjork, Imogen Heap and countless other things. And that isn't counting jazz and classical music which I love and adore as much as my children...

OK - that was over the top, but you get the point.

I listen to a lot of jazz artists, the usual suspects, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charles Mingus to start with. But I also listen to a lot of guitarists - like Pat Metheny, Wes Montgomery, Jonathan Kreisberg (who I brought to CSUB last year for a killin' show) and Lage Lund.

While what I listen to is very diverse, I have learned that I like smart music. Now, don't think that I mean I like music for and by smart people - that's not what I mean. I mean I like music that is smart, well crafted, well put together, unexpected, emotionally powerful, strong and undeniable. Music that doesn't let you sit there listlessly and have it wash over you. You need to meet it half way because it is challenging you in some way. Lyrically, harmonically, melodically, rhythmically, sonically. SOMETHING has to be pushing me musically - and then I respond. Usually very strongly.

So, I want to see/hear that the artist has poured himself/herself into the music in such a way that it is genuine and personal and forces itself upon you in a way that makes it impossible to ignore.

Some current(ish) songs that do that for me?

Earthbound Starlight by Duncan Sheik

Weightless by Becca Stevens Band

On the Radio by Regina Spektor

Claire's Ninth by Ben Folds

21 by Jonathan Kreisberg

That's just a few of thousands. Hopefully this will inspire you to dig deep and tell me something I don't know about the music that you love and cherish...

Enjoy,

JS

Theory/Form/Music Major Question

2010-09-25T07:26:00.001-07:00

Hi folks -

Here is another post I'll ask you to talk to. This assignment is different than I expected it to be - but very valuable.

The keynote talk yesterday was by Dr. David Meyers, Chair of the University of Minnesota Department of Music. Dr. Meyers' research is centered around the academic canon and how the curriculum (what we teach) relates to that. But that is not all. He is asking very pointed questions about WHAT we SHOULD be teaching in the 21st century and what we SHOULD NOT be teaching in the 21st century. What skills it is vital for an artist to have as they go out into the world, and how so many music programs are focusing on ancient and in some ways, outdated, obsolete traditions instead of being on the razor's edge of technological, musical and aesthetic development.

This is something I think about a lot - but the inertia involved with an Academic music program is pretty massive. To change offerings and the slant of a program would take a lot of collaborative work between all members of a program and it isn't something that is done lightly, or quickly.

To elaborate - his thought process was such: We are teaching students a set of skills (musicianship) at the exclusion of other skills - practical skills - that would allow them to better foster a career after graduation. Basically, there is a wealth of information that students learn to become - say - an orchestral player or player in a small chamber group in their local community. But what we aren't addressing is the idea that attendance to those events is down 39% over the last few years and by the time our current students are finished with school there may be little or no OPPORTUNITY to play in such a group because of attrition.

Why stick to a model of teaching that is going the way of the "do-do bird"?

We need to be - in addition to teaching musicianship - teaching you how to be a smart steward of your career. How to work with others - collaborate - to create your own opportunities for artistry. We need to teach you all how to make vital, meaningful connections with your communitities to both help your career and to help your community. By showing people the value of music in a society we can enrich their experiences, enrich our art and help create an interest in arts education that is lacking now.

His rationale was solid. He went on to talk about students today coming into college more aware of digital music, more likely to have recorded music in their home, more likely to have a clearly defined aesthetic because they are connected to their music all of the time through our mobile music players. Students have access to technology that brings the entire history of music to them daily!

Basically, the question I want to pose is this:

If you could create the curriculum for a department of music - come up with subjects that you would want to be able to study where you went - what what it look like? What skills/technology/topics etc. do you think are important to YOU as a musician and what would you absolutely NEED to study if you had the ability to study ANY subset within music?

I'll write more in a bit - but please talk to this last paragraph. Just a paragraph or two for each of you about your wants/needs in a music program.

Day 1 - CMS National

2010-09-23T21:20:00.001-07:00

Well, the first day of the College Music Society Conference is over and I am super tired and ready for rest so that I am ready for more music and discussion tomorrow.

So, a short recap of day 1.

8 AM - MAX/MSP getting started session. I was reminded of what I like about this programming language and I think I am ready to bring that technology into the fold at CSUB. The leader of the session, VJ Manzo was young, hip and engaging. Also, he is working on a book about MAX as a teaching tool.

For information on MAX/MSP, go to cycling74.com.

9 AM - A scholar from Argentina talked about the Tango.

Very cool discussion of a dance/song form that has permeated music from all over the world and has roots in Cuba (habanera).

A performance of modern Tango's followed with a quartet. Very good and lots of extended techniques they talked about that were idiomatic of the style.

11 AM - A talk about recording techniques that started poorly and was too simple for me. Basically how to get signal into a DAW.

A bit too "in the year 2000" for me.

There were a series of 10 minute talks about technology - one by a FB friend and a composer I have appeared with on many programs and two CD's recently - Jay Batzner.

It was great. He talked about the history of electronic music and how specific tunes have led to our current music. He drew a line from Xenakis to Lady Gaga - that's all you need to know. Jay is compelling, funny and smart. Nice to finally meet him and chat tonight.

After lunch, a panel of five theorists and musicologists talked about music by living composers - including two of my pieces.

Nico Shuler talked about Duality in Time and Bruce Taggart talked about Hop, Skip and Jump.

Both guys did a great job - Nico with a really cool analysis of each gesture and motive. He just dug in and got it all.

Bruce talked more about form and gesture and delineation of structure through gesture. Loved it all.

After the talk, a concert ensued where about 14 pieces were played, including my two pieces referenced above.

Michael Drapkin played "Hop" and he had some strong ideas about interpretation and even said that the piece was "overmarked". He changed the shape of the piece and while most of it worked just fine, his idea about tempo (about 12 BPM slower than I marked) was too slow. The piece stagnated a bit at that tempo - in my mind.

But, he played it really well, and made beautiful music with it. It's interesting, even too slow, the piece worked really well. I'd like it quicker, but it was good.

Evan Jones (Cello, Florida State Univ) and Rachel Bergman (Flute, George Mason) played Duality well. It was more dainty than I expected, less adventurous and less powerful. They played it well - but it lacked a bit of energy and power. But, again, I am very thankful to have these amazing players play my music. Just an awesome treat.

Thanks to all! Day 2
Is shorter. Thank God.

Jim

Discussion #1 for Theory AND Form Students

2010-09-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

Hi folks -

Sorry this is getting up later than I had hoped - just tired and busy getting ready for the Conference. I'll post about that tomorrow.

Anyway, today's discussion has to do with music that moves you.

As you can expect, there is a ton of music I listen to regularly. I do listen to classical music, but more often than not I am listening to jazz or singer/songwriter types like Ben Folds or Duncan Sheik. Especially when I am listening for pleasure - I listen to more "pop" music than classical or even jazz. Don't tell anyone I said that!

That said - there are certain composers that just absolute floor me with their artistry. Beethoven is one. Brahms is one, too. Of the more contemporary folks - Aaron Copland is someone that I have studied a lot, and someone that I find terribly musical.

So, for your viewing pleasure - here is the Fourth Movement from his 3rd Symphony - probably his most important work. His first two symphonies were composed earlier in his career - when he was a young man and before he found his more accessible voice. Copland, for all of his accessibility, was a beast of a composer as a young man.

Well, after finding a more subdued language - a language that he thought could express his musical point without alienating his audience - he composed this 3rd Symphony.

One of my Grad School teachers - Barney Gilmore - talked to me a lot about this piece. He really thinks of it as "America's Symphony". The themes throughout are SO reminiscent of what we NOW think of as "American" sonorities that the piece seems to ooze Americana from beat one of movement I through the triumphant coda of movement IV.

So, what you have here is Movement IV conducted by the composer.

Listen now - to the whole thing. I'll wait.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkY-TYTHRGU

Now - FORM students, I want you to talk about what you think is AMERICAN in this piece. That is purposefully broad - just dig in and talk/write about your feelings. It's a touchy/feely assignment. I want your thoughts.

THEORY students, I want you to talk about music (provide a link, too) that moves you - that makes you want to be a better musician. Music that, when you close your eyes and listen to your inner thoughts, reminds you of why you like to make music. It's the music of inspiration.

Write about that, please.

Gotta jet and get some sleep. Thanks for checking the blog - and be sure to give me your REAL name in your posting - so I know who is talking about what!

Take care and I'll post pictures and words about tomorrow after it happens. I have two pieces being played and discussed. Should be a really cool experience.

Good night, y'all.

Jim

Concert on Saturday night - 8/7/10.

2010-08-05T20:10:00.001-07:00

If anyone is in the Boston area on Saturday night (8/7/10) I hope you can join me, Dr. Nolan Stolz, Charles Turner and a host of great Boston area performers for a great night of new solo and chamber music.

The concert starts at 7:30 PM and is being held at the Lilypad (1353 Cambridge Street @ Inman Square).

The cost is $10 at the door and will feature a bunch of great Bostonian musicians. If you have any questions call me after 3 PM at 661.330.9304.

The concert is funded in part by a grant I received from American Composers Forum and will feature performances of my flute/cello duo Duplicitous Encounter by Ashley Addington and Rachel Arnold as well as my Sonata for Guitar performed by Keith Calmes.

Also appearing are guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan, horn player Samantha Benson and flutist Melanie Chirignan.

Hope to see you there!

Jim

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Location:Wood Rd,Braintree,United States

Rehearsal today was great!

2010-08-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

Just dropping a note on my blog to thank Rachel Arnold and Ashley Addington for a nice 45-minute rehearsal today in preparation for our recording session tomorrow.

At 3 PM tomorrow we start setting up at Fraser Studios at WGBH in Boston to record Duplicitous Encounter.

Going to be fun.

Then on Saturday Keith Calmes records the Sonata for Guitar.

Wow, I'm lucky!

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CMS National Update

2010-07-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

Just got word today that pre-concert lectures were added to the itinerary at CMS National. Before the 4 PM concert on September 23 - five of the 20 works will be discussed by scholars from around the country. Both of my works - Duality in Time and Hop, Skip and Jump - were selected for the panel.

Duality in Time

Dr. Bruce Taggart from Michigan State University will discuss Hop, Skip and Jump and Nico Schuler from Texas State University will discuss Duality in Time.

I am honored to be part of this experience and I'll be re-examining these pieces before this trip so that I am ready for any and all questions.

Guitar Arts Series update

2010-07-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

As you may know - CSUB is launching an annual Guitar Arts Series this year. This six concert series will bring artists from around the world to Bakersfield to present stunning programs featuring the diverse repertoire of the classical guitar. Solos, duos, trios, quartets and chamber music will all have their place on this concert series.

The concerts begin on Saturday October 9, 2010 with Los Angeles Based duo Gregory Newton and David Grimes. Newton and Grimes will perform in the Choral Recital Hall (MUS. 127) at 7:30 PM.

On Monday November 15, 2010 students and faculty from the CSUB guitar program perform solos, duos, trios and full ensemble works. This event will be held in the Choral Recital Hall (MUS. 127) at 7:30 PM.

CSUB Applied faculty member, Roger Allen Cope, performs on Saturday January 22, 2011 with various chamber players from Los Angeles. This concert will focus on exciting literature from the chamber music repertoire that features guitar. This concert will take place at the beautiful Metro Galleries and will start at 7:30 PM.

Bostonian Aaron Larget-Caplan visits CSUB on Friday February 25, 2011 for a recital of music from his recently released CD – New Lullaby Project. Larget-Caplan will perform at the beautiful Metro Galleries and will start at 7:30 PM.

On Sunday March 13, 2011 CSUB student guitarists will present a concert of chamber music with their peers in the CSUB Music Department. This Sunday afternoon event will be held in the Doré Theatre and begin at 4 PM.

The final concert of the inaugural season will feature Florian Larousse on April 14, 2011 at Metro Galleries at 7:30 PM. Mr. Larousse is the winner of the 2009 Guitar Foundation of America International Competition.

Ticket Prices:

With limited seating for these exclusive events, it is highly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance

Individual Concerts:  (six total events)

General Admission: $12

Seniors (60+): $8

Students: $6

Subscriber Rates:  

General Admission: $60 (16% savings)  

Seniors (60+): $40 (16% savings)  

Students: $30 (16% savings)

To subscribe to the series: Send a check for the appropriate amount (plus $4 for shipping & handling) payable to CSUB to:

A CSU Bakersfield Guitar Arts Concert Series Pass will be sent via return mail in 7-10 business days. If there is a concert during that delivery window, a ticket will be placed on reserve in your name at the ticket table.

How do I pre-order tickets for specific events?

Call (661) 654-2511 and leave the event name and date, your name, phone number and number of tickets needed. Tickets will be held for you up until 15 minutes before the concert start time.

On the night of the concert: Tickets will be made available at the door, 30-minutes prior to the event.

Cash and Check ONLY.

For more information, find us on the web:

http://www.csub.edu/~jscully/guitar/guitararts.html

Subscribe to our email list here:

http://www.csub.edu/~jscully/guitar/emailsignup.html

Contact Jim Scully, Director of Guitar Studies for additional information.

Jim Scully, Director of Guitar Studies

Department of Music, CSU Bakersfield

9001 Stockdale Highway

Bakersfield, CA 93311

661.654.2511 (office) or 661.330.9304 (cell)

jscully@csub.edu

Parma records Bouncing About

2010-07-20T22:50:00.001-07:00

Last summer, Parma Recordings approached me about recording some of my chamber music, but I just couldn't afford the cost of the recording sessions and while I was disappointed, I let it got quickly. While the quote was high - their work is absolutely stellar and the cost covers recording, artist fees, artwork, duplication, international distribution and everything in between. It is an all-in cost. So, it was a neat opportunity, but there is no shame in being unable to pay nearly 5 figures to get 13 minutes of your music recorded.

Well, in early July Parma came calling again - this time the cost was much lower because a session that was already planned opened up. So, after a quick negotiation, Parma recorded my piece for violin and piano - Bouncing About - on July 12 in Prague, Czech Republic.

The CD will be released in mid-2011 and I'll have the first audio edits in a couple of weeks. The performers were: Lukáš Klánský, piano and Ondřej Lébr, violin.

Here is a picture from the session:

I'll post audio when I get it, but in the meantime - look to the right sidebar and see the new ReverbNation Widget for my audio. If you look around there enough you will be able to play a live recording of Bouncing About performed by Bakersfield Symphony players Julia Lawson-Haney and Patrick Bender.

Needless to say - very exciting times.

Music 105 - Jazz Appreciation Listening Assignment

2010-04-14T22:50:00.000-07:00

Hi all -

If you are a student in my Jazz Appreciation course at CSU Bakersfield - you are in the right place. For your furlough assignment I want you to listen to and watch to the following song on YouTube:

The Chant - Jelly Roll Morton and His Hot Peppers

This composition was recorded by Jelly Roll Morton in 1926 and is a wonderful example of New Orleans Jazz and a good representation of Jelly Roll Morton as an arranger.

Additionally, read my sample Listening Based Writing Assignment that talks about this piece, found here:

Sample LBWA on The Chant

After you have dealt with the video and read the paper, I want you to watch the following video and write two paragraphs about what you see/hear. Use my sample paper as a guide about content and language usages. If you are unsure about how to use a word - look it up. Don't guess.

Hotter Than That by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Fives

Great tune - really talk about the soloing and the musical characteristics you hear. Try to grapple with the music as much as possible.

This 2 paragraph assignment (no less than six good sentences per paragraph) is due by Monday, April 19 by 5 PM PDT. Please just post your paragraphs as comments in this blog post.

Be sure to include your full name to receive credit.

Scully heading to College Music Society National Conference

2010-03-31T18:38:00.001-07:00

I just received word that both pieces I submitted - Duality in Time (flute and cello) and Hop, Skip and Jump (solo clarinet) were accepted for performance at the CMS National Conference in September in Minneapolis.

Looking forward to the trip - now to write some grants to cover costs.

More later, with links.

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Location:Lightner Way,Bakersfield,United States

Berklee School of Music

2010-01-29T07:19:00.000-08:00

So, I stumbled upon the Berklee College of Music. Why couldn't I run into Esperanza?

Anyway, I went to the bookstore next door and was floored.

A Ben Monder composition book?

The Kurt Rosenwinkel composition book?

Unreal. I'll be woodshedding big time when I get home to my guitar.

I am going to email Ben (who appeared at CSUB in 2005) when I learn one song - maybe Sleep - which seems to be able to be played by mere mortals.

This guy is crazy good and there isn't a more original sounding guitarist alive in my opinion. His concert at CSUB is up on YouTube. The sound isn't great, but it's some of the only Monder available and it is amazing.

Here was the spread of Fake Books. Too cool:

Yeah, we all need to move here. Now.

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Fenway

2010-01-29T07:17:00.001-08:00

So, on Wednesday I got up and cruised over to Fenway Park. Realize, this is no small thing for this Angel fan. The Red Sox almost killed me as a 14 year old. They returned from the dead to beat Gene Autry's Angels in the ALCS. That beat down lingered until 2002 and some would say until the Angels beat the Sox in 2009 to advance to the ALCS.

I respect the Sox, but can't stand some of their players and the attitude of a lot of Red Sox fans in So Cal. Anyway, everyone here in Boston was cool, even inviting. I went to the Merchandise store across Yawkey Way and an old-timer working there quipped, "we all have our problems" when I told him I was an Angel fan.

Anyway, here is a pic I saw as I exited the Green Line to locate Fenway:

I hate Jonathan Papelbon. All the better that the Halos unclothed him in the ALCS this year.

But, seeing the stadium was cool. I didn't pay the money for an indoor tour. I might still tomorrow.

Cool stuff.

And this was cool if a bit weird:

The retired numbers - with 42 for Jackie Robinson in a different color. A dark color. Friggin' Bostonians.

Still cool to see the park.

Oh yeah, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how filthy it was on Yawkey Way.

This is directly across from the front gate into Fenway:

Stay classy Boston.

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Location:Bahstan!

Music Theory Homework

2010-01-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

So, music theory students of the world (well, OK, CSUB) here is your first theory assignment. It is due on Monday when I return:

Compose two phrases in 4/4 time in the key of C minor.

The first phrase must conclude with a phrygian half cadence, the second with a perfect authentic cadence.

After bass notes and roman numerals, add a melody that moves you musically - be sure to include NCT's to richen sound.

Then add inner voices and be sure that you have not committed any sins of spacing, doubling, parallelism and the like.

Post any questions you have on this blog - others will benefit.

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Boston!

2010-01-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

Here is the view from my window seat on United Airlines flight 162:

I have loved flying since I was a child - the view of the terrain and bodies of water and what look like crop circles are a big part of that. But, that is not all. Ther are other things - more fleeting and less palpable - that endear me to flight.

I haven't a clue what all of them are, but I know them when I encounter them. It could be the gentle rumble of turbulence or the anticipation of take-off, but those are easy to spot. It could also be the amazing nature of it all. A massive machine of metal filled with people and things leaping through the air only to land 3000 miles away. It's just stunning.

Anyway, as a musician I am, of course, traveling with 60 GB's of audio. For a five day trip. Yeah, overkill. Anyway, I brought with me a massive cross-section of music. On the drive the LAX I listened to Duncan Sheik, and a mix of other rock/pop music. I was terribly tired and that drive at 4:30 AM was painful.

Then when I arrived at the terminal, after the dance with the ticket counter and security, I opened up a book that I have been neglecting for 18 months now - The Rest is Noise by Alex Ross. I am about 100 pages into the book that chronicles 20th century music in a way only Ross can, and I decided to listen to the pieces he was discussing as I read.

Six Orchestral Pieces by Webern, various Bartok, and others. It is stunning music and so well constructed that I can discern structure as it comes. It is pristine in that way. The composers between 1880 and 1930 really looked inward AND outward to find what their heart drove them towards. That single focusedness is to be commended. That bravery to leap off the deep end and create new sounds is astonishing.

So my question to my Theory students at CSUB - who are required to read this blog while I travel to Boston for the premier of my new piece - Duplicitous Encpunter - is this:

What music stirs your soul and why? What do you respond to musically?

As you answer these questions, listen to a favorite song this evening for homework and listen to the harmonies and describe them as well as you can. Tell me the name of the song and the artist/composer so that I might go to YouTube to hear myself.

Be sure that you post something before 12 midnight on Wednesday (CA time)

Gonna go back to listening...

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Bed time posts...

2010-01-06T15:09:00.001-08:00

So, I am a bad blogger. I don't do it enough and what I do write isn't ground breaking.

Shit, it isn't interesting.

So, I'm going to try to be better -so I will use the countless hours I spend at bedtime in the room of my 4 3/4 year old triplet boys to keep a better blog on the Internets.

----------

Winter break has been a revelation. I have been busier than 10 dogs in a butcher's shop. In addition to the normal holiday stuff, I completed a 7 minute duet for flute and cello (Duplicitous Encounter) and finalized two movements of a Sonata for Solo Guitar. I still need a damn name for that one!

These pieces are - by far - my favorite pieces I have written. They are complex (or at least not simplistic) and beautiful - a duality I strive to attain.

Both works will be premiered in the next eight weeks. In late January I head to Boston to hear the duet at a venue called the Lilypad. The players playing the piece - Rachel Arnold and Ashley Addington - are great and terribly musical. They will do a wonderful job and I really look forward to hearing them play the piece.

The sonata starts getting rolled out on January 15 in New Jersey by Dr. Keith Calmes - a friend and Julliard trained guitarist. He will then travel to California to premier whole work for the first time on February 21 at CSU Bakersfield.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. I also built a HUGE play yard/swing set for my boys over break.

Here is a pic:

Yeah, that was intense. About seven days - two of which were eight hour days - were used up to build that bad boy. It was fun though, and I enjoyed the change of pace. There is a peace that I can fall into when doing that kind of work, listening to my iPod (lots of Duncan Shiek, RENT, David Tanenbaum playing Brouwer or Maxwell-Davies) and just doing what the directions say. Being creative is a tiring activity. Sometimes it is nice to just do something that requires discipline but not much creative energy.

--------

Lastly, I'd like to thank my wife for making this composing possible. There were a few days where she bit the bullet and dealt with the trio all by herself so I'd have an uninterrupted chunk of time to work. That was awesome and the only way I've been so productive this year. I wrote a lot of music this year and she helped every step of the way by hanging with the crazies we call children.

Thanks Jenn!

Gotta run!

Theory I Final

2009-11-23T14:51:00.001-08:00

So I am sitting here in a classroom watching my Theory I class take their final exam.

It get me thinking about how I teach this subject and I would really like to a more innovative teacher - especially with theory. But, the material is so specified and so much about rote practices that I just feel stuck.

I know I am GOOD at teaching this class, but it would be great to make it more exciting and more interactive. The more I work and think about what I do, the more I try to figure out how I can do it diffrently, but it is hard to find the time to re-do a class I have been teaching for 7 years.

How can I revitalize this process? Same for Jazz Appreciation...

New Websites...

2009-11-22T00:33:00.001-08:00

So, I have been maintaing my personal website since sometime around 1997. It started on GeoCities (C-Ya Geocities) as a challenge of sorts between my friend and colleague Kris Tiner. We were both attending CSU Bakersfield at the time and I think we had some form of competitive thing going on subconsciously as we learned HTML and tried to get a not-horrible website up and running.

Luckily, maintaing my web presence has gotten easier since the HTML editor in GeoCities File Manager. But, while the act of maintaining the site is quicker and more painless now there is a seemingly endless list of sites to maintain! I maintain the following list of sites....

JS on Reverb Nation (might go buh-bye)

JS on MySpace (about to go buh-bye)

JS on Society of Composers

JS on American Composers Forum

That doesn't include this blog - which gets too little attention.

Anyway, all of this to let you know that my CSUB Site has been updated. Now that I have a new and improved personal site where my teaching docs are integrated with my professional docs. Just the basics on the CSUB server now - less clutter is definitely better.

Finals this week - then 6 weeks off to finish two commissions and prep for the Winter quarter.

Videos posted of premiers...

2009-11-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

In case you didn't see them on my Facebook page or at jimscully.com - here are videos from the chamber music concert on 11/13/09.

Here is Eclectic Suite - for guitar ensemble. The group is the CSUB Guitar Ensemble and I am the director.

Here is Low and High - for two pianos. The performers are Rebekah Rogers and Sarah McFarland.

Nice work everyone, and thanks for the performances!

Upcoming premiers

2009-10-21T11:19:00.000-07:00

As I sit in a doctors office waiting to be seen I figure I might as well let my three readers know about my upcoming performances.

On November 7 @ 7:30 PM two of my recent compositions for jazz combo will be performed by students at CSUB. Modes of Transport and D's Changes will be performed. MOT is a modal jazz tune and D's changes is a 32-bar AABA tune. Both present different challenges for improvisers.

On November 13 at the CSUB Chamber Concert (8 PM in the Dore) I have two sets of works getting their world premiers. The first is the Eclectic Suite for Guitar Ensemble. This 5 movement suite consists of miniature pieces and will be played by the CSUB Guitar Ensemble, which I direct. The second set is a pair of pieces for two pianos entitled Low and High which will be played by Sarah McFarland and Rebekah Rogers, two piano students at CSUB.

The next two events bleed into 2010, but considering my infrequent posts I might as well put this up now.

On January 28, 2010 a piece I am currently writing, Duality for Two, will be premiered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The piece is an extension of my work Duality in Time for flute and cello that was premiered in Hartford in August. The performers (Rachel Arnold and Ashley Addington) commissioned the longer work and I will be hopping on a plane to attend. Gonna be great.

The last upcoming premier is for a sonata for classical guitar that I am currently writing for New Jersey guitarist Keith Calmes. Keith is a Julliard and USC gradute and a stunning player, as well as a friend. He asked me to write him a piece last year, but it wasn't until I attended La Guitarra festival in September that I was inspired to start the work.

Keith will premier the piece on February 21 at CSU Bakersfield during a solo recital he will present.

I am very excited about these upcoming performances and look forward to all the music.

-- Posted from my iPhone

La Guitarra California Festival

2009-09-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

So, every two years a great guitar festival comes to Central California. La Guitarra California 2009 is this weekend and I am heading over to the coast for two days of classical guitar madness.

I am a jazz guitarist. Strike that - I am a composer who plays jazz guitar. Those are different things. Guitarists sit for hours by themselves in a practice room working on right hand technique in a way that I never did. To be a classical guitarist is to be a master technician. I am not that guy. Now, in retrospect, I think I wish I was that guy - but that ship has sailed. Long ago.

Here is Marcin Dylla playing the "Canto" from Ginastera's guitar sonata. It is stunning music and even more stunning playing. I am hoping for one moment like that this weekend.

I will be seeing David Tanenbaum (playing Takemitsu) and Carlos Barbosa-Lima/Berta Rojas duo on Friday night.

Berta Rojas playing the guitar of Barrios (c. 1914)

Barbosa-Lima and Rojas playing Luiza

On Saturday morning one of my former students will be performing at a masterclass w/ Tanenbaum. Later in the afternoon I'll be seeing Michael Partington (playing Piazzolla) and then on Saturday evening I will see the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (Lotus Eaters by Andrew York and Blue Echo by Chet Atkins), something I have been waiting for for the better part of three years. Just a cool group - and very musical.

Anyway, I am geeked to be seeing such a bad ass set of concerts and very stoked that I get to bring about 10 members of the CSU Bakersfield Guitar Ensemble and their esteemed private guitar instructor, Roger Allen Cope, with me.

I'll post pictures from the festival via my iPhone.

I hate it when this happens...

2009-07-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Heading into the top of the ninth inning: Angels 6, Indians 4.

Heading into the bottom of the ninth inning: Indians 8, Angels 6.

Ugh.

Box Score

All-Star closer, Brian Fuentes, entered in the top of the ninth to preserve the two-run lead. He faced four batters and this happened: single, single, home run, home run.

Four batters, four hits, four runs, zero outs.

Ick.

Sometimes I just don't know

2009-07-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a roller-coaster over the last few weeks. I think it finally hit me the last two days. Not knowing if a job is waiting for you when the academic year starts is strange. I have worked at a college for 12 years now - the thought of not meeting the
new students is strange.

I have been irritable for the better part of a week and it has to be related to a) not getting a call from the JC where I was a finalist for a tenure-track gig and b) the overwhelming sadness surrounding the CSU and the budget at CSU Bakersfield where I work. Just a depressing time.

I guess if I have a diminished role at CSUB in September I will just have to parlay that time into some great composing and work on that part of my career. That is the part that has been neglected since I started th FT gig at the University and doubly so since the birth is the triplets. Anyway, just curious as to what the future holds. I'm not enjoying the wait, either.

My summer on the edge...

2009-07-24T00:33:00.001-07:00

So, I've been up to a lot this summer. Immediately after CSUB let out for the summer on June 15, I served as director for the CSUB Summer Arts Jam 2009. That 2-week program was short, but intense. I coordinated a program that brought 100 students a day to CSUB. These middle-school aged students were immersed in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, music and musical theater for 5 hours a day over 10 days. I worked with some amazing folks from the Arts Council of Kern and Kern Superintendent of Schools as well as administrators at CSUB that wanted to make this program a success. It was, and a website is in the works. Give me a couple more days to get it up - but the art is stunning. Here is a sample:

So, while the Summer Arts Jam was up and running I started a composition project called 30/30 Project. Follow that link to read about the project in total, but basically, I committed to write a new 30-second piece of music each day for 30 days. I have not quite lived up to the initial idea; I have created 25 pieces in 32 days, but I am still very proud of the output.

I have also tried to get out and perform a little more. I have been regularly attending the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop and performing with all sorts of folks there - from the grizzled veterans of the local jazz scene to young high-school students trying to gain an understanding of jazz. It has been a blast.

All the while, I have been reconnecting with my lovely wife, Jennifer Neil and our wonderful three boys, Aidan, Maxwell and Dylan.

If this summer mid-point re-cap could end there life would be great. Unfortunately, that is not the case. As you probably know, I am a full-time lecturer at CSU Bakersfield. A lecturer is a notch below any professorship. Lecturers do not have, nor can ever attain tenure without going through a hiring process for a "new" position. Lecturers have much less job security than people with the title of professor.

As the bad news kept rolling in regarding the economy in the state of California I started to get more and more worried about the solidity of my teaching job. All workers on campus are deciding if they can accept furloughs and the CSU raised tuition for our students by 32% starting in the fall of 2009. Even with furloughs and fee increases the CSU faces a $275 million deficit. CSU Bakersfield faces a deficit of around $5 million. There is no way that all lecturers will retain their jobs. None. After seeing the numbers at a HUGE meeting on 7/22/09 I am convinced that a large number of folks will be laid off. That is faculty, staff and even administration.

I live tweeted this event and the history of those tweets can be found at Jim's Twitter. The tweets begin on July 22 at 11 AM-ish. It is a scary read.

The CSUB music department is in its own pickle too. Our wonderful piano instructor, Rachel Chao, has taken another position and will be leaving the University. While I am happy to see her get a great gig at Rice University it will be very hard to replace her. There is a hiring freeze that will make it tough to get a highly qualified person into the position before schools starts in September.

Lastly, like every year, I applied for a couple of jobs this year. I only apply for other teaching jobs when the job is right up my alley and/or it would offer me something that I really feel I need/want in my career. I am currently a finalist for one of these jobs. This job is a tenure-track position at a junior college. The position is focused on directing the jazz band, teaching theory and jazz appreciation. Additionally, this school is very close to a PhD program in composition that would be very enticing if I were to be relocating to this area of California.

I had a great interview with the college President on Monday, July 13th, but still haven't heard anything - yes or no - so I'm in a holding pattern. I don't know if my family can afford to pass up this position If it is offered. Especially if I don't have any form of a guarantee from CSUB how do I turn down a good job? Needless to say, it has been a crazy summer on the edge!

New pieces are up!!!

2009-07-18T10:33:00.001-07:00

Check out jimscully.com and click on the 30/30 link at the bottom right of the home page. The most recent piece us pretty cool and sounds great because I used Logic Studio and the VSL.

Update:
No new pieces on Wednesday (7.22) or Thursday (7.23). After the budget meeting at CSUB on Wednesday I was pretty pissed and then I played at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop that night, so I took the night off. As an extension of my pissed-off mood, the family went to the beach on Thursday to decompress. Nice day. Long day. Back at it on Friday. Thirty 30-second pieces in 40 days is still pretty bad-ass if I may say so myself.

30/30 Project Update!

2009-07-12T14:01:00.000-07:00
So, another piece down and I am only 13 compositions away from my stated goal of writing 30 30-second compositions in 30 days. I have taken a few days off - a family vacation, a national holiday and one honest to goodness day where I just blew it. Not too shabby, methinks.

So, here is the piece for today:
Murkiness
To hear all the pieces go to the website for the project:
30/30 Composition Project

More news to follow - exciting stuff....

Signing off...

Jim

Great advice from a Colleague...

2009-07-09T22:15:00.000-07:00
Kerry Marsh - director of vocal jazz studies at CSU Sacramento - gave me some killer feedback on my arrangement of Ellington's I'm Beginning to See the Light. My head arrangement was a submission for one day of my 30/30 Composition Project - a project that has me compose a 30-second composition each day for 30 days. I cheated a bit with that entry. I had that almost completely in the can and needed to post something that day. But, his feedback will cause me to alter it quite a bit and repost my new version. Kerry is astonishing - his groups have won the Downbeat award for best collegiate vocal jazz group for six straight years and his arrangement of Selfless, Cold and Composed (Ben Folds composition) was selected by Ben Folds to be featured on the A cappella University CD project that Ben produced. The CD contains 18 or so hand-picked performances of Ben Folds tunes as done by vocal groups affiliated with schools. It is a great project and the Sac State tune stands out on the CD as the most developed and most interesting adaptation on the disc - by a long shot.

Here is that video:

Anyway, for Kerry to take time out of his life to listen to and critique my head arrangement of Beginning to See the Light is very cool and I'm gonna work my tail off on it to show him that his time was not wasted.

OT: Rest

2009-07-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

Having a nice rest this week. After the school year and a two week art program that I directed I needed a break. One day in and I already feel better. But, how relaxing could a vacation be if I'm chasing around three four-year-old boys?

30/30 Project Update!

2009-07-06T01:24:00.001-07:00

So, I've been pretty darn consistent with this project - only 2 days missed. But, I need a few days off now for a family decompression event. I'll pick back up in a couple days right where I left off.
I am very happy with how this has gone so far, the pieces are really showing my voice and the writing is getting easier. I love the process. As a father of three and very busy professor I don't get to write too much. This has been a great chance to get back on the saddle as ole' Gene Autry - the original owner of my favorite MLB franchise - used to sing.
Gigs!!!
Anyway...I just agreed to play a featured set at the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop on 8/5/09 so the next few pieces will be written for small jazz groups. I want to feature at least three new tunes at the gig - so I gots to get writing. I have one for Freddie Hubbard I wrote last week, and I'll take a stab at a very guitaristic piece and maybe a modal tune. Something different.

30/30 Project Website

2009-06-30T01:47:00.000-07:00
Hi all -

BTW, by all I mean three.

I decided to create a dedicated website for the 30/30 project. So, point your browser to:

30/30 Project Home

Hope this helps a bit...

30/30 Project

2009-06-29T20:18:00.001-07:00

Tonight piece will be up a bit late. My wife and I are dealing with very fussy four year olds. It is done, but I wanted to do the audio in Logic and I don't have time to do that right now.
Hang in there.

Update: Piece is up. It is called "Quiet" for guitar and vibraphone. It is short, sweet, pretty and playable - I don't do many like this, but it is nice. Check it out here:
Jim's FB Page
or
Jim's Composition Site
Enjoy...

30/30 Project Update!

2009-06-26T18:26:00.001-07:00

Today's piece, a dance for my triplet boys, is posted at jimscully.com. Go to the Composition page to hear it and see the score.
This project is going very well and I am getting quicker at getting my ideas down on paper and fleshed out. I will let you all know that a family vacation has just been planned with a friend for Santa Barbara from July 6 through the 10th. I won't be bringing a computer to post updates, so I'll commence upon returning to Bakersfield. I'll make sure the full 30 days happen.
I can't reject a free beach house for three days.
Jim

Piano Explosion is up!!!

2009-06-25T23:59:00.000-07:00
The 30-second composition for today is up!

Piano Explosion...

Go to:

Jim Scully Composition Page

OT: Blog Maintenance

2009-06-25T09:38:00.000-07:00
So, I am going to try mightily to get this blog updated more often than my other attempt at blogging - the damn near defunct baseball blog I started years ago.

Today I will add links to friends and colleagues around the web that I am following...

So, look for an update later today (or maybe tomorrow) with that new info.

Woodwind Trio

2009-06-24T18:05:00.000-07:00
Just finished the woodwind trio for today - did a lot of it early this morning and tied up loose ends this afternoon.

These are temporary links - I am at the office and can't upload to my personal site from here (iWeb has its limits) so here are links on my academic site:

Woodwind Trio

Woodwind Trio Score

New Piece is up...

2009-06-24T01:51:00.000-07:00
A 50 second string quartet is up. It counts for my Monday and Tuesday compositions.

The main riff was written as an homage to Les Claypool of Primus and I actually wrote it almost 15 years ago, but I finally did something with it over the last 24 hours.

Here is a link...

Chomping Some Cheese with Les

Score (PDF)

Hope you like it....

30/30 Preoject!!!

2009-06-22T08:36:00.001-07:00
I started a project on Saturday that will see me write 30 seconds of new music everyday for 30 days. Follow my progress at jimscully.com or facebook.com/jimmuscomp. Links to follow when I get to a computer.
Leave comments about your thoughts!
Jim

OT: Tech!

2009-06-21T20:34:00.001-07:00
This is crazy - I can post to my Blog on my iPhone!!! Seriously, how connected do we have to be?

OT: Dislocated Patella

2008-08-04T09:07:00.001-07:00
So, I went with the wife, triplets, parents and family friend to Morro Bay for the day to do a glass-bottom boat ride. The kids first boat ride.

As I was climbing to the bottom deck of the boat I felt CRAZY pain in my left knee and couldn't move. I reached down and felt my kneecap floating around on the posterior part of my leg. It dislocated - BIG TIME. After standing on the ladder for a second - I straightened out my leg and POP back into place it goes.

At that time I thought that I really screwed up my knee - and seems I might have been right. 24 hours later it is swollen up like a watermelon and pretty sore. I'm heading to an orthopedic surgeon this afternoon to see what I did to the knee. Could be as bad as ligament tears (PCL tear being most likely) with bone chips which would require surgery. Or, it could just need 3 weeks of rest and babying. We'll see. I'll probably be posting less for a bit - just FYI.

Diet begins today!

RIP: Kasey - the dog

2008-07-28T09:28:00.001-07:00
Kasey, our dog of 11 years, passed away on Wednesday morning, July 23. He survived liver cancer last summer - going through a major surgery to remove a softball sized tumor. He recuperated wonderfully and lived a great life for about 10 months. Slowly in June he started to show some minor signs that he was getting sick. He was more tired than normal, ate a little less, etc. But it was nothing major. Then, around July 15 he stopped eating. Completely.

After a few tests, our wonderful vet informed us that Kasey had a recurrence of tumors in his liver and they were, most likely, inoperable.

So, after a few days of thinking and consulting, we decided to let Kasey go. He wasn't going to recover, the tumors were big and his time was coming, be it in a week, or month - he was going to die. This way, he could go out without pain, and while he still felt fairly good. He was losing weight and not eating (for 8 days!) and drinking very little. The IV he was on was basically keeping him hydrated - so he couldn't come home...

It was a crappy decision to make because he still had energy and spunk, but he couldn't sustain himself...the vet was keeping him going. So, we let him rest.

He was a great dog. I picked him out at the shelter in 1997 and he was a great companion. Once the triplets were born he got less attention, for sure, but he followed us (and the kids) around continuously. He liked to make sure everyone was OK and he felt like he oversaw all we did and protected us in the process.

So, we are one dog lighter, but miss his companionship greatly. RIP, Kasey.

To the Aquarium

2008-07-08T13:57:00.000-07:00
Jenn and I are taking the boys to the Long Beach Aquarium tomorrow. It should be a good time with the kids, unless they get into the shark tank or something horrific.

I'll post some pictures when we return...

Summer To-Do List - 2008

2008-07-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

So, the best part of my job at a University is, of course, having three months off during the summer to tie up the myriad loose ends that accumulate during the hectic nine months of instruction. Each summer I have grand plans of composing massive amounts of music, and each summer I churn out a couple of minutes of music and I return to work in September frustrated that I didn’t get more done when I had “time off”. Well, that has happened again this summer, but I am sure I will get more done. Why? Because I created a to-do list. Yep, that’s gonna keep me in line.

Actually, I can’t be kept in line. I have three-year-old triplet boys, so “time off” is really a pipe dream. I am just busy in a very different way - like potty training. But I digress. Here is my To-Do list for the 2008 Summer:

Clean and organize our home office.
Re-organize the garage.
Hold a garage sale.
Bring excess crap to the Salvation Army.
Organize my CD collection.
Organize my office at CSUB - and maybe move into an office that was vacated by a professor that isn’t returning.
Service my guitars.
Record 2-5 standards - solo - in my home studio.
Get JIMSCULLY.COM up an running.
Get my publishing company up and running.
Edit audio recorded in May from CSUB concerts and the recording session of “Bouncing About”.
Compose!!! (Trombone Sonata, Jazz Choir, Big Band, Concert Band, Voice/Piano)

Anyway, that is a partial list. Everyday I think of more things to do...

Maybe I’ll just sit down and compose tonight - it needs to happen.

More to come...