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Jack Ballard has composed and produced music in a variety of genres, from classical and film music to jazz, folk and bluegrass. He studied under Gunther Schuller, Wendell Jones, David Maddux, and Frank Wiley, and received degrees from Central Washington and Eastern Washington Universities. He is working on his dissertation in Theory/Composition at Kent State University. His research and performances emphasize American traditional music from many sources, including Afro-American gospel, bluegrass, jazz of various styles and Native American. Ballard also writes music for dramas, videos and national radio shows. Recent compositions include The Castle (A Ballet) for large orchestra to be performed in conjunction with Ad Deum Dance Company of Houston, TX; String Quartet, to be performed by La Catrina String Quartet; Suite for Band and several vocal solo and choral pieces. |
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Compositions | |||
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String Quartet, mvt 4 "Breakdown" (Orchestra Version) |
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| String Quartet, mvt 4 "Breakdown" (Orchestra Version).mp3 - complete | |||
| String Quartet, mvt 4 "Breakdown" (Orchestra Version).pdf - complete | |||
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This was written in response to a request by George Figueroa (Violin II, La Catrina quartet). We thought it would be fun to have a "crowd-pleaser" that used American bluegrass influences. He had heard an orchestra piece I wrote called "Blue" and enjoyed the jazz influences (Symphony #4). | |||
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The Family (from the ballet, "The Castle" |
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| The Family (from the ballet, "The Castle".mp3 - complete | |||
| The Family (from the ballet, "The Castle".pdf - complete | |||
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This is the third movement of the ballet "The Castle." In the plot, the family is planning a wild party against the request of their eldest brother. Portions of the ballet are slated to be premiered late fall, 2008 by the Ad Deum Dance Company of Houston, Texas (director, Randall Flinn). | |||
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Psalm 150 |
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| Psalm 150.mp3 - complete | |||
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Most of this piece was taught by rote and/or improvised, as is best taught in African and Afro-American communities. The choir is the Mexico Music Mission, directed by Kelly Ballard. | |||
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Concerto for Piano No. 2 (allegro con fuego) |
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| Concerto for Piano No. 2 (allegro con fuego).mp3 - complete | |||
| Concerto for Piano No. 2 (allegro con fuego).pdf - complete | |||
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This is more fun for the odd-meter people. It is an exploration in multi-meter and Spanish/Latin ethnic tonalities, so it is very tonal. The rhythm section was recorded live without "click" and included Jack Ballard on piano, Chris Kent on bass and Dan Cox on drums. | |||
©2005 by JackD.W. Ballard,Jr.
All Rights Reserved
JackD.W. Ballard,Jr. is a member of Society of Composers, Inc. SCI is dedicated to the promotion of composition, performance, understanding and dissemination of new and contemporary music.