Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Newband is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1977 by composer and conductor Dean Drummond. The ensemble is known for its unique instrumentation, which includes microtonal instruments and instruments designed by Harry Partch. Dean Drummond, who passed away in 2013, was a composer and conductor who was interested in exploring the possibilities of microtonal music. He founded Newband as a way to bring together musicians who shared his interest in this area of music. The ensemble's name is a reference to the fact that it was founded as a "new band" of musicians who were interested in exploring new sounds and new ways of making music. Over the years, Newband has had a number of different members, but some of the core members have included percussionist Tom Kolor, bassoonist and contrabassoonist Paul Hanson, and clarinetist and saxophonist Marty Ehrlich. These musicians have been with the ensemble for many years and have played a key role in shaping its sound and direction. One of the highlights of Newband's career was its collaboration with composer Harry Partch. Partch was a composer who was known for his use of microtonal scales and his creation of new instruments. He designed a number of instruments that were used by Newband, including the cloud chamber bowls, the diamond marimba, and the kithara. Newband performed a number of Partch's works, including "Castor and Pollux" and "The Bewitched." Newband has also collaborated with a number of other composers over the years, including John Cage, Ben Johnston, and James Tenney. The ensemble has premiered many new works by these composers, as well as works by Drummond himself. In addition to its collaborations with composers, Newband has also performed at a number of prestigious venues and festivals. The ensemble has performed at the Lincoln Center Festival, the Bang on a Can Marathon, and the Venice Biennale, among others. Newband has also released several recordings, including "Partch: Enclosure 8" and "Microtonal Music of Dean Drummond." Newband has received a number of awards and honors over the years. In 1999, the ensemble was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its work in microtonal music. In 2001, Newband was awarded the ASCAP/Chamber Music America Award for Adventurous Programming. The ensemble has also been praised by critics for its innovative approach to music-making and its commitment to exploring new sounds and new ideas. Today, Newband continues to perform and record music that pushes the boundaries of classical music. The ensemble remains committed to exploring new sounds and new ways of making music, and its members continue to collaborate with composers and other musicians to create new works that challenge and inspire audiences.

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