Timothy Mount

Review: Aaron Copland is best remembered for creating a truly American style of music which is full of folk influences, and melodic and harmonic simplicity. The Old American Songs incorporate folk melodies ranging from minstrel songs (The Boatmen's Dance) to hymns (Simple Gifts) to political satire (The Dodger). Originating as songs for voice and piano, these arrangements by Irving Fine for chorus were authorized by the composer, who himself further expanded the songs for voice and orchestra. "The House on the Hill" and "An Immortality" were both arranged by the recently departed Daniel Pinkham, who was a student of Copland's at Harvard.

Songlist: The Boatmen's Dance, The Dodger, Long Time Ago, Simple Gifts, I Bought Me a Cat, Help Us O Lord, Thou O Jehovah Abideth Forever, Have Mercy On Us, Sing Ye Praises To Our King, The Little Horses, Zion's Walls, The Golden Willow Tree, At the River, Ching-a-Ring Chaw, An Immortality, Las Agachadas, The House on the Hill, The Lark

Review: In this fun one hour and fifteen minute video, Dr. Timothy Mount, working with his choir, demonstrates and talks about clear beats, well-defined conducting patterns, preparatory beats, cut-offs and the many challenges of fermatas. Dr. Mount offers numerous tips and warns about a few bad habits to avoid. The video includes a detailed booklet/manual with all exercises noted. The Choral Journal called the video "A superb contribution to the profession" and strongly recommended the title.

Songlist: Checklist for a Clear Beat, Checklist for a Clear Pattern, Checklist for a On-The-Beat Preps, Checklist for a After-The-Beat Preps, Fermata Checklist