Greetings and welcome to the PASIC 2021 preview of the Vibraphone Project Newsletter. In this edition we have exciting news to share about VPI members and vibraphone events at PASIC, an upcoming video from our Pedagogy and Education Committee, and our upcoming fundraiser #VibesParty.
If you'd like to learn more about The Vibraphone Project, please visit our website (where you can subscribe to this newsletter), and follow us on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube for the latest updates.
Message from the President
I am extremely excited that, for the first time, The Vibraphone Project will have a presence in the PASIC exhibition hall (booth 806)! This marks just the latest step in a long story of growth and development for the organization, and I'm eager to share our project with the broadest possible audience. I'm thankful that PAS has joined us in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the vibraphone by hosting a related showcase concert and panel discussion, and I can't wait to kickstart the next 100 years through the many things that VPI has planned.
Sincerely,
Dr. Brian S. Graiser
PASIC Booth 806 & GIVEAWAY
We are excited to have a consistent presence at PASIC this year! Come stop by booth 806 at PASIC to talk all things vibraphone! Brian Graiser, Gloria Yehilevsky, and Jen Martinez-Bre will be there regularly. There will be other appearances by additional VPI members, as well. At the booth, we will be hosting a GIVEAWAY of materials including percussion products and sheet music! To enter the giveaway, you will need to stop by the booth and signup for the newsletter and/or social media platforms. There will be iPads on site, if you prefer to use ours. The giveaway will take place on Saturday morning/afternoon, so make sure to sign up beforehand! Besides the GIVEAWAY we will be handing out flyers, educational materials, as well as offering ways for individuals to give donations to our 501(c)(3) non-profit and help project the vibraphone into the next 100 years. We look forward to meeting you!
Recommended PASIC Events
Details about VPI events
"Integrating Technology in the Rehearsal Room"
Dr. Matthew Geiger
Saturday, November 13, 2pm, Room 205
Dr. Matthew Geiger will be presenting techniques of integrating technology in the both individual, group, and lesson settings. He will cover Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), using loops as practice tools, and a range a cost options including technology possibly already owned. Matthew’s plan is use vibraphone in the clinic to demonstrate some of the techniques presented. More information can be found in the Percussive Notes PASIC Preview edition starting on page seventy-four.
“Crisis in Classical Percussion"
Quintin Mallette
Friday, November, 12, 9am, Room 201
Here is a an abstract by Quintin Mallette, about his presentation.
In the field of percussion there is a crisis. Despite an increased attention to diversity throughout society, there is a noticeable lack of diversity within the field of classical percussion (Western ‘Art’ Music). This lack of diversity has serious implications for percussion educators and scholars with regards to our students, as an individual’s self-image is influenced by external environmental systems (Bronfenbrenner 1992). Grounded in ecological systems theory, this paper proposes a conceptual model for understanding performance that will allow for educators to assess a performer’s aptitude more equitably. This conceptual model proposes that performance aptitude is influenced by three factors, (1) traditional musicology [theoretical and historical study], (2) non-traditional musicology [rote learning, oral traditions] and (3) performance studies [performer observations] as co-dependent systems.
Within music education we promote traditional musicology as the highest level of music literacy followed by performance studies, with non-traditional musicology often viewed as having the least illocutionary force. However, the active suppression of one or more of these factors risks suppressing the factor with the least illocutionary force, non-traditional ideologies. These ideologies disproportionately affect underrepresented populations due to their reduced access to personalized instruction, instruments, and mentorship within traditional musicology (Chenault 1994, Jones 1987, Costa-Giomi 2007).
Examples of this hierarchy can be seen in the hegemony of rudiments, major scales, and note reading—derived from traditional musicology—as measures of an individual’s musical aptitude as opposed to one of three factors that contribute towards their overall musical aptitude. Rudiments, scales, and note reading attainment are reflective of an individual’s environment and are poor predictors of an individual’s work ethic, teachability, or musicianship, all important factors for evaluating a performer’s overall aptitude for music. While the effect of these ‘aptitude tests’ may appear to have little consequence, this view overlooks their use as gatekeepers for influential musical opportunities such as honor bands, music festivals, scholarships, even undergraduate admission to music school. These musical experiences are developmental milestones for music students exposing them to peers, functional equipment, merchandise, and career opportunities in an arena that presents them as viable options, as opposed to ‘pipe dreams’ on a poster. Through proposing a new model for understanding performance aptitude we can begin a public discussion about evaluating performance aptitude in a more equitable way.
"Percussion is for Everyone"
Jen Martinez-Bre
Friday, November 12, 1pm, Room 204
The PAS Diversity Alliance will be hosting a discussion with disabled percussionists Friday, November 12th at 1:00pm in Room 204 of the Convention Center. The panel will be moderated by Elizabeth Delamater and features panelists: Jen Martinez-Bre, Darren Williams Jr, Andrew Bambridge, and David Segal. They will be speaking on their experiences as disabled percussionists and how to create a more accessible field.
Words Will Never Duo
(Aaron Michael Butler and Stacey Mastrian)
Thursday, November 11, 9am, Wabash
This singer and percussion duo will perform rarely heard pieces by Lou Harrison and Morton Feldman. They will play Lou Harrison's May Rain (1941) and Morton Feldman's Follow thy faire sunne". Their performance is part of the New Music/Research concerts, and is the first concert on Thursday.
There is additional information for this event in the Percussive Notes PASIC PREVIEW on page twenty-eight.
Pedagogy and Education Committee Video
On November 16 at 8pm EST the Education and Pedagogy committee will release a new education video. This video will be presented by Stephen Solook on three and four bow technique. He will cover the basics of holding, introductory exercises, as well as perform a new solo for three bows.
#VibesParty
Performers wanted! Join The Vibraphone Project's November 30 online event, Vibes Party! We are looking for performers, researchers and educators to share a short set and/or talk for our #VibesParty fundraiser. If selected, you'll have a 30 minute slot, and we'll promote you on our social media channels. The Vibraphone Project is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, all proceeds from this event will help further our mission, supporting a charitable cause.
Apply here -> https://forms.gle/VnTiwwwBFbwuxUeh6
Vibraphone Project Chairs
President - Brian Graiser
Vice President - Lindsey Eastham
Treasurer - Joshua Smith
Call for Scores - Boyce Jeffries
Commissions - Lindsey Eastham
Competition - Matthew Lau
Education and Pedagogy - Jerry Tachoir
Events - Tony Miceli and Gloria Yehilevsky
Newsletter - Stephen Solook
Research - Quintin Mallette
Social Media and Marketing - Lindsey Eastham
Board of Directors
Sean Andres, Dimitris Angelakis, Anders Åstrand, Andrew Baldwin, Jim Bailey, Aaron Butler, Rosie Cerquone, Lindsey Eastham, Matthew Geiger, Mucsi Gergő, Behn Gillece, Josh Gottry, Brian Graiser, Harlan Graiser, Jade Hails, Boyce Jeffries, Matt Jordan, Matthew Lau, Tanner Leonardo, Terry Longshore, Quintin Mallette, Jen Martinez, Jon Metzger, Tony Miceli, Tessla Michael, Marciano Moreno, Ben Norton, John Mark Piper, Oscar Roca, Joshua Smith, Stephen Solook, Shilo Stroman, Jerry Tachoir, Saverio Tasca, Joey Tierney, Joseph Van Hassel, Morgan Walbridge, Gloria Yehilevsky
Get Involved!
Donate - The Vibraphone Project is always accepting donations to support our cause. All funds received will go directly into projects that support the vibraphone; such as commissions, performances and event, and educational endeavors. Your support is appreciated! Visit www.thevibraphoneproject.org/donate to learn more
Share - Let us know about your vibraphone-related performances, commissions, and projects! Our goal is to uplift the entire vibraphone community, and we do that by promoting all projects related to the instrument. Email us at vibraphoneprojectinc@gmail.com
Volunteer - We are always on the lookout for passionate people, eager to donate their time to The Vibraphone Project. Our volunteers gain practical experience working within a music non-profit organization, while supporting the vibraphone community. Click here to learn more.