Sir Mix-a-lot and Seattle Symphony....

[Chris Olka]

...see...I knew it wouldn't turn into a cheap, un-rewarding, gimmicky, publicity stunt..

In all fairness, Anthony Ray was very gracious and appreciative as a guest performer and treated the orchestra very respectfully. On balance, the show was entertaining and the audience LOVED it. Not sure I could see myself doing multiple shows in this genre but it filled the concert hall with 2800 folks that may have never heard the orchestra before. I'd call it a success by any metric.

In other news, I'll be including "orchestral excerpts" from Baby got Back on the next sublist audition and all candidates will be required to demonstrate proficiency in "free stylin" and "beat-boxing"...

Tongue planted firmly in cheek.

[tbn.al]

I happened to walk by the TV this morning as the wife was watching Hoda and Kathie Lee and noticed a strange video of people dancing in front of a symphony orchestra. Seattle has made the national news! How about that! They were really getting it on. Take a look.

http://hiphopwired.com/2014/06/08/sir-m ... ck-photos/" target="_blank

[The Big Ben]

I would like the SSO or any orchestra for that matter to actually perform a hip-hop tune, not just cover one.

One of the main features of the hip-hop genre is taking samples of tunes and arranging them onto of a beat and rapping or speaking words over them. If the orchestra literature was cut and pasted and layered over itself like it is done in hip-hop, it could make an interesting sound. Or not. But, to me, it could be something that was worth a try.

[The Big Ben]

In all fairness, Anthony Ray was very gracious and appreciative as a guest performer and treated the orchestra very respectfully. On balance, the show was entertaining and the audience LOVED it. Not sure I could see myself doing multiple shows in this genre but it filled the concert hall with 2800 folks that may have never heard the orchestra before. I'd call it a success by any metric.

I have met Anthony Ray in a non-music situation and he was as described: gracious and not full of himself. Maybe he should be given a stack of CDs of orchestral excerpts and told, "See what you can do with these". Might be surprising why he might come up with...

[Tim_Loehr]

Hey Seattle,

Don't it make you PROUD ??

[Biggs]

...but (simply) couldn't resist ultra-trolling when someone (leaning on the Constitution and admitting their heart is elsewhere) started waving the "First Amendment" flag (with "Battle Hymn of the Republic" playing softly in the background).

Wait, what? Sorry if I'm being dense, but I want in on that.

[Heavy_Metal]

The other thread was deleted- now there are only two.

[The Big Ben]

I would like the SSO or any orchestra for that matter to actually perform a hip-hop tune, not just cover one.

One of the main features of the hip-hop genre is taking samples of tunes and arranging them onto of a beat and rapping or speaking words over them. If the orchestra literature was cut and pasted and layered over itself like it is done in hip-hop, it could make an interesting sound. Or not. But, to me, it could be something that was worth a try.

Most will probably think this sucks, because...

- it's original
- there are too many chords (at least two)
- the lyrics are not misogynous
- the "conservative" tuba player didn't choose to play in a range that rattles the pressed-board shelf behind the back seat of a 1990's-vintage GM sedan with 2" tall tires.

https://soundcloud.com/helicon-man/07-l ... -strut-rap

And, well, duh, it's already been done. Themes and variations and rondeau/rondo form for starters...

[bbocaner]

We like big BATs and we can not lie
You other players can't deny
That when a tubist shows up with a big gig bag
you want to take a look at that tag!
I mean the engraving, is it a York?
Does it have that Grand Rapids pork?
Or maybe it's a copy by the Swiss?
With a 'brunner you just can't miss.
I like that handmade Baer!
Those big valves take all my air!
Oh god, is that a Holton?
Let me tell you, that tone is golden!
Ohhh, let's cut it to C!
'cause that's the best key!
Add a fifth valve, flat whole step.
It will give it that extra pep.
Let's play 'the ride'
with grand orchestral pride.
It's low! Whoa!
Woodwinds gonna say "OH NO!"
I'm so tired of maestro
saying that he wants bass tuba.
Take the average concertgoer and ask them that,
It's gotta have that BLAT!
So tubists, tubists!
Is your horn a big BAT?
So go play it! Play it!
Play that giant tuba!
Baby got BAT!

[Chris Olka]

You, my friend, have a bright future! That's talent. Love it!

[Heavy_Metal]

Excellent!

[The Big Ben]

You, my friend, have a bright future! That's talent. Love it!

I hope you print that out and put it on the bulletin board in the SSO practice hall. It's funny and the rest of the group should love it.

[bbocaner]

thanks, everyone. I'm going to put the positive comments from Mr. Olka on my resume.

Might be too many tubist inside jokes for other sections in the orchestra to appreciate, though. You might have to create a key. I'm actually a euphonium player myself, but I hang out here enough to know how you all think!

[Chris Olka]

Tuba players think?!?!