Even though it's 8:30 in the morning as I sit here writing this, it's dark and dank and overcast outside. Of course, like much of the rest of the country, it's also way too warm for this time of year. Personally, I'm ready for winter to start ... but that could be just me.
Not the most productive or interesting week in history, but still some exciting things happening...
Music -- I did finish up the four violin solos with piano accompaniment and sent them off to Lynne Latham for her perusal -- I should hear back in a couple weeks. I then turned my attention to a large-ish handbell project I've been working on, and I think I'm nearing some semblance of completion on that one, as well. It's a collaboration of sorts, so even when I reach "the end," it's just as likely that it's a plateau and not the peak of the mountain I'm reaching.
Writing -- Sigh ......
Publishing -- I heard the heartbreaking news this week that Alfred Publishing is suspending their handbell program indefinitely. I did hear that my two upcoming pieces will still be released, but that this will be the last handbell release for ... well, maybe ever. I do want to publicly thank Alfred's handbell editor -- equally-sadly, now former-handbell-editor -- Tammy Waldrop for all the wonderful and hard work she put into that catalog and for all of her kind and helpful comments and insights, and I wish her the very best in all of her future endeavors.
I had had one piece under consideration with Alfred, a piece that Tammy wouldn't have been able to use until the 2013 release. Since that release will never happen, I sent the piece -- an arrangement of 'Twas In the Moon of Wintertime -- to Alan Lohr at Soundforth, and I'm pleased to say that he accepted it.
Outside of that, I'm just waiting to finish my next piece so I have something to submit -- I think I've got two handbell pieces under consideration right now, and not very many of any other type. That's a problem both good and very depressing.
The other bit of news that I'd like to share with you all is ... I'll be teaching two classes this summer at the Handbell Musicians of America's National Seminar in Cincinnati! I just got the paperwork and contract this week, and my name is listed as a clinician on the seminar's website, so I figure that makes it as official as it's going to get.
The two classes will revolve around composing and publishing from the point of view of a beginning composer. The first will help new composers or those wanting to compose learn how to get their ideas down on paper, how to expand their ideas, how to make them better and more interesting, and how to get a final product they can be proud of. The second class will give advice on how to get published (submitting, enduring rejection, etc.), as well as help to disabuse some of the notions about what it really means when you get a piece published.
The topics of both of these classes have been covered extensively here on The Creative, but I'm sure I'll add in all manner of new material, plus have some time near the end for discussion with members of the class on the topics they wish to know more about. I'm excited beyond words at the opportunity to not only teach at such a prestigious event, but to share my ideas and thoughts about composing and publishing with people.
Have a great week, keep creating, and if you'll be in Cincinnati this July, I hope to see you in class!
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