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Kath Wissinger - Bells and More Home
Kath Wissinger - Past and PresentPlease contact me directly for information on leading events or commissioning music, and with questions on any of my pieces. Below, you will find information on commissions, pedagogical pieces and new releases - In the links at the left, you may see listings of published compositions (listed alphabetically and by Level) as well as information on events and classes. Directing and Composing since 1988 I have lead 1 or 2 youth/teen handbell groups at Massanutten Presbyterian Church (Penn Laird, Va.) for the past 6 or 8 years, I have directed "Spectrum," a teen ensemble of 3-8 ringers (plus me). We play a variety of 2, 3, 4 or 5 octave music, quartets, trios, duets and 5x5. Everyone 4iH's and weaves as needed. In the "Spectrum" link at left, you can read about our most recent tours. (On hiatus, Spring 2010.) I also have over 50 pieces in print from a number of respected publishers. Teaching and Directing at Seminars and Festivals I have participated as a clinician at the local, area, regional and national level - single choirs to 750 ringers, youth and adult, all levels... I teach as I direct at Festivals and Workshops, explaining notation and compositional style and interpretation, theory, form, patterns, technique options, safe ringing, and anything else that allows the ringer to more fully interpret the music. We have fun, we work hard, and we create marvelous music!! Middle school handbells I have taught music at Redeemer Classical School, Harrisonburg, Va. for 6 years. We present two concerts per semester and outreach concerts as well. In addition to various retirement centers, we have played twice for the annual Lenten music series at Asbury UMC, Harrisonburg, Va. In April 2009, RCS successfully hosted the first annual Redeemer Classical Handbell Festival for 40 school-aged ringers at Massanetta Springs. (Next event is April 14, 2010 - contact me for details!) I have also taught KG-5th grade general music. Member of the AGEHR Area III Board for 8 years (2001-2009) I served as Secretary and Member at Large on the Area III Board and am still active in Guild leadership; teaching classes, administering the chime loan program, mentoring directors and composers. I wrote and directed an Area III promo DVD. Ringing sessions for the Very Special Arts of Virginia I have ler ringing experiences for the annual Very Special Arts experience locally. All the local schools' handicapped students attend a "Day for the Arts" each Spring and rotate through special-focus experiences. I have also led similar sessions at Camp StillMeadows, a summer retreat north of Harrisonburg for handicapped adults. National Park Service Ranger With a degree in Geology, I served as a Naturalist-Ranger in the National Park System for many years, taught Environmental Education to 3rd graders through high school at a residential camp, and have been an Elder Hostel teacher. Now I'm active teaching and directing at Handbell events, teaching middle school bells, taking care of my piano students, as well as my church ringers and composing projects. I have also taught guitar, presented sequential preschool music units and have adjudicated at piano festivals. | |||
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| Composing and Teaching More than 50 of my compositions have been published by companies such as AGEHR, Lorenz, GIA, HighMeadow, Above the Line, Choristers Guild, National Music, STEP, Alfred, From the Top, Composers Music (Jeffers), Hope/Agape. I write solos and ensembles as well as pieces ranging from 2 octaves to 7 octaves: pieces for all Levels and needs. Many of my pieces are also written for pedagogical purposes - to teach particular skills - either for my ringers or for other choirs. PEDAGOGICAL (Teaching) MUSIC: I have written a number of skill-specific pieces for my middle high ringers at school: each a specific level, carefuly assigned piece, often with Unison Exercises included. Some are in response to specific requests from other teachers I know. Once the students have mastered the preparatory exercises, the piece, being written with such focus, is much easier for the students to understand and play well. Quote from Kim Schlabach, Middle High Handbell Teacher at Thomas Harrison Middle School, Harrisonburg, Va. "My hat's off to you!! We need more teaching pieces. Your scores are easy to read, allow both clefs to ring rhythms, include drills, sound full, and the kids feel successful with stated attainable goals. Success breeds success." See the listing at the left for pedagogical pieces, appropriate for school, festival and concert use. _______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ My tastes run from Celtic, sacred and classical, to jazz and downright Sassy! I specialize in original pieces but also enjoy breathing new life into arrangements. Following are some of my pieces: NEWLY RELEASED PIECES!!! Two French Folk Tunes 2-3 L1+ "Au Claire de la Lune" and "Sur le Pont d'Avignon" (you'll recognize both of them!) set in all quarter notes or above, with a variety of techniques in appropriate ranges (all optional). Very easy accidental changes for all but 2 ringers. Unison practice exercises included to teach each skill as a group. A "step-up" piece that won't overwhelm beginning ringers but will allow some truly interesting and fun music to be performed by all. Perfect for school, concerts and Festivals. (Lorenz) Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless - 2-3 oct. L2+ (opt. 2-3 oct. chimes) Based on a Bach Lenten Chorale from the 1500's, this tune is appropriate for Lent or communion. Mid-range ringers are showcased in an obbligato in the second verse. (Nancy Jessup series, National Music Publishers 663) Come, Christmas, Come 3-5 oct. L2+ opt. chimes (one, two or three choir options) - "O Come All Ye Faithful" in a stand-alone settings which can also accompany congregational singing. (From the Top 20200) One Great Spirit 2-3 and 3-5 oct. (both included in one folio) L2 Plaintive but strong original tune with Native American feel. Mallets and close harmonies, as well as open fifths. (GIA 7251) For a current full listing of my published pieces - see the link to the left. You can find most of my pieces (and audio clips) by searching the Music site for "Wissinger" at Jeffers Handbell Supply (www.handbellworld.com) I've also developed a series through Above the Line called "Expandabells" which allows for multiple numbers of ringers and configurations without "watering down" the positions. Ringers who want more varied ensemble experience will enjoy these original pieces: Sassy!(Elf Mischief), Souviens, Recueillir, Resolution. Some include full choir and even Choir II Scores as well. These are sold in Master Packets. Other quartets include: Go Down, Moses (also in 2 oct. choir format) and Bittersweet (Love and Agony) from National Music Publishers. COMING SOON! Prairie Suite - A three part suite commissioned for the Area VIII 2010 Festival in Topeka, Kansas. 3-6 oct. L3 AGEHR (release Jan. 2010) 1. People of the South Wind - A haunting lyrical line is supported by arpeggios and then rhythmic chords. 2. Sunflower Dance - A fanciful piece in 5/8 and 6/8, the melodic line follows a Fibonacci sequence of tones. Optional chimes. 3. Reach for the Stars - An epic-style finale of struggle and success. Kingsport Procession - 3-5 oct. L2 (AGEHR) Written for the Kingsport Festival, Kingsport, TN - this lively pieces can be used as a processional, and continues once ringers are at the tables. Modal with rhythmic punch. We Wish You a Merry Christmas - 3 or 5 oct. L2 (Alfred) A perfect piece for Holiday concerts, with the option of inviting your audience to sing-along! Technicalities for Bells - a new series focusing on single skill pieces First edition: Echo Canyon and Mallet Dance, 3 oct. L1+ This folio introduces echoes or mallets on tabled bells - for the entire 3 oct. range. Ideal for school and beginning Festival settings, worthy of church and concert performance. (Alfred) Go, Tell It on the Mountain (based on a John Carter piano arrangement) 3-5 oct. L3 A lively version of this beloved spiritual using a triplet pattern for accompaniment in the refrain. Optional chimes for the verses with interesting harmonic progressions. (Hope - Spring 2010) Carol of the Bells 2-3 and 3-5 oct. L2 A bold rendition of this iconic Holiday tune, this double scored piece is excellent for festival, school and church use. The familiar 8th note runs are placed specifically on the scale for easy ringing, even with a few interesting key changes. (Hope) Spring 2011 _______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Directing and Teaching I love directing Festivals and workshops and teaching classes; from school aged groups to adults; advanced tracks, beginners and everything in between; from single choirs and small festivals to 750 massed ringers. I would be honored to be considered as a clinician for your event. See the listing of upcoming and past events, and of classes I have taught, in the links to the left. I participated in the AGEHR Master Conducting Class with Bill Payn in Jan. 2003 and studied Composition with Arnold Sherman Jan. 2005 (also an AGEHR Master Class.) I have also studied Composition with John Behnke and Advanced Conducting with David Davidson in Hartford, 2003. | |||
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Contact me!You may contact me at Longwalk3 "at" aol "dot" comPlease make specific reference in the subject line describing your query. References for teaching, leading workshops, commissions and Festival directing are available upon request. Feel free to ask me about any of my pieces as well. Updated 1-6-2010 | |||
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