The Stormworld of Stephen Melillo:
Third Millennium Applications for Timeless Music
Elizabeth Sokolowski and Ralph Ford
Editor’s Note: Part II of this article will appear in the February 2008 issue of ala breve.
Part I
Utilizing Technological Resources to Impact Symphonic Ensembles
Hardware and software used to support curricula are often the focus when considering technological influences in music education. Adjusting the lens to view how technol- ogy enhances performance ensembles, a myriad of per- spectives develop. Utilizing Internet tools, interacting in a virtual environment, and infusing electronics to augment ensemble sonority impact teacher preparation, curriculum and ensemble performance.
Listening to excerpts, researching scores of varied genres, grades, and styles, and interacting with composers via the internet, provides resources beyond paper catalog descrip- tions and makes listening to, and studying literature imme- diate. Recordings are available online in various formats from CDBaby, CDNOW hosted by
amazon.com, cd Universe and the Digital Media Mall, a feature of Windows Media Player. Via iTunes (see Fig. 1) teachers are able to preview excerpts, purchase individual tracks, and download albums into digital music libraries. In this format music can be sorted, transported and played virtu- ally anywhere at any time. The iTunes gift feature allows for the legal sharing of music with colleagues, fostering collaboration. The natural extension of this active research and alignment is the development of a comprehen- sive music education pro- gram that ultimately benefits students.
Violin & Orchestra. Currently 117 commissions for Wind & Percussion Ensembles of the 3rd Millennium comprise the body of recorded work called “STORM” works.
Posted on the site are testimonials spanning directors who’ve utilized his teaching tools to world-class interna- tional Conductors who continue to render his music. His work can be attained in various formats to meet director’s needs. Since 1993, PDFs have been available to facilitate instantaneous delivery and electronic storage of music. CDRs or Laser Printouts shipped via standard mail are additional options for purchase. PDFs and CDRs enable the production of unlimited legal copies of Melillo’s works for various genres, grades and styles. Storage on CDR conserves space and fosters organization. He states, “The future people talk about is already STORMWORKS' History!”
The Let’s Find Out Teaching Suite: Hypertools for the Music Educator is a powerful professional development catalyst. This trilogy of Scaleworks™, Rhythm Readers™ and Function Chorales™ are designed to establish a foun- dation for exceptional ensemble musicianship. A DVD guiding teachers in the process, and a CDR including all 22 Function Chorales and resources, comprise the Suite.
Figure 1. Searching iTunes for symphonic recordings
The future-forward technological STORMWORLD of composer Stephen Melillo is an interactive environment providing diverse resources for teachers.
Stormworld.com includes an online catalog, piece descriptions, audio sam- ples, score excerpts, and teacher tools. Now in 28 coun- tries, the Music of 21st Century Composer, Stephen Melillo, has been played and recorded by some of the World's finest ensembles and conductors. More than 950 works span from the IBM Thinkpad® to the Concerto for
50
STORMWORLD is equipped with links to acquire CDs at
www.cdbaby.com or as downloads from iTunes. Melillo’s tools and com- positions provide essen- tial, integrated curricula for elementary school beginning bands through university level programs. Once the technological quest for performance lit- erature begins, resources abound, providing an excit-
ing network of opportunities for teachers. Video confer- encing with composers, colleagues, and other schools is now possible. Have you thought about setting up a video exchange concert with any school in the world? Maybe you have an associate on the other side of the state who teaches a similar genre as you. Have you considered look- ing into the resources that your school district provides to conference virtually? Imagine working on the same com-
October 2007
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