Posts Tagged ‘musical’

Billy Elliot Musical – The Story Of A Boy With Dreams

Sunday, January 4th, 2009

Billy Elliot Musical is the story of Billy Elliot a boy coming from a working class family. He discovers a passion that will change his life forever. Billy Elliot is an eleven year old son of a miner. He likes the ballet class more than his boxing class. He joins the ballet class secretly thinking that his working class family will not support his ambition. His talent takes flight under the guidance of his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson. He has to fight with his father when he comes to know about it. But Billy chases his dream and destiny. This is a story of a boy who chases his heart’s desire, and achieves great stardom.

The Team Behind The Show

Billy Elliot Musical is produced by Jon Finn and Greg Brenman. Stephen Daldry has directed this musical while the screenplay is by Lee Hall. The executive producers are Natascha Wharton, Charles Brand, and Tessa Ross. Maria Djurkovic is the production designer while Brain Tufano is the director of photography. John Wilson is the editor, Stewart Meachem is the costume designer, Peter Darling is the choreographer, and Stephen Warbeck is the composer of this musical. Sir Elton John has scored the music.

Evolution Of The Musical

The inspiration for screenwriter Lee Hall to write the story of Billy Elliot Musical came while he was writing about his childhood in the US. He took nearly a year to write the story, since he was preoccupied with other projects. Once he was free, he completed the script in three weeks. Lee Hall showed the screenplay to the head of Tiger Aspect’s Drama Department, Greg Brenman after elaborate research on ballet in Royal Ballet School. He interviewed dancers from small villages just like Billy Elliot. Brenman accepted the script. Brenman commented that the story was fantastically engaging. The script of Billy Elliot was developed with Tessa Ross at BBC Films, the executive producer. He contacted Jon Finn, the producer who was heading WT_ a division of Working Title Films. This company is behind movies such as Elizabeth, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral. WT_ aims to encourage emerging writers, producers and directors in the UK. WT_’s first project is Billy Elliot. Finn has deeply connected with the story because his grandfather was a miner and so he knows the community. Most of his mother’s relatives worked in these mines.

The Broadway Cast Of Billy Elliot Musical

Billy – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish
Michael – David Bologna and Frank Dolce
Debbie – Erin Whyland
Mrs. Wilkinson – Haydn Gwynne
Dad – Gregory Jbara
Tony – Santino Fontana
Grandma – Carole Shelley
George – Joel Hatch
Mr. Braithwaite – Thommie Retter
Dead Mum – Leah Hocking
Billy`s Older Self – Stephen Hanna

According to many reviews, Billy Elliot Musical is of Oscar quality. The show has rave reviews by the media. You can get tickets for this musical from the internet easily. You can avoid standing in queues and all such other hassles associated with getting tickets. They will deliver the tickets right at your home. Your online broker will also let you to select seats of your choice.
Al enjoys writing online reviews of Broadway plays and musicals such as Billy Elliot Musical Resources in New York City. His reviews cover every show in the city and other major cities and are updated daily with resources for Billy Elliot musical Resources.

What If You Could Make Money Using Your Musical Ability?

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

Someone who possesses the musical ability necessary to play one or more instruments may have the desire to become a professional musician or work in a related line of business. Among the most crucial elements to look at while going into any new playing field is to find out if there`s a demand for the service that you`re offering. Whatever you undertake has got to be in demand in order to turn a profit. You perform by furnishing entertainment, and in exchange get income for your services. If you are able to manage this on a steady basis, you`ll be able to become successful. If you`re not able because of one reason or another, you won`t.

Your market will include, but not be confined to an individual, group of people, or organization that calls for a particular service, e.g. music. Selling that merchandise implies merely developing your product (music) and making it available to the consumer. A rock `n` roll nightclub needs rock groups, Branson, Missouri needs country and easy listening, and Las Vegas needs production numbers with flair.

You`re looking to play music, have fun performing it, and possibly even earn a few bucks at the same time. On that point, there are a whole slew of different types of engagements available.

Restaurants…Nightclubs…Hotels – in general, you should find out what type of atmosphere that particular establishment is attempting to specialize in and play accordingly. If you`re with a country band it wouldn`t make sense to book in a rock `n` roll club, and vice versa.

County and State Fairs, fund-raisers, and entertainment oriented gatherings -There are several chances for a wide-ranging source of musical expression. The bigger amusement parks employ full time musicians to entertain the every day crowds, and those groups might specialize in classical music, country music, R and B music, or big band era music. All you`ve got to do is call them, find out who hires the various groups, and arrange for a tryout.

Rehearsals and Showcases – There are a lot of folks in the stage business that arrange a number of productions during the course of the year. These might include dance recitals, musical extravaganzas, dramas, or any of hundreds of other possibilities. From each one of these might constitute an opportunity to find oneself employment. Wedding ceremonies – various types of music possibly can be used at a marriage ceremony. One of them is background music prior to the wedding reception, processional and recessional music, dinner music, dance music, etc.

Schools – Schools of Music, Colleges, Recording Schools, Private Music Schools, and Audio and Video Schools may need some background tunes to help to express a certain musical theme, image, or impression. These tasks will usually require that you are able to read music on sight.

Private Parties – These types of bookings can be very wide based, from a sail on a private yacht to a seven year olds birthday party, a stores grand opening, or a trade or fashion exhibit.

Churches and Synagogues – as a whole, each will employ a music director whose duty will include getting an organist, soloist or additional musicians such as a keyboard player in order to facilitate the suitable completion of services or social affairs. These bookings typically result in long term engagement.

Freelancing – numerous opportunities are available to the group or person that can be versatile and has got a higher degree of expertise in playing his musical instrument. Not everybody can play at the same level therefore they can`t potentially perform the same sort of work. Also the bookings noted earlier, there are countless of other opportunities such as; Sporting Events, Rodeos, Ballet, Beauty Pageants, Theater, Political Rallies, Comedies, and even Television and Radio. Of late, the World Wide Web has arrived on the scene with musical opportunities to showcase your talents and try out new musical arrangements and material.

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MP3 Players–Power-Packed Musical Devices

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

The society is trying hard to cope with the hectic lifestyle and competitive environment. Music, plays it part in offering entertainment and recreation to those who listen to it.

Music plays an important part in our lives and through its power we feel attached to the world. Music is not only a source of entertainment, but it is also a form of recreation. Music rejuvenates our mood and stirs our soul; at the same time it gives us ultimate joy and pleasure. Moreover, it has become an integral part of our lives and we cannot dismiss its significance. We listen to it while we are travelling, driving, doing household chores or when we are going through blues.

Whenever we feel low or tired music pulls us form our state of discontentment. With the passage of time, the world of music has been revolutionised and some of the latest hi-tech musical devices have been ruling the market. Technology has progressively replaced the traditional CD players, cassette players so as to optimise the quality of music. The latest musical devices which are raising the level of music is the MP3 players. These gadgets are portable and light-weighted, therefore one can carry them around wherever he/she go. These contemporary gadgets are bundled with rich features, advanced functionalities and sophisticated looks.

These unique entertainers provide outstanding music quality and flexibility. Its soothing music will have a calming effect on the listener and one almost escape to an imaginary world. These advanced players live up to the expectation of the user in terms of performance, consistency and compactness. However, the purchase of this trendy device requires thought and research. Firstly the buyer should consider the size of the player and see to it that it synchronises with the size of the room. Its style and design should enhance the interiors of the room.

Moreover, one should also be clear about its longevity and warranty period. These days there are many manufacturing companies which are winning the trust of their consumers due to their sound output, performance and quality. One of the leading market player is Philips. The company has produced sleek and trendy players, which are a perfect blend of technology and entertainment. The latest Mp3 players are mesmerising the listeners with their excellent audio quality and style. Music-lovers move to different world the moment they come in association with it. The devices promise to serve and fulfil the entertainment needs of the user thereby making him/her feel enlightened. As the world has put itself into the hands of the internet, therefore one can also venture into online shopping for latest players which are affordable and high in quality at the same saves the buyer from hopping from one shop to another.

There are many audio and MP3 Players in the market like sony,videocon,samsung,Transcend,i Ball and many more but every brand has its unique quality like Philips MP3 Players have good maintenance service, that`s the reason people like the Brand Philips.

The author is a specialist in retail writing. Her writing skills reflect the outcome of years of exposure to the retail industry. Working with retail giants as a consultant has enriched her knowledge base and her passion for writing got fire. She can be read regularly on RetailsDirect.com. For details please visit: www.retailsdirect.com
Apple iPods

Dobro Tunings – Tuning A Dobro For Maximum Musical Depth

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

The resonator guitar, or Dobro, like the electric guitar, is the result of early pioneers of the guitar looking for some way to make their instrument heard above the other instruments in a band. Using metal resonators did not catch on as amplification but the resonator guitar was embraced by slide guitar players for its expressive sound.

The basic advantages of using alternate tunings for Dobro playing are the availability of open string bass notes to accompany your melodies and the variety of combinations of chords you can make use of. Standard tuning is fine for the Dobro – you can still do alot with single note tunes – but why not look at it as a new instrument with new possibilities? You can decide which tuning to use based on the key of the song you are playing.

Bluegrass Dobro players quite often use G B D G B D – Open G tuning. There is a certain advantage for guitarists new to the Dobro in using this tuning in that the second, third and fourth strings are tuned the same as in standard tuning. This makes it a little easier to become comfortable with the new layout of the fretboard.

You cannot get minor chords using the Open G but you can find two notes of the minor triad. The second and third strings played open are two-thirds of your E minor chord – G and B. If you play the open second and third strings with the fourth string barred at the second fret, you will get the sound of the complete E minor chord.

You can also tune the Dobro to D G D G B D. This opens up the range of notes available to you in the lower range and is favored by Bluegrass guitar players. Do not forget that you can use other open tunings like Open E and Open D. If you would like to play blues music tune your Dobro to D B G G B D – gypsy tuning.

Hawaiian slack key is a little appreciated guitar style which also uses alternate and open tunings. Among the slack key tunings are D A D F# A C#, C G E G A E, Open C – C G C E G C, and Open F – C F C F A C. The key to Dobro playing is the sound and how you can bring it out in your own way by using these unusual tunings.

I should mention that you can use the capo on the Dobro, just the same as on the regular guitar. You should have no problem adjusting to the touch of the Dobro. If you are thinking of buying a resonator guitar with a pickup, just bear in mind that you may have some problems with feedback.

Do you want to learn to play the guitar? Learn How To Play A Guitar For Free is a constantly updated blog which contains all the resources you need for: learning to play solo guitar, how to learn guitar chords, how to learn to read and play easy acoustic guitar tabs, finding a free online guitar tuner, looking for free guitar lessons online, and how to learn guitar scales.

Wind Musical Instruments

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

A Wind Musical Instrument is a musical tool that contains some type of resonator, in which an article of air is set into shaking by the player blowing into (or over) a mouthpiece set at the end of the resonator. The pitch of the vibration is determined by the length of the tube and by manual modifications of the effective length of the vibrating column of air. To make a sound on some wind instruments you have to blow through a reed; others require energetic into a metal mouthpiece.

Types of wind instruments

Wind instruments fall into one of the following categories: -

1.Brass instruments
2.Woodwind instruments

1.Brass instruments: Brass Instruments were originally made of brass.

2.Woodwind instruments: Woodwind Instruments have usually been made of wood, the material used to make the body of the instrument is not always a reliable guide to its family type.

A more accurate way to determine whether an instrument is brass or woodwind is to examine how the player produces sound. In brass instruments, the player`s lips vibrate, causing the air within the instrument to vibrate.

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Radio Musical extravaganza, now online!

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008

The miracles of technology are breaking all boundaries. Every new invention makes us marvel at sharpness of the human mind. Internet is one of the most impressive human steps towards the pinnacle of technological success. It has practically everything under the Sun. Let`s take FM radio for instance, which has recently become a member of the vast Internet family.

The FM Radio has seeped into every household and has become an ideal companion during the monotonous and dreary moments of life. Not only music but radio has now evolved as a wonderful medium to voice public opinions as well as for playing daily contests and games. Today, we have mobile phones with integrated radio. While traveling or on a boring day at home, there isn`t a better companion than a radio set.

Radio has an element of uncertainty to it. You never know which song is to be played next. That is the reason, why the craze of radio refuses to subside despite having numerous other means of musical pleasure available.

Now the radio is integrated with the Internet and we can quite conveniently listen to it as we do on our radio sets. The trend of live Internet radio is quite recent but has gained a tremendous momentum of appreciation in a short span. The laptops give a significant boost to the usage of the Internet radio, as while traveling one can listen to the FM and keep himself entertained. The radio sets are undoubtedly nearing `extinction`, basically due to the fact that radio comes embedded into a number of other gadgets, like a music player, iPod, mobile phone, PDA etc.

With the mobile phones being transformed gradually into computers due to the integration of cutting edge technological marvels like GPRS, high end browsers etc., accessing the Internet radio websites no longer depends on the availability of a computer. Online radio not only allows FM audience, but you have a provision to access AM radio as well. Internet radio has myriad forms. There are websites that provide everything ranging from custom radio stations, to AM and FM streaming stations. They also facilitate instant download of the songs. Some of the websites offer pure musical experience and absolutely 0% commercial interruptions. No irritating advertisements, no radio jockeys; just pure music.

Radio on the Web is the next big leap of the Internet towards engulfing the entire world into it. The radio is now almost omnipresent. You pick up a mobile and you have the FM radio facility in it; if it is an i Pod, you can switch from your own collection of songs to the unlimited play list of the radio. Many radio stations are now concentrating on this new face of FM and AM entertainment. Internet voice streaming is a prerequisite to facilitate radio on Web. The Live Internet Radio has definitely boosted the popularity of this mode of entertainment a great deal.

Aradhana Gupta is an expert author. She has written many articles on LIve Radio Online and Online Video.

Collecting Unique Musical Instruments

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Those of us in western civilizations are accustomed to a large variety of instruments. However, there are many types of instruments that you will never see in any orchestra. They are, however, worth your consideration, both for their uniqueness of structure, but of sound.

One of the things that I really wanted to do in Borneo was bring home a number of the stringed instruments that I saw in the shops of Kuching, Sarawak - the sape. But, I did not have enough money at the time.The sape or sapeh is a guitar type instrument shaped somewhat more like a lute. It normally has four strings, but occaisionally has 3 or 5.

Several of the tribes in Borneo use this instrument. I saw one man in the Sarawak Cultural Village that made them. He gave us a short concert that was simply enchanting.The sound that was much more common in our travels in Sarawak was the combination of brass gongs and drums. The gongs are sold by Chinese traders up and down the rivers and so at least one set is found in every longhouse. A set of these gongs would be a good addition to any musical instrument collection.

Musical instruments are typically found in three different groups - string, wind, and percussion. They can be further divided by the type of material they are made of and whether they are designed to play melody or for rhythm.

One unique string instrument that would make a great collectors item would be the gopichand. This unique instrument has a single string and it is held tight by two strips of bamboo. The bamboo is then squeezed together to change the tone of the note. It is typically used for rhythm. This intrument is from Bengal.

Another unique string instrument is the Veena from southern India. This instrument has resonance chambers at each end. The Veena (also called Vina) is somewhat like a lute and has a sound like a very mellow sitar.

There is one type of instrument that you may already have and not realize it. That is the rain stick. It is made of a hollow tube of wood – often bamboo – with beeds or seeds in it. You tip it back and forth to make a soothing sound.

Another type of instrument that is commonly taken home without thinking of it as being a musical instrument is the thumb piano or kalimba. These strange instruments are made by attaching strips of metal into a sounding board. These are then plucked in a downward motion of the thumb to make a tone. They are different sizes so that a melody can be played.

Something that I`ve tried to play a couple of times is the didgeridoo. I would love to become adept at playing this unique instrument. It is basically just a tube that the Australian aborigines use to produce a delightfully soulful sound by blowing in it. This one definitely goes in the rhythm section because there is not really any tune possible.

Drums come in all shapes and sizes and make noise in more ways than you can imagine. You could make a very interesting collection just of these instruments.

You may not decide to make a large collection of unique musical instruments, but you should definitely put them on your list of things to consider bringing home.

About The Author:

Our family has traveled on every continent in the world. You will want to read about our adventures at http://ilovetravelvacations.com/Collecting_Unique_Musical_Instruments.php.

Musical Muse Mozart

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Viennese Mozart orchestra plays a singular atmosphere in Vienna concerts with international well-known singer and soloist – all together in magnificent historical costumes and Perücken – and creates in of Vienna largest and most famous concert halls such as state opera, music association, and concert hall and yard castle.

In styles of “musical academies”, then were called in Vienna concerts at present the Mozart`s, with the Viennese Mozart concerts individual sentences from Symphonien and solo concerts in addition, Ouvertüren, airs and Duette from operas specified, in each case particularly liked and well-known pieces, which inspire the public. With the presentation of the most beautiful pieces the bunch dynasty, the Viennese Mozart concerts meet also the desires the bunch lover, since these are spoiled among other things with the world-famous Walzer “at the beautiful blue Danube” and the “Radetzky march”.

The pianist Rudolf Buchbinder was performing a selection of Mozart`s piano works, interspersed with readings from the composer`s letters.

There remain sites in Vienna that can claim to have been honoured by Mozart`s living presence “in these rooms”, “in this palace” or “in this church”. The one obvious exception is St. Marx cemetery, where he is buried.

While still a child Mozart was already mingling with the social elite. In 1762, when Mozart was just six years old, the “prodigy from Salzburg” was already the talk of the town, and a performance for the Habsburgs is arranged at Schönbrunn Palace – albeit with a little help from father Leopold, himself a well-known musician in the service of the Archbishop of Salzburg. The “family business” scored a big success: Mozart`s playing in the Hall of Mirrors in the imperial summer residence delighted the “mother of the nation” Empress Maria Theresa, and she was even more charmed when the six-year-old, as the story goes, jumped up on to her lap after the performance.

Six years later, in 1768, Mozart, a well travelled veteran although still only 12 years old, met Maria Theresa again on two separate occasions. At the Wiener Hofburg the Empress granted him a two-hour audience; and at the consecration of Waisenhaus Church attended by the Empress he conducted the Waisenhaus Mass which he had written specially for the occasion. Incidentally, this commemorative mass is still performed every year on the date of the church`s consecration (December 8). Much later, in 1781 to be precise, Mozart was even invited to spend Christmas Eve in the imperial apartments at the Hofburg as a guest of Austria`s enlightened Emperor Joseph II.

Even if Mozart did not always receive the acclaim that was his due while he was alive, the situation changed radically after his death. “The Magic Flute” (1791) was soon seen to be an unsurpassed stage work, and his many other compositions were increasingly acknowledged for the masterpieces they are. Prominent among the many sites dedicated to the composer is the Mozart Memorial in the Burggarten, which was erected in 1896. At the Central Cemetery, Vienna`s largest burial ground, a further Mozart memorial was erected in 1891 in the section devoted to prominent artists and politicians next to other great composers such as Beethoven and Strauss. Also worth a look is the Mozart Fountain – or Magic Flute Fountain as it is often called — built in 1905 and featuring a bronze statue of the two main protagonists of the opera, the flute-playing Tamino in the embrace of his beloved Pamina. For those in need of consolation and sustenance, the great musician can also be remembered at the Café Mozart near the Vienna State Opera.

Anil Gupta recommends that you visit vienna hotels for more information.

Spamalot – the Monty Python West End musical

Saturday, December 13th, 2008

Spamalot, a musical comedy, “lovingly ripped off” from the classic ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ film is a must-see for anyone with an appreciation for the film or West End Theatre productions. The adaptation, directed by Oscar winning director Mike Nichols (The Graduate, Charlie Wilson’s War) premiered on Broadway in February 2005 and made its way over to London’s West End in September 2006, becoming both a critical and financial success.

In addition to ‘The Holy Grail’, Spamalot makes many references to other material in the Python canon, including “The Lumberjack Song”, the Ministry of Silly Walks and Dead Parrot Sketch routines, along with a rendition of the song “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from the film ‘Monty Python`s Life of Brian’ to name but a few.

Other Broadway works get a nod too, including “The Song That Goes Like This”, a spoof of Andrew Lloyd Webber productions and Broadway power ballads in general; the knights doing dances reminiscent of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and ‘West Side Story’ and the song “You Won`t Succeed (On Broadway)” in parody of ‘The Producers’ and ‘Yentl’.

In April 2007, the cast from the London production and original Python members Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam joined a crowd in Trafalgar Square to become the largest group of people ever to clap together half coconut shells; 5,567 in all, performing a rendition of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life”, using the coconut shells to replace the whistle parts. This was part of London`s St George`s Day celebrations last year and was followed by a screening of ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’.

Also last year, it was announced that the London production would solve the problem of replacing Hannah Waddingham, who’s joining the Broadway production, in her role as the Lady of the Lake through a TV talent show in Sweden. The programme, called ‘West End Star’, began airing on Swedish TV channel TV3 last month, with the aim of announcing the winner on 2 February and the winner joining the rest of the cast the following week.

Ultimately the show should appeal to everyone, whether you’re a fan of Python or West End theatre, making Spamalot an ideal production to see with friends or family during London theatre breaks. As Charles Spencer from The Daily Telegraph put it, “It’s a wonderful night and I fart in the general direction of anyone who says otherwise”.

“World Music Expo” & “Grammy” Nominated Armenian Legendary Musical Instrument

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Womex (World Music Expo) Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2002 and Grammy in 2007 nominated Djivan Gasparyan as an Armenian national hero, created cross-cultural collaborations with many legendary musicians and composers. By him Armenian Symbolic Musical Instrument obtained worldwide popularity in Show-Business.
One of the wholly Armenian oldest and traditional musical instruments in the world, its redolent, colorful character and warm sound that bring just enjoyment or sadness is Armenian wood-wind musical instrument – duduk! All over the centuries, the Armenian duduk has passed through to many adjoining countries and today different variants of the Armenian duduk can be found in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Persia, also named differently.
Magical Armenian duduk has been particularly developed to bring a warm, flexible character. Over the years the unique way of duduk making is an apricot tree wood material applying, while other countries use other trees as a material. The Armenian duduk is perpetually played with addition of a second duduk-“dum”, which gives the music a force and stimulant atmosphere, harmoniously with the principal duduk. The duduk is also typically being an adjunct with “dhol”. The dhol is known as its positive Armenian dance rhythms. However, even when the duduk plays lament, the gentle touch of the dhol provides a suitable background.
Armenian duduk has truly become a part of daily life in Armenia. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that no wedding ceremony, festive occasion, or family gathering would be complete without a duduk player. The duduk has been used in many western-made films; particularly it has been used in film soundtracks for “The Last Temptation of Christ”, “The Crow”, “Gladiator”, “Titanic” and “Ronin”.
Only one oldest musical instrument in the world can talk with you, entertain and amuse you, can also get you into deep meditation – ARMENIAN MAGIC DUDUK!