A nationally recognized conductor and scholar of wind and percussion music, Dr. Crawford has conducted performances at state, national and international conferences including the TMEA conference, CBDNA National Conference, and the International Horn Symposium. He has conducted five world premiere performances of new wind music and has won the praise of composers such as John Paulson, Ken Langer, James Mobberely, David Wilkens, and Bruce Fraser for his interpretive conducing of their compositions. Dr. Crawford is in constant demand as a percussion performer, clinician, lecturer, and guest conductor having appeared throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Ireland. He and the UMHB percussion ensemble have been invited to perform at the 2202 Percussive Arts Society's International Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Crawford is an endorsed performing artist and clinician with the Ross Mallet Instrument Company and is the author of "Building a Better Percussion Section." His compositions for solo marimba include, "Ghost River," "Winter Mix," and "From the Edge of the Frame." These compositions are published through HoneyRock Publishing Company.

Composition Reviews

Ghost River

This four-mallet marimba solo was inspired by the deadly drought in 2000 in Central Texas. In the words of the composer, "written in an ABA form, the opening section depicts the flow of the river, from small droplets, to a flowing active river. The middle chorale section is kind of a lamentation over the death of the river (hence 'Ghost River'). The ending section looks forward to the river coming back to life, flowing with water once again." "Ghost River" is a good intermediate solo for a player whose four-mallet skills are just beginning to mature. It is written in an idiomatic style with overtones of quality music. In other words, it is easy to grasp the melodic concept and make it work musically with the technical skills needed. There is independent sticking, but no one-handed rolls. This would make a good intermediate-level recital piece.
   Jon Beck
   Percussive Notes, April 2002
 

Winter Mix

Each of the three movements in this suite for a low-A marimba has a title that relates to or depicts winter weather. The first movement, "Wind," is a moderate 12?8 meter with most of the melodic material built over a pedal G. The second movement, "Snow," is a slow chorale that is free and expressive. The last movement, "Ice," is also in 12/8 and features fast chromatic passages. The first and last movements employ various mallet strokes as well as a variety of rotation or sticking sequences. This would be an excellent solo that would be appropriate for music contests or recitals.
   George Frock
   Percussive Notes, April 2202
 

From the Edge of the Frame

This unaccompanied, four mallet marimba solo can be performed on a low-A marimba, and it will prove to be a profitable experience for the intermediate-level performer. While exploring several different melodic cells, the compositional strength in this work is its rhythmic drive and variety. There are no substantial technical demands except for occasional one-handed rolls and the necessity of maintaining an internal pulse from the opening section to the last measure. This work would be a valuable asset to the junior- or senior-level percussion recital.
   Jim Lambert
   Percussive Notes, August 2002

Contact details and further information

E-mail Stephen Crawford