Hear composers describe their creative process, offer teaching suggestions, and provide messages to performers in our Composer Cues series. Use these videos as repertoire inspiration for future programs or assign them to students as a listening assignment.
Springer Mountain Morning
By Andrew H. Dabczynski
Andrew H. Dabczynski presents his piece for Grade 2 string orchestras, Springer Mountain Morning. Both serenity and eager anticipation of a day on the Appalachian Trail is reflected in this piece based on the old Appalachian ballad/fiddle tune Bonny James Campbell. Each orchestra section enjoys opportunities to play melodies, rich harmonies, and driving rhythms.
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Andrew H. Dabczynski is Emeritus Professor of Music Education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where he founded the BYU “New Horizons Orchestra,” a beginning string orchestra for adults and a laboratory for string teacher training. Dr. Dabczynski has held teaching and administrative positions at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, and in the public schools of Penfield and Mamaroneck, New York. In addition, he was the Supervisor of Fine Arts Education in the Waterford, Michigan, School District. Dr. Dabczynski received a B.M. degree in applied viola performance from the Eastman School, an M.A. from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Dabczynski has held a variety of national committee positions with the American String Teachers Association. Utah ASTA named Dr. Dabczynski their “Higher Education Teacher of the Year” in 2005, and in 2014 awarded him for his “Outstanding Contributions to Music Education.”
Highly respected for his expertise in string pedagogy, Dr. Dabczynski co-authored the widely acclaimed comprehensive string method series, String Explorer, published by Alfred. Additionally, a strong interest in folk music and ethnomusicology has led him to focus his research efforts on fiddling and the transmission of traditional music. Dr. Dabczynski has pursued professional and research interests in string pedagogy, school curriculum, and musical learning among senior adults. He has produced over 120 arrangements, compositions, and pedagogical works for string and full orchestra that are played regularly in concerts throughout the world, and published by Alfred, Boosey and Hawkes, Ludwig, Kendor, and Grand Mesa publishing companies.