Timothy Van Cleave

Another excellent improvisation from a session with Katie!

During my time spent at Ball State University I performed several concerts with George Wolfe and Eric Edberg. The ensemble explored contemporary improvisation. The group consisted of saxophones, cello, vibraphone, and other percussion instruments. We gave concerts/demonstrations at Ball State University, the Greencastle Summer Music Festival, Dayton University, and the Chautauqua Institute. Each performance was different.

I have since moved on to Vancouver, BC to find new experiences in music, but old ideas still abound. Recently I’ve had the good fortune to meet Katie, a very talented percussionist who also takes part in this idea of contemporary improvisation.

Part of my idea for this blog is to include recordings of each step of my musical journey and showcase some great moments. Below is the first 6 minutes of the second meeting I had with Katie.

For those of you checking this out I wanted to update you on what is currently going on in my life. I am still working as a percussion specialist at Northwest Musical Services Ltd in Vancouver, BC. There are a couple of projects in the works including the Vancouver New Music Festival in October of 2011 and a computer interaction project in 2012.

In the more immediate future is repertoire development with Rebel Bran and the Funky Orkestar. Also there is a jazz group that has been formed that plans to begin performing in the summer months of 2011.

As always if you are looking for a percussionist, timpanist, vibist, or clinician please send all inquiries to tavancleave@gmail.com.

-Timothy

At the end of the month of April I’m heading back to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to perform as substitute principal timpanist with the Vancouver Island Symphony. The two works that will be performed are Tan Dun’s Water Concerto and Ralph Vaughn Williams A Sea Symphony.

I am really looking forward to this concert!

I just got home from watching Black Swan. Holy smokes was that some kind of movie!

Sunday at 8pm I’ll be performing Carmina Burana with the Amabilis Singers at Shaughnessy Heights United Church in Vancouver. This venue is absolutely stunning and is located about half a block west of Granville and 33rd Avenue. Tickets are $20 at the door, if I remember correctly.

The instrumentation for the evening’s performance is two pianos, percussion quintet, choir, and baritone, tenor, and soprano soloists. Rehearsals have gone quite splendidly and the performance should be an event.

Check it out on the web: http://amabilissingers.org/

I just went to see Dr. Lonnie Smith. If you have yet to hear this man’s recordings, start today.

The ticket price for this concert was sort of up there. Life at the moment is charmed and I got in for what I thought was a good price. However, it brought to my attention that there are music lovers in this world who would enjoy the music no matter what the cost. I changed my mind when a few people left after the first set. My goodness it was Dr. Lonnie Smith!!

What motivates people to spend money on music as a form of entertainment? How much is too much? What factors tie into this phenomena? Before I get started on another dissertation it would be interesting to hear from some of you, the readers.

Recently I was asked how much to charge per hour for private individualized instruction in percussion instruments and music. I searched various resources in order to put a “price” on my services, which I thought to be appropriate.

How are we, musicians, supposed to respond when someone asks us our fee? In this case I think it takes a bit of convincing for others to realize that this service, skill, or performance is a life-long endeavor. Many musicians have spent years learning the art of music and it has come at a great cost. How then do we move forward and piece together a living?

Please enjoy the new musical selections added to my recordings page.

The Thorn Trees is the third movement of Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra by Marta Ptaszynska. It makes interesting and unique use of the theme and variation form.

Araneae Envemomation by Ed Mellen was recorded live at a Student Composers Forum held in Sursa Hall at Ball State University.

Footprints by Miles Davis Recorded by the group The Third Greatest on May 22, 2010 at Doc’s Music Hall in Muncie, IN is an example of my abilities as performer on drum set in the jazz idiom. In this recording I tried to create a different texture for each soloist.

Thanks for stopping by my website and the recordings page.

-Timothy

Every Monday evening there is a jam session at The Cottage Bistro. I’ve decided to check it out this evening in order to help water the seeds of my growing network of contacts in Vancouver.

The Cottage Bistro is a smaller venue that hosts jazz combos. Its a small intimate space well suited for jazz. You will no doubt hear standard jazz tunes being played. First impressions remind me of the many gigs at Motini’s with Live Jazz Tonight, Nathan Bogart, Cassius Goens, Matt Coral, Freddie Bledsoe, and Ben Morrissey.