The Composers Notebook Blog

If you would like to be a contributing author on THE COMPOSERS NOTEBOOK blog, contact Nolan Schmit at:

nolan@nolanschmit.com

Any topic relating to composing music or songwriting is welcomed!

Want some advice on ways of varying your cells, motives and melodies? Listen to Episode 11 of THE COMPOSERS NOTEBOOK podcast. In this episode, Nolan discusses expectancy in music and methods of varying motives by using the following techniques:

•Inversion

•Retrograde

•Augmentation

•Diminution

•Meter changes

•Rhythmic changes

•Pitch substitution

and the importance that the choice of keys and tempi has on the character of a composition.

http://nolanschmit.com/site/the_composers_notebook/Entries/2006/12/17_Episode_11-Chapter_6-My_Motivic_Makeover%3A_Manipulation_and_Modification..html

The new Nebraska Composers Alliance web site is up and running! From this web site, you will be able to make connections with Nebraska Composers, learn about commissioning a piece of music, and connect to resources for integrating composition into school music programs.

Check it out at:

http://www.nebraskacomposers.org

Hey friends!

Here’s the interview I did with NTV from this past Wednesday. We discuss my new work for brass quintet called, “PRISM: The Dance of Light.”

Check it out here:

http://nebraska.tv/Global/story.asp?S=8323973&nav=menu605_1

What’s next on The Composers Notebook podcast? Look for the interview with Dr. Timothy Mahr that is posted at THE COMPOSERS NOTEBOOK podcast page. Dr. Mahr is an internationally respected composer and is a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where he is the Conductor of the St. Olaf Band and teaches courses in composition, conducting and music education.

You’ll find the podcast here:

http://nolanschmit.com/site/the_composers_notebook/the_composers_notebook.html

Join the Nebraska Brass for “American Dances,” the finalé of its 2007-2008

season, “American Premieres.”  At this final concert, the Nebraska Brass will

feature the world premiere of Lincoln composer, Nolan E. Schmit’s new work

for brass quintet, “PRISM:  The Dance of Light.”   This piece is dedicated to

the memory of late UNL Professor Emeritus Robert M. Beadell, Nolan

Schmit’s first composition professor during his undergraduate career at the

University of Nebraska.

Thursday, May 29, 2008 • 7:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

614 Hastings Avenue

Hastings, Nebraska

Friday, May 30, 2008 • 7:30 p.m.

First Unitarian Church

3114 Harney Street

Omaha, Nebraska

Sunday, June 1, 2008 • 3:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church

840 South 17th Street

Lincoln, NE

Omaha/Lincoln: Adults $15  _  Seniors $12      

Hastings: Adults $12  _  Seniors $10 

Children and Students are FREE

Tickets available at the door or in advance by calling (402)-477-7899.

I decided that having a blog was the way to go! Finally I can update the site more frequently and let you know what’s going on!

I’m really excited to begin and will begin posting soon!

Check back frequently for updates.

Regards,

Nolan