Absolutely loved this, I watched in awe and wondering how on earth it’s notated haha, also a huge fan of Quincy’s channel so it was great to see him perform here
I love this solo so much; I hope my teacher lets me play this my junior year when I get more experience. I played the 4 mallet Rain Dance my freshman year. My freshman year was also when I first learned 4 mallets, so I got a chance at your beautiful solo. I listen to this solo for hours; I could listen to forever. You did a good job with this solo Mr. Ford.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad that you have found a connection with Moon Chasers. Me too! Keep working on your music and in time beautiful things can happen. Stay curious about new music, don’t be afraid to fail (because that is how we learn), and keep playing and improvising. In time your inner voice will connect with your technique and your expressive concepts will grow! Good luck!
Otaku - Thanks so much! Remember, just because you cannot play something today, does not mean you won’t play it in the future. Pace yourself, find a great teacher to guide you, practice every day and in time, good things will happen! Good luck!
This piece is one of the most beautiful solos I've listened to, and I plan on playing this for Solo and Ensemble next year. Question for others that have played this piece before or Mr. Ford, what kind of mallets would you recommend playing this piece with? the mallets in the video seem pretty soft but I would like others' opinions.
Thanks so much! I prefer the Innovative Percussion IP813 mallets with an IP812 in the #1 position for a fuller bass tone. Yes, these mallets are a “legato” style mallet, but so the music is legato too so I think this is a good pairing. Enjoy!
Nice! Even though you aren’t playing now, your music will always stay with you! Experiences in band, orchestra, percussion, choir, etc. last a lifetime!
Neat! I have a slight preference for Doug Perry’s version. It’s more liquid and less aggressive. But how cool to see the composer perform it! I loved it so much I bought the sheet music for it several years ago. I’m a composer myself and just wanted to see how these techniques were notated…such a profoundly charming piece!
Great! Congrats on your first year in band! I hope you enjoy learning and playing Moon Chasers. Learn and practice small sections of the music and then gradually start to put these sections together. In time you will have the entire work! Good luck!
Dzięki Ola!! You saw the first performance of Cymbolic at our Krakow performance. This one was just a few nights later in Opole. I wish you and Pearse could have joined us there too. Thanks so much for your help and friendship!!
Its great to see Quincy Davis there as well as all the students. I had the pleasure of having John DeChristopher (who worked for Zildjian at the time) come and tell me Steve was willing to go over some music with me back stage. I was floored! I went back stage before Steve started his clinic with the Zildjian Tour in SC at that time in 2006. I can tell you first hand, he was so patient and willing to talk and discuss whatever I wanted to know. That was a highlight in my drumming life. Steve is a fantastic guy! Thanks for sharing this interview! I wish all these students the very best with their musical endeavors!
My roommate and I are playing this for his recital soon and I’ve watched this video so many times for different interpretative ideas. Thank you both for writing such a fun and challenging piece 😁
Thank you so much! Paul Rennick and I have always enjoyed performing Renfro together. Listen to your rehearsal recordings for better ideas on how to refine your sound and blend. Good luck on your recital!
Hey mark i know the odds of you noticing this is very small but this is my solo this year and i am a first year for percussion and I learned 4 mallet very early on and i am learning this for my solo recital at TCU percussion festival
James, thank you for your message! I’m glad that you are playing The Tower Chimes at the TCU festival. Keep it gentle and play with a light touch for better expression. I’ll be judging ensembles at TCU, so let me know how your performance it goes! Good luck!
This Choir and Steel Drums performance Needs to be on (Summer Stage in Central Park New York. Big up to Meagan Campbell, Jacob Fullinwider, Maddie Wallace, Graham Viegut, Nathan Siegel & Sinclare Wade.... y'all did a wonderful job and also the director Mr. Mark Ford.
Thank you for your kind comments! Yes, it will be wonderful one day if we are able to perform it in NYC! I agree with you, the players did a great job!
I remember being there performing at the Meyerson in Dallas! I remember you signing my copy! You were so uplifting as a clinician to us NSU University Singers! All I have to say is thank you for the wonderful professional experience/opportunity you have given us!
Una vez más me ha sorprendido con una obra increíble!!! Trabajo como percusionista en un coro y la combinación de percusión y coro siempre resulta muy agradable!!! Es la mezcla de los dos primeros instrumentos musicales de la humanidad!!!! Otro gran ejemplo de esta combinación son las obras corales de Darius Lim!!! Maestro Mark, muchas gracias por compartir su gran trabajo!!!!
