University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

A resource for developing free improvisational language through three commissioned compositions

Poffenberger, Wilson

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/123040

Description

Title
A resource for developing free improvisational language through three commissioned compositions
Author(s)
Poffenberger, Wilson
Issue Date
2024
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Gray, Lawrence
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Richtmeyer, Debra
Committee Member(s)
  • McNeill, Charles
  • Lund, Erik
Department of Study
School of Music
Discipline
Music
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
A.Mus.D. (doctoral)
Keyword(s)
  • Classical Saxophone
  • Free Improvisation
  • Drew Farrar
  • Carolyn Borcherding
  • Improvised Music
  • Method
  • Commission
Language
eng
Abstract
This project provides a resource for pre-professional classical saxophonists seeking to develop their improvisational skills within the framework of the western art music tradition. The primary focus is on developing improvisational language through the exploration of three distinct compositions, my piece, Cell Games, for two saxophonists, Carolyn Borcherding’s That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles for saxophone and live electronics, and Drew Farrar’s Tarot for Wilson for solo saxophone. Through documenting and transcribing excerpts from my improvisational language and utilizing this as source material for interpreting and developing performance interpretations of each composition, I provide a method to assist pre-professional classical saxophonists to bridge the gap between written notation, a familiar concept, and the less familiar territory of improvisation. The significance of the project lies in providing a much-needed resource for pre-professional classical saxophonists to navigate and embrace improvisation, an aspect often underemphasized in classical saxophone pedagogy. The commissioned compositions further contribute to expanding the classical saxophone repertoire and fostering creative connections among musicians. Though the target audience for this project are pre-professional classical saxophonists, this resource can be implemented by any instrument or classical musician.
Type of Resource
text
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 2024 Wilson Poffenberger

Owning Collections

Doctoral Project Papers [Option 3] - Music PRIMARY