Posted on Monday, December 8, 2008
Dr. R. Tad Greig, Westminster College assistant professor of music and director of bands, recently assisted in the production of a Wind Ensemble CD.
Greig assisted Dr. Adam Brennan, Mansfield University director of bands, on the project.
"Recording sessions are difficult to do," Greig said. "It is an intense atmosphere, with students performing challenging music, surrounded by microphones and the ever-present fear of making a mistake that could cost a 'take.'"
"My responsibility was to read the scores while the ensemble performed and to listen for issues in intonation, balance, blend, and rhythmic and notational accuracy," Greig explained. "Adam and I could confer through headsets following each performed piece or section. This is necessary due to the difference of sound as perceived by the conductor versus the recorded sounds that are picked up by the microphones."
Greig traveled to Port Allegany to work with the high school and junior high concert bands, under the direction of Brad Stewart, a 2003 Westminster graduate who majored in music education with an emphasis on trombone.
"It is great to have the opportunity to go into the public schools and work with young musicians," Greig said. "Equally rewarding is to see our alumni now in the profession becoming dynamic leaders and high quality educators."
Greig met with the bands throughout the day and for a rehearsal after school.
"In these situations, you wish to accomplish two things: to provide some additional musical insight for the students and to confirm the teaching of the band director," he said. "Brad has become a fine educator and is providing his students wonderful insight and opportunity in music."
Greig, who has been with Westminster since 1995, earned an undergraduate degree from Grove City College, a master's from Youngstown State University, and Ph.D. from Kent State University.
Contact Greig at (724) 946-7279 or e-mail greigrt@westminster.edu for more information.
