Tuesday Tunes

Composers Tuesday Tunes

musiccLast week for submissions to the Frame Dance Music Composition Competition!

We’re calling all composers to submit to our annual music competition to find a collaborator for one of our live dances, and/or one of our dance films. We’ll be using the winner’s music in one of our pieces for the Spring season.

We do not accept works previously licensed to third-party publishing companies.  This requirement, of course, does not limit works that are self-published where the composer has not entered into a licensing relationship with a third party.music3

The entry fee is $15.00. Composers may submit one, two, or three pieces for the single entry fee.

Submission Guidelines
Works may be written for solo, duet, trio, quartet, or quintet.
Acoustic works that utilize electronic playback are also acceptable.
Electronic music is accepted and encouraged.

Deadline is January 9, 2015

Winner will be announced January 30, 2015 

SUBMIT HERE.

Frame Dance’s Annual Music Competition

Composers Tuesday Tunes

It’s back!

Frame Dance Music Composition Competition

Photo by Sil Azavedo
Photo by Sil Azavedo

We’re calling all composers to submit to our annual music competition, for a chance to find a collaborator for one of our  live dances, and/or one of our dance films. We’ll be using the winner’s music in one of our pieces for the Spring season.

We do not accept works previously licensed to third-party publishing companies.  This requirement, of course, does not limit works that are self-published where the composer has not entered into a licensing relationship with a third party.blanton_musicians

The entry fee is $15.00. Composers may submit one, two, or three pieces.

Submission Guidelines
Works may be written for solo, duet, trio, quartet, or quintet.
Acoustic works that utilize electronic playback are also acceptable.
Electronic music is accepted and encouraged.

Deadline is January 9, 2015

Winner will be announced January 30, 2015 

Submit here.

 

 

Past Winners:music2

2014

First Place

Robert Honstein

an index of possibility, for percussion trio

 

 

Second Place

Matthew Peterson

Rain Dances, for quadrophonic mixed media

 

Third Placemusic3

Jonathan Russell

Five Two Tango, for two violins

 

Film Score Winner*

D. Edward Davis

cliff nesting, for alto saxophone with the sounds of Black-legged Kittiwakes near Seward, Alaska

*Frame Dance is currently in production for an upcoming film, and has selected cliff nesting, as the musical score for the film

 

Shannon Adams2013 Winner

Robert McClure

2012 Winner

musicc

Charles Halka

2011 Winner

Micah Clark

 

 

 

image David DeHoyos
image David DeHoyos

 

 

Good Luck! We look forward to presenting your music!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Tunes: more awareness to those people making music!

Tuesday Tunes

Tuesday Tunes

 

Continuing our Tuesday Tunes focusing on dancers and accompanists, here’s another interesting article.

This article talks about the relationship between the accompanist and a dance teacher, including the communication that is needed for the relationship to succeed. Composer and musician Christopher Hobson, who began accompanying music when he was 17 , goes into depth about what it means to accompany dance.

Read More here 

Dancers and Accompanists

Tuesday Tunes

Tuesday Tunes: Dance Teachers and Accompanists

Tuesday Tunes

While some teachers use CDs and iPods, many use live accompanists. As we know, the successful communication between accompanist and teacher is essential to the class. According to accompanist Richard Maddock, it’s the job of the musician to pay close attention while the dance teacher is marking it with their students to find the right tempo. He also says that it is important for him to pay attention to the first 8-16 bars of the exercise, so he can spend the rest of the time to get the perfect melody.

If you would like to read more about the interaction between accompanists and dancers, check out these cool articles:

Ballet accompanist equals ballet dancer in importance.

An interview with a ballet accompanist on Dance Advantage.

Building students musicality.

Also, check out our interview of our own Kirk Suddreath here!

Links We Like Friday

Free Events Thursday Links We Like Performances/Screenings

Hi All, this is one link we REALLY like.  Save the date: Nov. 8 at 4pm!

Check this out about our upcoming piece, METRO Dances!

“Frame Dance artistic director Lydia Hance has little interest in traditional performance spaces. In fact, her most recent shows have occurred in the back of a truck and Good Dog Houston. She prefers audiences members to bemetrodances_flier scattered among the performers. She’s ready to take it to a new level on Nov. 8 at 4pm with Metro Dances, which begins at Hermann Park/Rice University and ends at the Preston stop for a final performance at Market Square.

Dancing will occur on and off the train, and audiences are free to come and go. Halka, a former winner of Frame Dance Composer’s contest, will provide the mobile score. This will mark his third collaboration with the troupe. Of course, the only ticket involved is a $1.25 MetroRail pass. The show is nicely timed to coincide withMusiqa’s Market Square opening night concert.

metrodances_logoHance describes Metro Dances as a locomotive, mobile and public performance. “MetroRail is a space that people already have an expectation for,” explains Hance. “We know our physical role: buy ticket, wait, board, sit, get off. I want to turn that upside down and make it more exciting. If there are two things that Houston complains about, it is the heat and travel to and from work and leisure. Finding new ways of enjoying transportation opens up the possibility to make anything more exciting. And what could be more crazy than a moving stage? The dancers and musicians are in for as much as a thrill as the audience. You won’t miss us: fearless dancers and percussionists dressed in bright yellow.”

So You Think You Can Dance

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So You Think You Can Dance

According to a non-dancer (Emily Pau)

 

I honestly have never watched an entire episode until this review so…don’t hurt me!  So, in case you all missed last week’s Top 14 performances, here is my take on the episode.

The Top 14 performed a beautiful opening number with all of the dancers dressed in gorgeous white flowing robes adorned with gold braces and crowns obviously paying tribute to the ancient Greeks. However, one of the dancers is dressed in a normal/ modern white outfit and the others perform their routine around him. The modern man is left standing in the middle with a gold-like paint on his pure white shirt as the others gather at his feet. This routine could be a symbolic tale of how the Greek gods blessed the human race with brilliant artistic skills and that this one man has been “artistically touched” by the gods.  All in all it was a very interesting piece.

Team Bridget and Emilio were the first to perform that night and I have to say their routine was a little odd at first–a couple of demons on a mission from Hell to steal someone’s soul. Ok. At first their choreography looked like something out of Black Swan especially since Bridget kind of resembled Mila Kunis and I wasn’t that impressed. It wasn’t until their final product was complete that their jazzy dance moves and flashy red 1920s garb made the theme a fun and exciting dance routine!

Team Rudy and Tanisha’s stunning routine was absolutely breathtaking from beginning to end. It was a gorgeous story of seduction; it was like watching a contemporary Argentinean Tango. Rudy was definitely right when he said that you really can’t tell who is seducing whom. They were equally talented in their dancing and were perfectly synced throughout their performance. Everyone was completely wowed by their powerful choreography. That truly was an amazing routine!

Zack and Jacque, well more like “Count Zack and Lady Jacque,” were sensational with their hot vampire-ish routine. It was a wonderful twist to the Spanish Paso Doble as the judges mentioned but also seemed to give a slight nod to the dramatic American Tango. “Count” Zack did a wonderful job of being the vampire who brings the beautiful “Lady” Jacque back to life who doesn’t give in to his commanding yet enticing presence.  Her striking twists and turns prove that she is just as powerful and is not easily won over by his devilish charm. Their constant battle of dominance was absolutely thrilling to watch to the point of not knowing who really “won” the battle.  Perhaps it was a respectful tie…

Teddy and Emily did a great job taking everyone down the road of Broadway.  Their opening moves were fantastic which wonderfully progressed to the tight leg work. It looked like it did a number on their thighs just from watching it. The couple tried their hardest to channel the flairs of Bob Fosse but considering this was a difficult routine to imitate I thought they did a decent job.

Jessica and Casey were the essence of perfection with their sweet country love story. A flawless routine that gave the judges chills with their “porch swing” turns and steady lifts. Casey did a wonderful job complimenting Jessica’s shy and gentle nature as the loving boyfriend who adores her very being. Their amazing chemistry spent “electro shocks” through the audience and judges. It was certainly a routine you would want to watch over and over again.

However, the Quick-Step styles of Carly and Serge undoubtedly possessed cat-like glides, slides and hops. Their little Charleston steps were so much fun to watch after seeing them practice so hard to perfect it. Serge and Carly were incredible as the flirty yet modest cats of the Quick-Step.

The final paring, Ricky and Valarie come together to create a slightly creepy story about a witch doctor bringing a voodoo doll to life. I was completely blown away by their insane hip-hop moves and I don’t really care for hip-hop. It was as if I could imagine puppet strings on Valarie’s arms and legs as Ricky perfectly controlled her gangling body throughout their marvelous routine.

I wasn’t too crazy about the solos except for one of two and they definitely should not have been in the bottom 6. However, I thought some of them were better dancers when they were with a partner instead of their solo. Without a doubt each of the dancers was amazingly talented, but like in anything some stand out more than others.

The seven ladies of the show performed a beautiful final routine in their fluid purple gowns. It was as if the choreographer was still using the Greek mythologies as a canvas for their stage drama. The ladies were breathtaking as they seemed to embody the world of the Muses. Even as a group, each dancer added her own special flair to the story. The seven dazzling “muses” constantly lifted each other up as if to symbolize the essence of sisterly love regardless of competition. It was a piece that could bring tears to your eyes.

Another tip of the hat to the Greeks was the final male group enactment of the seven lost souls of the sea. The men gave life to these isolate creatures of the sea with their wave-like upper body movements perfectly linked together similar to men in a row boat. Their flying jumps provided were just the right touch to give the audience the feel of a high-rolling tide sweeping them throughout the gloomy tale.

At first I really didn’t care for the show because I thought the stories were the typical “artsy” stories were everything had a meaning and unless you were a dancer you didn’t really get it. Also, I thought some of the dance routines were a little predictable in how the ladies would move their hips, thighs, bum and whatever else the choreographers wanted to emphasize.

I totally understand that dance is like that sometimes and I have to admit it’s a little fun to dance like that. But I’ve also seen dance routines where it is still sensual but respectful.

I did like how the girls were seen outside of the dance studio. They showed how many dancers led normal lives that are not constantly surrounded by dancing. One girl worked at a grocery store and another was a tomboy. I was very glad to see that!

The men were even stereotypical in the way they carried themselves because almost all of them seemed to have the same metro-sexual look. Not every male dancer is like that, that’s seems to be what Hollywood wants to portray. I know several guys who are professional dancers and who are very masculine in their dancing and stature. They are nothing like the guys on TV.

The costumes, however, were gorgeous! I wanted a couple of them but have no place to wear them.

All in all it was a fun show to watch. I didn’t like it that much after the opening number and even a little bit of the first routine but I quickly enjoyed watching the ups and downs of the show.

Tuesday Tunes: Priscilla Rivas

Tuesday Tunes

Tuesday Tunes: Priscilla Rivas

headshot R: How do you see the future of dance?

P: I think that dance will continue to change, shrink, and grow as it has done in the past.  I feel that Dance reflects, many times, how our economy is doing.  The better people are doing financially, the more chances we see children being put into dance classes and movement classes.  So on a home level, I think we will see an influx of kids taking formal dance classes.  Sadly, we will see the opposite in public schools.  Each year, more and more emphasis is placed on high stakes testing and less on developing the “whole child.”  Schools find themselves cornered and having to make cuts and losing artist teachers in the schools because the budget cannot support them. I think families will have to make the extra effort to seek opportunities to expose their children to the arts. As for dance itself, the smaller our world becomes through technology, the more we will see other cultures and styles influencing all types of dance.  I think that is really exciting!  It is so interesting to watch contemporary pieces and recognize elements of hip hop, folklore, and even language incorporation.    Continue reading

Free Events Thursday!

Free Events Thursday

Texas Contemporary Art Fair

September 04, 2014 – September 07, 2014

Friday, September 5 11:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday, September 6 11:00am to 7:00pm; Sunday, September 7 12:00pm to 6:00pm

George R. Brown Convention Center

Entering its fourth installment, Texas Contemporary continues to gain traction in relevance and size, mirroring the economics and demographics of its host city, one of the country’s fastest growing markets. This year, an anticipated 70-plus galleries will showcase original works from the most innovative and progressive international and local artists today. New participants, drawn to the fair for reasons ranging from the production quality and caliber of galleries to the increasing attendance levels, price point and overall sales.

Price: $25.00

 

Free Children’s Museum, Houston Zoo, Museum of Fine Arts to Bank of America Cardholders

First full weekend of every month!

free admission for Bank of America cardholders this weekend. Bank of America’s national program, “Museums on Us,” provides free admission the first full weekend of every month to 150 participating museums and venues.

In Houston area, that free admission includes the Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum of Houston and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Free admission is limited to Bank of America credit/debit card holders only, and not their children. Check museum links for hours and location.

Price: FREE!!!

 

First Saturday Art Crawl

April 05, 2014 – January 03, 2015 (Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday) from 4:00PM – 7:00PM

Houston Socialites Club

On the first Saturday each month, join HSC for a fun, social art crawl around Houston, followed by dinner/drinks. Each month will feature a different art cluster/neighborhood, and includes these old favorites: Gallery Row, Montrose, Rice, Upper Kirby, Heights, to name a few. For couples and singles over 30.

Price: FREE!!!

 

First Saturday Arts Market

May 03, 2014 – May 02, 2015 (Recurring monthly on the 1st Saturday)

11-6 Sept – May

548 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008

First Saturday Arts Market is a monthly outdoor fine arts event featuring the works of dozens of visual artists. Located in the Historic Houston Heights by Gen’s Antiques at 548 W. 19th St. at Lawrence St., the market showcases paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and handcrafted items. Bring the entire family and come enjoy the great outdoors, live music and delicious fare from some of the area’s best gourmet food trucks.

Price: FREE!!!

 

Time Warp Classic Concert Series

Saturday, September 06, 2014 at 7:30-9:30 pm

Sugar Land Town Square

Don’t miss the Timewarp Classic Concert Series featuring music from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Catch the double feature with Already Gone (Eagles Tribute) and Abbey Road (Beatles Tribute) Bands.

Price: FREE!!!

 

Open Hangar and WWII Aircraft and Museum

September 06, 2014 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

West Houston Airport, Hangar B-5
18000 Groschke Rd, Houston, TX 77084

The Houston Wing of the Commemorative Air Force invites you and your family, friends or group to visit our Hangar and tour our WWII Museum on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. Get up close to our Wing’s 5 flyable WWII military aircraft. Go inside a WWII Paratroop aircraft and climb into the cockpit of a WWII trainer. Our hangar is located at the West Houston Airport 2 miles north of I-10, just east of Barker Cypress on Groschke Rd. (For detailed directions go to: www.houstonwing.org) The Commemorative Air Force is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, restoring and flying military aircraft so that younger generations can appreciate the role of military aviation through history in the defense of our country and the preservation of our liberties.

Price: FREE!!!

 

Centennial Family Fest Celebrates Houston Ship Channel’s 100th Birthday

Saturday, September 06, 2014 from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Bayport Cruise Terminal  

4700 Cruise Road, Pasadena, TX 77586

During the festival, attendees will be dazzled by many exciting and educational activities and attractions ranging from tours of the M/V Sam Houston Vessel, a tug boat tug-of-war, an interactive antique fire truck, toy sailboat games, face painting, treasure hunts and much more.

Additionally, historic Houston Ship Channel movies and exhibits will educate festival goers about the importance of the ship channel and the port. The daily traffic of the ship channel will serve as the festival’s lively backdrop. A variety of food, beverages and treats will also be available.

Parking will be accessible on site and a shuttle service will run to and from nearby parking areas.

Price: FREE!!!

 

Shadows on the Wall: Cameraless Photography from 1851 to Today

August 31, 2014 – November 30, 2014

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77005

Drawn from the permanent collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Shadows on the Wall: Cameraless Photography from 1851 to Today presents 50 evocative images created with light and chemistry but without the use of a camera.

Price: Free on Thursdays and $15.00 and you can see the Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House exhibit for free!

 

 

Free Events Thursday

Free Events Thursday

Godspell

Friday, Aug 29, 2014 at 8 p.m.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

AD Players present a free performance of Godspell at 8 pm Friday, at Miller Outdoor Theatre. It’s considered one of the biggest Broadway and off-Broadway hits of all time.

Price: This is a ticketed event for the covered seating area. Free for the hill!

 

Critical Mass

Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 at 7 pm

Ride begins at 301 Milam downtown

Grab your bike and join Critical Mass, a group of bikers that ride the last Friday of each month from Market Square Park. Its goal is to advocate for a bike-friendly urban environment.

Price: FREE!!!

 

Amazing Houston Comic Con 2014

August 29, 2014

FRI 8/29: 3pm-8pm SAT 8/30: 10am-7pm SUN 8/31: 10am-6pm

George R. Brown Convention Center

The Amazing Houston Comic Con is a convention spanning the latest and greatest from the world of comic books. Hosted by family-owned Jay Company Comics, one of the largest comic book dealerships in the country, the event will bring the best of popular culture to Houston. The event will feature a show floor packed with more than 100 exhibitors, an exciting artist alley featuring more than 200 artists, and autograph sessions giving fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators.

Price:  Adult Admission: Weekend passes are $60, Saturday passes are $35, and Friday- or Sunday-only passes are $25. VIP tickets range from $150-$200

 

Disney in Concert Magical Music from the Movies

Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014 at 8:00 pm

The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Come be enchanted by DISNEY IN CONCERT Magical Music from the Movies with the Houston Symphony. When everyone joins together for memorable moments and melodies that Mouseketeers of all ages know by heart, it feels like a small world, after all. Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m.

Price:  $15 orchestra seating / FREE mezzanine and lawn seating

 

Tomball Texas Music Festival

Saturday, Aug. 3oth, 2014 from 11 am – 6:30 pm.

201 S. Elm in Tomball

Live music from The John Evans Band, Jesse Raub, Jr., and Mike & the Moonpies. Food, music and free parking!

Price: FREE!!!

 

Answering the Call to Serve: Camp Logan, Houston, Texas 1917-1919

August 13, 2014 – November 15, 2014 (Recurring daily) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

1100 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002

Learn about the hidden part of Houston’s history that resides in the underbrush at Memorial Park. The exhibit explores the history of Camp Logan with help of local archaeologist and will feature The Heritage Society’s Permanent Collection of Camp Logan materials.

Price: FREE!!!