The 70th Midwest Clinic features a lot of tried and true sessions, but also some new experiences. One of those new features is the Chat Room, designed to give attendees a more intimate experience with clinicians. It builds off a format that was used at Midwest in the 50s, but has been updated. The first such Chat this year just wrapped up 45 minutes ago, and featured composing great Frank Ticheli. For those of us knowledgeable in music, this is a "Randolph Scott" moment for us(see: Blazing Saddles). The chat was supposed to be capped at 20 people, but attendance far exceeded that number. Luckily, there was plenty of overflow space. Ticheli soon came in and started his chat, beginning with mentioning his forthcoming methods book, which is the product of two years of work. As opposed to other books, Ticheli's is divided into lessons, and at the end of each lesson there is an actual excerpt from a song, some of which are by Ticheli himself (hey, can't blame the guy for self-promotion). This provides a great way to apply the techniques learned in each lesson. Ticheli then offered some advice on composing and band-leading. When asked how aspiring composers could find their voices, he advised to not so much look for it, as to let it find you. He then gave tips for those emulating a role model in their compositions. The trick isn't so much to 'steal' from them, but to get yourself so you see like them. As for working with a group as a conductor, the most interesting tip he gave pertains to conducting oneself while leading. Specifically, ensuring your actions match the mood of the piece being played. He gave the example of not issuing an abrupt cutoff at the end of a slow, melodic piece so as to not disrupt the headspace of the students playing it. The first Chat Room of Midwest's modern era was a success, thanks to the knowledge of Frank Ticheli.
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