WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Eliana (class of 2024) and features books on musical technique for clarinet, oboe and flute. Thanks, Eliana!
Back to Band
Were you a band kid in high school that hasn’t picked up your instrument since you arrived at Richmond? If so, here’s your chance to get back into the swing of things! I played the clarinet – so I’m partial to upper woodwinds – but here’s a few books for late beginner/intermediate woodwind players that might help reinvigorate your love for your former instrument.
This book offers some initial lessons on tonguing, finger placement, and scales and also has accompanying pieces to work through that utilize the skills practiced. If you finish it and feel like a pro, volume two (also available at Parsons Music Library) has some more difficult songs and arrangements for even more growth.
Also divided into multiple books, Belwin’s Oboe Method is a great way to return to the basics of oboe playing. It divides songs into keys, has some necessary scales and talks musical terms. If you move on to volume two, the songs get a little more complex and you learn all about syncopation.
Foundation to Flute Playing takes a lesson-based approach; the book is divided into 59 lessons that get progressively more challenging, and the back is filled with some fun songs to try your hand at after making your way through the lessons. From the chromatic scale to cadenzas, this book doesn’t leave anything out!
If you played a differentinstrument and wanted to check out some books or scores for it, just ask any associate at Parsons Music Library and they’d be happy to help you find what you’re looking for!
Another year, another Pantone color playlist! This is my third annual Pantone playlist, and this playlist might be my favorite. 2024’s color of the year is Peach Fuzz, which Pantone’s website describes as a color that “captures our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul. Pantone collaborated with multiple companies this year, including Cariuma Sneakers, a ripe peach flavored tea from TEALEAVES’, Peach Fuzz colored Polaroid film, and a peach-colored lip oil from Shades by Shan.
Here are 15 songs that I think are reminiscent of the color peach fuzz:
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Esther (class of 2025) which features some music for your Valentine’s Day enjoyment.
WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
Camille Saint-Saëns, born in Paris in 1835, was a prominent French composer of the Romantic era who displayed extraordinary musical talent from a young age. He was a versatile musician, excelling in various genres, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music. His compositions often reflected a blend of traditional forms with modern influences, contributing to his reputation as a forward-thinking composer of his time. “The Carnival of the Animals” is one of Saint-Saëns’ most famous masterpieces that showcases his playful imagination.
French composer Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
“The Carnival of the Animals” was composed in 1886, a lighthearted and whimsical suite of fourteen movements for chamber ensemble. The piece was originally a private work and the composer requested not to be published during his lifetime, fearing that its playful nature would detract from his more serious reputation. It was published after his death and became one of Saint-Saëns’ most beloved compositions. Each movement in the suite represents a different animal, and each is characterized by distinct melodies, rhythms, and instrumental colors that vividly portray the featured animals.
Here is a performance of “The Carnival of the Animals” by Zagreb Music Academy Chamber Orchestra:
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student manager Marissa (class of 2025) and features some road trip sing-along songs.
Road Trip Sing-Alongs
This playlist includes classic songs that everyone knows the words to that’ll keep you energized for a long drive. Enjoy!
WDCE 90.1: UR Radio is the voice of independent radio in Richmond, VA and has been student-run and operated since 1960.
Students have used it as a launching pad for careers in radio or other mass communications, and also as an engaging extra-curricular activity. Community members and UR alumni also continue to play an important role in the station.
Editor’s note:Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.
As a girl whose father crafted her music taste, you would think my favorites would be The Beatles or The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, or even Led Zeppelin. Instead, my father decided to raise a young girl who only listened to melodramatic psychedelic rock music like Janis Joplin.
Sitting in the back of my dad’s car, he slipped his Pearl CD into the player and told me, “This is what good music is, so, listen closely.”
The raspy and powerful voice of Janis shook my world, and I couldn’t get enough. We listened to the entire album and I knew Janis was the perfect artist for me. I even started dressing like her. I had just gotten glasses and was admittedly embarrassed, but once I saw the funky big frames Janis had, I got myself a pair and didn’t feel as worried about how I looked.
The last song my dad showed me was “Mercedez Benz.” The song was a stark difference from everything else on the album-it seemed more casual, and it was a cappella; every other song had a backing band.
After the song was over, my dad told me the horrid news: Janis died of a heroin overdose three days after this first and only recording of “Mercedez Benz.” Three months after her death, her album Pearl was released, her second solo album.
Despite the unfinished nature of the album, it does not even begin to sound that way. Her confidence and remarkable songwriting skills take her far in the album.
The opening of the album “Move Over” is a funky welcome to the album but fits the band (the Full Tilt Boogie Band) and Janis well. The song may be about a breakup but it’s also a song of female empowerment, she’s taking back the reins of her own romantic life.
One of my other favorites on this album is “Cry Baby.” It’s dramatic and passionate and just shows off her voice so well. The song is loud and head-banging at times, but it’s also sorrowful. That’s the power of Janis, she may be the queen of rock, but she’s also the queen of the blues.
Pearl and Janis Joplin’s Greatest Hits are both available as CDs in Parsons Music Library. I highly recommend picking up both as her Greatest Hits also includes music from her first two albums with Big Brother & The Holding Company.
Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Nikoloz (class of 2026) and features some hip hop selections.
