Co-op press Announcements

[sybrandon]

2003 is the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight. In honor of that occasion, I was commissioned by Shelley Jagow and In-Hong Cha of Wright State University to write a piece for Alto Saxophone and Piano. The result was my "Celebration of Flight". It is a three movement work with the titles "Inspirations", Experiments", and "Triumphs". After its premiere in Dayton, OH on Jan. 4th, Shelley and In-Hong performed it at the NASA Region 6 Conference, where Ellen Horner reviewed it as her "favorite new piece of the conference". At Shelley’s request, I created a version for SAT saxophones that Shelley and two of her students performed at the World Saxophone Congress in July. You can visit my web site at http://cooppress.hostrack.net to read more about this piece and to view a page of music and/or hear sound files. There are also other incentives for performers that might interest some of you. If you have visited the site previously, you may wish to visit again as the site has recently been updated. Thanks for considering my music.

Sy Brandon

[sybrandon]

As a composer, performer and educator, I like to encourage you to consider having a composer-in-residence for your organization or performing ensemble. Often musicians and audiences consider composers to be "dead people who exist from the shoulders up sitting on the piano". However, they are often overlooked as a vibrant force in the music making process. Having a composer present during rehearsals provides insights into the music that cannot be obtained otherwise. During, prior to and after the concert, a composer can share these insights with the audience. In addition, many composers can share their expertise in other areas with a wide variety of students and audiences.

I’d like to tell you about two programs that make having a composer-in-residence financially possible. The Co-op Press Residency Assistance Program is a program that I established because of my strong belief in the importance of having composers, audiences and performers interact. Information about this program is available at http://cooppress.hostrack.net. Meet The Composer is another program that enables composer, performer, and audience interaction. Information about this program is available at http://www.meetthecomposer.org.

Today’s composers represent a wide variety of musical styles. Many composers embrace a style that is based upon the traditions of Western Art Music and is rooted in tonality so that "new music" is not necessarily synonymous with the "avant garde". The American Music Center http://www.amc.net, The Composer-Conductor Bridge http://www.music-usa.org/ccbridge/main.php4, and the Center for Promotion of Contemporary Composers http://www.under.org/cpcc/ are organizations that can assist you in finding a composer that matches your interests.

Sy Brandon

[sybrandon]

Award winning composer, Sy Brandon, has created a web site where you can sample his many compositions for saxophone. His music has been performed by Andy Wen at the World Saxophone Congress, by James Houlik with the U.S. Navy Band, The Bilger Duo, and by Duo Dilemme on Arizona University Recordings Tribute to Adolphe Sax Vol. III. In addition to the ability to purchase his saxophone music, other opportunities such as a Commission Assistance Program, a Residency Assistance Program, and a Recording Competition are discussed. Check out the site at http://www.cooppress.hostrack.net

[sybrandon]

Do you have a special occasion coming up? Do you wish to do something exciting and unique at one of your future programs? Do you wish to be involved with building the repertoire for your instrument, voice or ensemble? Do you want to foster art music of the 21st century that is audience friendly? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes", then you may wish to consider applying for a Co-op Press Commission Assistance Grant. This competitive program is designed to encourage performers at all levels of development (elementary performing ensemble through professional) to experience the value of working closely with a composer, to cultivate audiences for new music, to encourage composer/performer interaction, to encourage composer/audience interaction, and to foster the growth of new music. The grant is open to residents of the United States or Canada and supports the commissioning of composer, Sy Brandon, by covering the cost of the commission fee, the copying and reproduction of parts, and a residency. The next deadline is April 17, 2004. Past compositions written via this grant program have been extremely well received by audiences and have been performed at regional, national, and international conferences. Several have been recorded for release on a CD and have been broadcast over National Public Radio and its affiliates. For application and further information, visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net

[sybrandon]

Yes it is and outright grant, however it is available to musicians and organizations in the United States and Canada only.

Co-op Press

[sybrandon]

Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano by Sy Brandon was recently premiered by Dariusz Samol at The Festival of New Music in Szamotuly, Poland. The opening movement uses a rhythmic first theme followed by a lyrical second theme that has a jazz flavor over a walking bass line. The development section uses motives from the first theme only and the recapitulation states the themes in reverse order. The second movement alternates between a dramatic statement and a lyrical melody with lush harmony. The last movement is in a modified rondo form with a lot of rhythmic drive and chromaticism. The duration is12 minutes and the difficulty is college level. It sells for $8.00. You can sample this work and find out more about Co-op Press’s unique incentives for performers by visiting http://www.cooppress.hostrack.net

[sybrandon]

Co-op Press invites musicians and musical organizations to apply for its Commission Assistance Grant. The deadline for receipt of applications for the next cycle is October 9, 2004

The purposes of the grant are to encourage performers at all levels of development (elementary performing ensemble through professional) to experience the value of working closely with a composer, to cultivate audiences for new music that is based on the traditions established prior to the mid-twentieth century, and to encourage composer/performer/audience interaction.

The grant supports the commissioning of composer, Sy Brandon, and covers the cost of the commission fee, the copying and reproduction of parts, and the composer residency. Applicants must be individuals or organizations residing in the United States or Canada.

Successful grant winners include the Golden Gate Wind Quintet, the Euphouria Quartet, the Trio di Camerati, the French Road School Elementary School Band and Orchestra, the San Jose Metropolitan Band, as well as individual artists. The works that have been commissioned have been performed at regional and international conferences and on National Public Radio.

For application and further information, visit or contact:

Co-op Press Commission Assistance Program
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
http://cooppress.hostrack.net

[sybrandon]

I would like to invite you to check out my Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano that was premiered by Dariusz Samol at The Festival of New Music in Szamotuly, Poland in 2004. The American premiere was given by Joe Murphy at Mansfield University in 2005. The opening movement uses a rhythmic first theme followed by a lyrical second theme that has a jazz flavor over a walking bass line. The development section uses motives from the first theme only and the recapitulation states the themes in reverse order. The second movement alternates between a dramatic statement and a lyrical melody with lush harmony. The last movement is in a modified rondo form with a lot of rhythmic drive and chromaticism. The duration is 12 minutes and the difficulty is college level. It sells for $8.00. You can sample this work and other works for saxophone and find out more about Co-op Press’s unique incentives for performers by visiting http://www.cooppress.hostrack.net

Thank you for considering my music.

Sy Brandon

[sybrandon]

Co-op Press invites musicians and musical organizations to apply for its Commission Assistance Grant. The deadline for receipt of applications for the next cycle is April 16, 2005.

The purposes of the grant are to encourage performers at all levels of development (elementary performing ensemble through professional) to experience the value of working closely with a composer, to cultivate audiences for new music that is based on the traditions established prior to the mid-twentieth century, and to encourage composer/performer/audience interaction.

The grant supports the commissioning of composer, Sy Brandon, and covers the cost of the commission fee, the copying and reproduction of parts, and the composer residency. Applicants must be individuals or organizations residing in the United States or Canada.

Successful grant winners include the Golden Gate Wind Quintet, the Euphouria Quartet, the Trio di Camerati, the French Road School Elementary School Band and Orchestra, the San Jose Metropolitan Band, as well as individual artists. The works that have been commissioned have been performed at regional and international conferences and on National Public Radio.

For application and further information, visit or contact:

Co-op Press Commission Assistance Program
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
http://cooppress.hostrack.net

[sybrandon]

Purchase a minimum of $10 of music (excluding shipping & handling) from Co-op Press during this month and you will be automatically eligible for the monthly drawing for $50 of free music of your choice from Co-op Press.

The complete Co-op Press Catalog featuring the music of Sy Brandon is located at http://cooppress.hostrack.net

[sybrandon]

Co-op Press is dedicated to fostering audience appreciation and understanding of "Mainstream Literary Music", which is art music that is based on musical traditions established prior to the mid-20th century. We have recently revised our Commission Assistance Grant and its Residency Assistance Grant Programs and have introduced its Recording Assistance Grant Program.

The Commission Assistance Grant enables performers to have a piece composed especially for them by Sy Brandon in order to generate audience and performer excitement about a world premiere. The Commission Assistance Grant includes a residency where the composer works with the musicians and speaks to the audience. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in the continental United States. Deadlines for application are in April and October of each year.

The Residency Assistance Grant enables performers to have composer Sy Brandon work closely with them on a pre-existing composition of his, to speak to audiences and instruct in individual and group settings. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, and WV. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

The Recording Grant enables talented performers to produce a professional quality CD through Emeritus Recordings. The CD will receive commercial distribution through physical and digital retail outlets and promotion through broadcast, advertisement and reviews. The CD will also be made available to the artists on a consignment basis for sale to their audiences. The CD must include at least one composition of composer, Sy Brandon, and can include a piece written by him especially for this recording. This grant is available to performers throughout the world and has deadlines for application in April and October of each year.

For application, further information, and to sample Sy Brandon’s music, visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net or contact:

Co-op Press Grant Programs
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204

[sybrandon]

As a composer, performer, and educator, I am constantly concerned with the future of art music. A recent newspaper article about the Pittsburgh Symphony budget deficit is the impetus for this posting. The article mentioned a deficit of $500,000 or more for the 2004-05 season and attributed the deficit to lower than expected ticket sales for the classical subscription series. Ticket sales for the classical subscription series have grown only 2% over the past 22 years while ticket sales for the pops concerts have grown 8%. In my opinion, this is reflective of three national trends that I feel need to be addressed.

Because of outside influences, music education in our schools has been watered down. In an effort to be more inclusive, classroom music, music ensembles, and college music courses for the general student have indirectly equated vernacular music and art music. There is nothing wrong with being inclusive, but I feel it is the music teacher’s responsibility to point out the similarities and differences between vernacular music and art music. Each offers its own rewards, but art music involves more understanding of musical elements and their relationships, and therefore functions on a higher intellectual plane. I feel it is the educator’s responsibility to help the student grow in the intellectual understanding of music and not succumb to pressure from administration, parents and students by allowing vernacular music to be equated with art music.

Most performers display a lack of interest in music being written by living composers. Unfortunately, the trends of composition in the middle and late 20th century contributed greatly to this problem. However, performers should realize that there are many composers writing art music that is accessible to both performers and listeners as it is based on the traditions established prior to the mid- 20th century. John Winsor, in his book "Breaking the Sound Barrier: An Argument for Mainstream Literary Music", makes a wonderful case explaining why music went astray in the mid-20th century. I feel his book is a "must read" for any educator, performer or composer. A way for performers to show their audiences that music composition is an art that is still alive and vital is to include a recent composition composed in a "mainstream literary music" style on every program.

Many of today’s composers emphasize intellectualism and innovation over perceivable craft. There is nothing wrong with innovation except that it has become an end within itself. Intellectualism and innovation are rewarded through composition contest prizes and grants that are judged by other composers, therefore perpetuating a style of music that is no longer accessible to both performers and audiences. I would like to quote from the final chapter of my book "A Composer’s Guide to Understanding Music with Activities for Listeners, Interpreters, and Composers" regarding composing trends. "Throughout musical history, the balance between the classic (of the mind) and romantic (of the heart) modes of thinking has alternated. The center of the pendulum can be thought of as equal treatment intellectualism and emotionalism. The pendulum swings that occurred prior to the twentieth century have not eliminated the other mode of thought. They have just changed the emphasis. During the early to mid-twentieth century, the swing towards classicism went to extremes by over emphasizing the intellectualism and rejected anything associated with emotionalism. The composer, Igor Stravinsky, stated that "music is powerless to express anything at all". He later retracted that statement, but it clearly illustrates the rejection of emotionalism in music. The intellectualism that dominated much of twentieth century music, and still exists today, has been a contributing factor to alienating audiences and performers from new music. The majority of the relationships between unity and variety are mostly perceivable through in-depth score study, rather than by active or passive listening."

Educators, performers and composers must work together to ensure the future of art music. I welcome your feedback regarding my comments and invite you to visit my web site at http://cooppress.hostrack.net to learn about the programs that Co-op Press has established to encourage partnerships between composer, performer and audience.

Dr. Sy Brandon
Professor Emeritus
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

[sybrandon]

If you are looking for a resource to assist in the interpretation of music beyond what is written on the page then you may be interested in my new book, "A Composer’s Guide to Understanding Music with Activities for Listeners, Interpreters, and Composers". After a discussion of musical components from the viewpoint of a composer, various activities are presented. Below a few samples of the activities that are designed to help interpreters with adding something special to their performance.

From Chapter II – Timbre - Imagine your or your musician’s part being orchestrated. For example, does the line that is being played on trombone have the character of a typical bassoon line? If so, try to imitate the sound of a bassoon on the trombone. Observe how you change the amplitude over time factor of timbre.

From Chapter X – Melody - Using a piece of music that you are studying, locate the main motifs of the melodies. Observe where the composer develops these motives in your music and emphasize the similarities and differences in your performance.

From Chapter XV – Inspiration - Using a piece of music you are studying, that does not have an extra-musical association, create a story line (detailed program notes) that you feel is appropriate for the piece. You can even put words to important motives. Observe any differences in your performance after doing this.

About the Book:

The purpose of this book is to provide insight into the compositional process to enable listeners, interpreters, and creators of music to advance their skills through a series of guided activities. Listeners can use this book to increase their musical understanding and appreciation. Developing performers, educators and conductors can use this book to gain valuable insights to assist them with interpreting music beyond what is printed on the page. Developing composers can use this book as a beginning text or to help refine their compositional techniques.
Each chapter is divided into descriptive material that includes some discovery activities to assist in the learning process. A CD containing MIDI performances of most of the examples used in the chapters is included. The descriptive material is followed by separate activities for listeners, interpreters, and composers. 74 pages.
Purchase of the book entitles the reader to join a free on-line discussion group that is moderated by the author. It is a place to share experiences, comments and questions regarding subjects that are covered in the book and to respond to other reader’s posts. The author will also contribute to the discussions.

About the Author:

Sy Brandon is a composer, educator, and performer with over forty years of experience. His compositions have received international recognition through competitions, performances, and recordings. His varied educational career has included teaching elementary school instrumental music, university teaching, guest residencies, and adult education as a Commonwealth Speaker for the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. He has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral musician throughout the United States. He has authored articles that have appeared in professional journals.

Reviews:

"Sy Brandon's ‘A Composer's Guide to Understanding Music’ is a wonderful and provocative ‘hands-on’ assessment of a subject often viewed as too technical. Readers learn step by step HOW to listen and WHAT to listen FOR in a musical work. There is clarity in Brandon's compilation and the accompanying CD of short musical examples from works by the author/composer clearly illustrates all the topics in the text point by point. More than simply another text on composing, the reader's fascination is propelled forward by the author's enthusiasm and passion for the subject. Highly recommended!"
Robert Levy, Professor Emeritus (Director of Bands), Lawrence University (1979-04)

"Simply put, it’s a good read and it works. You should be commended on your abilities as a writer, educator, and communicator. Your book is great resource and I have enjoyed it very much. Well done!"
Chuck Hulihan, Director of Guitar Programs, Glendale Community College, Guitarist with Duozona

"A Composer's Guide to Understanding Music is an academic yet user-friendly guide for anyone seeking the tools necessary to create original sounds, and provides deeper analysis for listeners who want to better appreciate "art" music. … a very useful reference book that any music teacher, music director, professional or even amateur musician will find helpful."
Larry Coressel, Production Manager, Host of Morning Concert and New Music, Dayton Public Radio

Available from:

Co-op Press, P.O. Box 204, Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
http://cooppress.hostrack.net
$20.00 plus $4.00 shipping and handling
Text book adoption copies, bookstore and library discounts available
ISBN 0-9772921-0-X

[sybrandon]

Are you interested in commission a piece written especially for you? Would you like to provide educational outreach opportunities where your audiences and students can learn form an experienced composer, performer, author and educator? Are you interested in producing a CD for distribution to the public and for sale to your audiences?

Co-op Press is dedicated to fostering audience appreciation and understanding of "Mainstream Literary Music", which is art music that is based on musical traditions established prior to the mid-20th century. Our grant programs offer you the opportunity to work closely with award-winning composer, Sy Brandon to achieve your goals of reaching out to your audiences to share your enthusiasm for your art.

The Commission Assistance Grant enables performers to have a piece composed especially for them by Sy Brandon in order to generate audience and performer excitement about a world premiere. The Commission Assistance Grant includes a residency where the composer works with the musicians and speaks to the audience. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in the continental United States. Deadlines for application are in April and October of each year.

The Residency Assistance Grant enables performers to have composer Sy Brandon work closely with them on a pre-existing composition of his, to speak to audiences and instruct in individual and group settings. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in CT, DE, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, and WV. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

The Recording Grant enables talented performers to produce a professional quality CD through Emeritus Recordings. The CD will receive commercial distribution through physical and digital retail outlets and promotion through broadcast, advertisement and reviews. The CD will also be made available to the artists on a consignment basis for sale to their audiences. The CD must include at least one composition of composer, Sy Brandon, and can include a piece written by him especially for this recording. This grant is available to performers throughout the world and has deadlines for application in April and October of each year.

For application, further information, and to sample Sy Brandon’s music, visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net or contact:

Co-op Press Grant Programs
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204

[sybrandon]

Co-op Press strongly supports the College Music Society's Community Engagement initiative, whose goal is to encourage all musicians to "create more environments where more people can Live Through Music ". We believe that this is especially needed in order to perpetuate contemporary "art music". Therefore, the Co-op Press Fund offers five grant programs to performers in order to foster audience appreciation and understanding of "Mainstream Literary Music", which is art music that is based on musical traditions established prior to the mid-20th century. Our grant programs offer you the opportunity to work closely with award-winning composer, Sy Brandon to achieve your goals of reaching out to your audiences to share your enthusiasm for your art. You can select from five different grant programs to suit your needs: the Commission Assistance Grant, the First Performance Grant, the Next Hearing Grant, the Recording Grant, and the Residency Assistance Grant.

For application, further information, and to sample Sy Brandon’s music, visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net or contact:

Co-op Press Grant Programs
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
cooppress@suscom.net

[sybrandon]

You are invited to examine the premiere issue of the Audience-friendly Contemporary Art Music Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 1 - April 2006. Audience-friendly contemporary art music consists of modern compositions written by living composers that are based in tonality, that contain a recognizable melodic idea, that use dissonance with discretion, that exhibit craftmanship in keeping with the art music tradition, and are acoustic rather than electronic.
The purposes of the newsletter are:
1. To enable composers and performers to collaborate in building audiences for audience-friendly contemporary art music.
2. To disseminate information about the availability of audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions to interested performers.
3. To highlight the composers of these compositions through feature articles.
4. To highlight performers interested in performing audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions.
5. To promote selected compositions through the inclusion of mp3 or MIDI sound files.
6. To provide a place for announcements and a calendar of and upcoming performances of audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions.

The first issue focuses on suggestions for elementary, middle school, and high school musicians. The newsletter is found at http://cooppress.hostrack.net/afccmApril2006.html

[sybrandon]

You are invited to examine the second issue of the free Audience-friendly Contemporary Art Music Newsletter Vol. 1 No. 2 - May 2006. This issue features composer John David Lamb, an editorial on “The Two Sides of Music”, the flute and guitar duo Duozona, and new links to samples of selected compositions. The newsletter is found at http://cooppress.hostrack.net/afccmMay2006.html

Audience-friendly contemporary art music consists of modern compositions written by living composers that are based in tonality, that contain a recognizable melodic idea, that use dissonance with discretion, that exhibit craftmanship in keeping with the art music tradition, and are acoustic rather than electronic.
The purposes of the newsletter are:
1. To enable composers and performers to collaborate in building audiences for audience-friendly contemporary art music.
2. To disseminate information about the availability of audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions to interested performers.
3. To highlight the composers of these compositions through feature articles.
4. To highlight performers interested in performing audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions.
5. To promote selected compositions through the inclusion of mp3 or MIDI sound files.
6. To provide a place for announcements and a calendar of and upcoming performances of audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions.

Composers and performers are always invited to submit materials to cooppress@suscom.net to be considered for the newsletter.

[sybrandon]

You are invited to examine the June issue of the free Audience-friendly Contemporary Art Music Newsletter. This issue features composer Nancy Bloomer Deussen, an editorial on “Terminology and Controversy”, tuba soloist Dr. Kenyon Wilson, and new links to samples of selected compositions. The newsletter is found at http://cooppress.hostrack.net/afccmJune2006.html

Audience-friendly contemporary art music consists of modern compositions written by living composers that are based in tonality, that contain a recognizable melodic idea, that use dissonance with discretion, that exhibit craftmanship in keeping with the art music tradition, and are acoustic rather than electronic.
The purposes of the newsletter are:
1. To enable composers and performers to collaborate in building audiences for audience-friendly contemporary art music.
2. To disseminate information about the availability of audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions to interested performers.
3. To highlight the composers of these compositions through feature articles.
4. To highlight performers interested in performing audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions.
5. To promote selected compositions through the inclusion of mp3 or MIDI sound files.
6. To provide a place for announcements and a calendar of and upcoming performances of audience-friendly contemporary art music compositions.

Composers and performers are always invited to submit materials to cooppress@suscom.net to be considered for the newsletter.

[sybrandon]

November 1, 2007 is the deadline for receipt of entries in the Co-op Press competition for chamber music performers for their artistic interpretation of the music of composer, Sy Brandon as exemplified in a digital recording of one of the selected competition pieces. A panel of judges will award prizes of $700 and $300 to the first and second place winners respectively. A release of the recording on an Emeritus Recordings CD is included with the cash prizes. The works for this competition that involve saxophone are “Celebration of Flight” for saxophone trio (SAT); “Four Spanish Dances” for alto saxophone and guitar or alto saxophone and marimba; “Suite” for two saxophones; and “Two Vignettes” for solo alto saxophone, flute, clarinet and bassoon or saxophone quartet (SATB). For more information visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net/ or write Co-op Press P.O. Box 204 Wrightsville, PA 17368 USA

[sybrandon]

2007 marks the centennial celebrating the birth of American composer, Alec Wilder. This unique American voice defies categorization, but a lot of his classical music anticipated both the third stream movement of the 1950’s and the crossover style of the 1990’s to the present. Quoting from the web site dedicated to the Alec Wilder Centennial (http://www.alecwildercentennial.com), “It is a relative rarity for a composer to enjoy a close musical kinship with classical musicians, jazz musicians and popular singers. Wilder was such a composer, endearing himself to a relatively small but very loyal coterie of performers, and successfully appealing to their diverse styles and conceptions.”

This would be an excellent time for those unfamiliar with Alec Wilder’s music to study and program a piece that would expose your audience to the richness of his compositional style or to listen to some of the many fine recordings of his music. Those of you that are already familiar with his music may wish to revive and program a familiar piece or learn a new one.

As a composer who grew up loving both jazz and classical music, Alec Wilder’s influence on my compositional style has been enormous, although I have never had the pleasure of meeting him or studying with him. I am now composing a piece for saxophone and piano called “Rhapsody: Homage to Alec Wilder” and is the second piece of mine that is dedicated to the memory of this unique composer.

Please visit the Alec Wilder Centennial website and consider making 2007 a true celebration of the man and his music.

Sy Brandon, composer http://www.cooppress.hostrack.net
Professor Emeritus, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

[sybrandon]

Are you interested in commission a piece written especially for you? Would you like to provide educational outreach opportunities where your audiences and students can learn from an experienced composer, performer, author and educator? Are you interested in producing a CD for distribution to the public and for sale to your audiences? If you are, then the Co-op Press Fund Grant Programs, which strongly support the College Music Society's Community Engagement initiative, whose goal is to encourage all musicians to "create more environments where more people can Live Through Music ", can help you achieve your goals of reaching out to your audiences to share your enthusiasm for your art.

The Commission Assistance Grant Program enables performers to have a piece composed especially for them by composer, Sy Brandon, in order to generate audience and performer excitement about a world premiere. The Commission Assistance Grant includes a residency where the composer works with the musicians and speaks to the audience. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in the continental United States. Deadlines for receipt of the application are April 1, July 1 October 1, and January 1 of each year.

The Residency Assistance Grant enables performers to have composer, Sy Brandon, work closely with them on a pre-existing composition of his, to speak to audiences and instruct in individual and group settings. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in the continental United States. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

The Recording Grant enables talented performers to produce a professional quality CD through Emeritus Recordings. The CD will receive commercial distribution through physical and digital retail outlets and promotion through broadcast, advertisement and reviews. The CD will also be made available to the artists on a consignment basis for sale to their audiences. The CD must include at least one composition of composer, Sy Brandon, and can include a piece written by him especially for this recording. This grant is available to performers throughout the world and has deadlines for receipt of the application of April 1, July 1 October 1, and January 1 of each year.

For application, further information, and to sample Sy Brandon’s music, visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net or contact:

Co-op Press Grant Programs
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
Email: cooppress@comcast.net

[sybrandon]

I have recently adapted my Recital Duets (1981) for all instruments. The seven movements range in expressiveness from fanfares to love duets and are in a modal language that is based in shifting tonality. They can be used as duets for the same instrument or in any combination of instruments. In addition, the tenor and alto clef books can be used for practice of these clefs by bassoonists and trombonists. As the name implies, they can be used in a concert setting or in the studio. They sell for $5.00.

You can see and hear these duets by visiting my web site at http://cooppress.hostrack.net. I hope that these duets are a useful addition to the repertoire.

Sy Brandon, Composer
Professor Emeritus
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

[sybrandon]

My “Holiday Etudes/Duets”, that won the 1996 T.U.B.A Composition Competition in their etude form, have recently been adapted for all instruments. These 28 intermediate level etudes/duets represent holidays throughout the year. Even though they originated as etudes, they are now printed in duet form. The top part can be used as a stand-alone etude as it contains the entire melodic line. The bottom part serves as a duet accompaniment that can be played by the teacher or a more advanced student. There is also a piano accompaniment book for all the etude/duets. Free mp3 files of the piano accompaniments that contain metronome clicks setting the tempo in the beginning, are available for download. The etudes/duets books are available in C, Bb, Eb, F, bass clef, tuba, alto clef, and tenor clef versions. In addition, the tenor and alto clef books can be used for practice of these clefs by bassoonists and trombonists. Each book sells for $10.00 with the piano accompaniment book selling for $12.50.

You can see and hear these etude/duets by visiting my web site at http://cooppress.hostrack.net. I hope that you will find these useful with your students and for your own enjoyment.

Sy Brandon, Composer
Professor Emeritus
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

[sybrandon]

November 1, 2007 is the deadline for receipt of entries in the Co-op Press competition for chamber music performers for their artistic interpretation of the music of composer, Sy Brandon as exemplified in a digital recording of one of the selected competition pieces. A panel of judges will award prizes of $700 and $300 to the first and second place winners respectively. A release of the recording on an Emeritus Recordings CD is included with the cash prizes. For more information visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net/ or write Co-op Press P.O. Box 204 Wrightsville, PA 17368 USA


Anita Ranucci Brandon, Administrator
Co-op Press

[sybrandon]

The Friends of the Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center in Hellam, PA has started a used music sales website in order to help raise money for the benefit of the library. Our patrons have donated a wide variety of etude books, method books, duet books, and solo materials and our prices are over 50% less than retail. The condition of the materials ranges from like-new to those having some markings in the books. Please visit the site at http://www.kcvlfriends.org/musicsales.html. Thank you.

Sy Brandon for the Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center Friends

[sybrandon]

The Friends of the Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center in Hellam, PA has a used music sales website in order to help raise money for the benefit of the library. Our patrons have donated a wide variety of etude books, method books, duet books, and solo materials and our prices range between $25 and $2.00. We have several items for saxophone. The condition of the materials ranges from like-new to those having some markings in the books. Please visit the site at http://www.kcvlfriends.org/musicsales.html. Thank you.

Sy Brandon for the Kreutz Creek Valley Library Center Friends

[sybrandon]

I would like to invite you to sample some of my duets and etudes that are designed for the intermediate level musician. I have recently created versions that can be played by any combination of instruments. There is a free pdf download of one piece from each of the collections.

My “Holiday Etudes/Duets” won the 1996 T.U.B.A Composition Competition in their etude form. These 28 intermediate level etudes/duets represent holidays throughout the year. Even though they originated as etudes, they are now printed in duet form. The top part can be used as a stand-alone etude as it contains the entire melodic line. The bottom part serves as a duet accompaniment that can be played by the teacher or a more advanced student. There is also a piano accompaniment book for all the etude/duets. Free mp3 files of the piano accompaniments that contain metronome clicks that set the beginning tempo, are available for free download. The etudes/duets books are available in C, Bb, Eb, F, bass clef, tuba, alto clef, and tenor clef versions. In addition, the tenor and alto clef books can be used for practice of these clefs by bassoonists and trombonists. You can sample the “Halloween” etude/duet as a free pdf download. Each book sells for $10.00 with the piano accompaniment book selling for $12.50.

My “Recital Duets” (1981) have seven movements that range in expressiveness from fanfares to love duets and are in a modal language that is based in shifting tonality. They can be used as duets for the same instrument or in any combination of instruments. In addition, the tenor and alto clef books can be used for practice of these clefs by bassoonists and trombonists. As the name implies, they can be used in a concert setting or in the studio. You can sample the “Fanfare” duet as a free pdf download. Each book sells for $5.00.

You can see and hear these etude/duets by visiting my web site at http://cooppress.hostrack.net. I hope that you will find these useful with your students and for your own enjoyment.

Sy Brandon, Composer
Professor Emeritus
Millersville University of Pennsylvania

[sybrandon]

Are you interested in commissioning a composition written especially for you? Would you like to provide educational outreach opportunities where your audiences and students can learn from an experienced composer, performer, author and educator? Are you interested in producing a CD for distribution to the public and for sale to your audiences? If you are, then the Co-op Press Fund Grant Programs can help you achieve your goals of reaching out to your audiences to share your enthusiasm for your art.

The Commission Assistance Grant Program enables performers to have a composition composed especially for them by composer, Sy Brandon, in order to generate audience and performer excitement about a world premiere. This grant is available to performers (elementary through professional) in the United States.

The Recording Grant enables talented performers to produce a professional quality CD through Emeritus Recordings. The CD will receive commercial distribution through physical and digital retail outlets and promotion through broadcast, advertisement and reviews. The CD will also be made available to the artists for sale to their audiences. The CD must include at least one composition of composer, Sy Brandon, and can include a composition written by him especially for this recording. This grant is available to performers throughout the United States.

These grant programs have deadlines for receipt of the application of April 1, July 1 October 1, and January 1 of each year.

For application, further information, and to sample Sy Brandon’s music, visit http://cooppress.hostrack.net or contact:

Co-op Press Grant Programs
P.O. Box 204
Wrightsville, PA 17368-0204
Email: cooppress@comcast.net