Presenter(s)
Presenter
Simon Tillier
Bio(s)
London-born, Simon Tillier is a conductor, performer, and educator, currently on the faculty of the University of Minnesota Morris, a liberal arts-based campus in central Minnesota, USA. He studied clarinet performance with Alan Hacker and Neville Duckworth at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester and conducting privately with Timothy Reynish MBE and Michael Rose. Simon relocated to North America to pursue masters and doctoral studies in conducting and music education with Glenn Price at the University of Calgary, Canada and Rodney Winther at the College-Conservatory of Music, Cincinnati, USA. In his current position his cross-discipline approach provides him the opportunity to commission and collaborate on works involving music, word, theatre, and dance. His research into Shakespeare and music comes from a wind specialist perspective and is part of a broader area of interest in the renaissance of British wind music in the late twentieth century.
Beyond the Score: Using National Identity to Enhance Your Programming
A successful wind band performance depends on conductors, performers, and audiences connecting with the music in multiple ways. Understanding and using national identity is a wonderful means of creating that connection. Utilizing David Miller’s (1995) wide-ranging definition of ‘Nationality,’ as well as British composers as an example, this presentation explains how to use works based on composers’ musical backgrounds, their adaptation of musical styles to reflect national tastes, and national associations beyond the music (such as literature, geographical location, or historical references). Considering the programming concept of using national identity provides a specifically socio-cultural musical context within which to consider wind band music in general, its interpretation, and how it can serve as a connection for wind band repertoire to performers and audiences alike.