Sigma Alpha Iota

Spring 2017 Pan Pipes

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sai-national.org • SPRING 2017 • PAN PIPES 23 CLASSICAL MUSIC REFERENCE BOOK FAMOUS COMPOSERS REFERENCE BOOK Anthony Marks. Usborne Publishing, Ltd., 2016. 32 pp. T he Classical Music Reference Book allows young readers to learn about classical music and its various forms, with examples of operas, ballets, how music was written under monarchies, and how composers set words to music. Marks writes informative side items that coincide with the delightful illustrations and topical photographs that are part of classical music's history. The information shared is all age appropriate, as well as colorful. On the pages for music for entertainment, there are photographs and illustrations of musicians playing their instruments, singing, and people dancing. One shows a photograph of a player piano and explains that even those who could not play piano in the 19 th century could have one in their home, during a time when pianos were the most popular instrument in both the US and Europe. The Famous Composers Reference Book will open up doors for young readers who want to learn about different composers. This reference book spans from early composers to the works of Igor Stravinsky, including composers such as Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Berlioz, and Mahler. Marks gives detailed information in small paragraphs that are accompanied by illustrations about that period of time in history, as well as the composers from those times. The photographs, although minimal due to the time periods the book covers, are appropriate for each composer and what was going on with music at that time. For example, in the section on the Renaissance, it explains how the church authorities were strict with what music was appropriate for services and what was not. It shows an illustration of Giovanni Perluigi da Palestrina showing his music to Pope Julius in order to have it approved for church. An interactive part of both books is the additional digital content available. There are Quicklinks codes on each page, so the reader can learn even more about classical music, hear recordings, or read information about where specific works might have been composed or performed. Usborne Publishing also has its own online link available if a smartphone or tablet are not accessible to those that are using the book. For parent and music educator consideration, these books are appropriate for ages 7 and up. Both their design and layouts are similar, so the reader will be able to follow the format from book to book. Colleen Christiansen is an initiate of the Gamma Delta Chapter at the SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music, a former Xi C PO, and the Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter President. REVIEWS VOICE SECRETS: 100 PERFORMANCE STRATEGIES FOR THE ADVANCED SINGER. Hoch. M. & Lister, L. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2016 T he purpose of Voice Secrets: 100 Performance Strategies for the Advanced Singer is to provide vocalists with the necessary information they should know and better understand in order to become better singers. Matthew Hoch and Linda Lister, both classical voice teachers at the university level, have the necessary experience (both as teachers and performers) and education to write effectively to the book's purpose, informing the reader about multiple issues pertaining to the mechanics of singing. As this book is part of the Rowman and Littlefield Music Secrets for the Advanced Musician series, it "emphasizes breadth over depth and inclusiveness over a narrow focus." Indeed, the book discusses 100 aspects (hence the use of the word "secrets" in the title) of singing in approximately 200 pages of text. However, despite the brevity given to each secret, the book includes meaningful ways to both improve and better understand one's approach to singing. The topics are wide-ranging and include but are not limited to: vocal technique, vocal health, practice strategies, and language and diction. When necessary, pictures and diagrams have been included so that the reader can better understand the specific topics, most notably in the chapter on vocal technique. The authors have also included a section on business tips. In this chapter, Hoch and Lister discuss multiple aspects of what it means to be a successful professional singer. While all the information in this book is worthwhile, the business tips might prove to be especially so for singers, as the topics in this chapter may not have been discussed in more traditional voice lessons or as an undergraduate music major. An additional strength of the book is that each secret ends with a specific benefit in regards to better understanding and/ or employing the topic, making the secret that much more tangible for readers Hoch and Lister acknowledge that, given their training, the book has an inherent bias towards classical singing, both in the secrets discussed and in the target audience. However, they have made a valiant effort to include topics related to non-classical styles and have an entire chapter devoted to contemporary commercial music singing. Doing so allows for this book to be relevant and useful to teachers and singers of other genres. Voice Secrets is a well-written and straightforward book that will provide worthwhile information to singers hoping to continue to advance their understanding and production of the craft. Undergraduate and graduate vocal performance majors will find this book especially worthwhile, especially given that the information is presented in a highly relatable manner. The authors provide a list of anthologies and professional organizations in the appendices, both of which will also prove to be useful resources for singers. Dr. Julie Hagen, an initiate of Epsilon Chapter, is an associate professor of music and coordinator of the music education program at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Dr. Hagen is an active choral musician whose research focuses on mentoring beginning music teachers. She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Ithaca College and a Doctorate from Michigan State University.

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