‘Composers Corner’ - Interview with Daniel Hall

On this weeks 'Composers Corner', we interview the very talented Daniel Hall who has just completed a brand new commission for unaccompanied Euphonium entitled 'Ride The Wave'. 

1. Hello Daniel, could you tell us a little about how you were introduced to the brass banding world?

I was introduced to the brass banding world when I was advised by my cornet teacher to join the local training band in St. Austell. Several years later I worked my way up from Principal cornet of the youth band to 2nd man down of the St. Austell Senior Band.

2. Over the past number of years you have had an enoemous output of new compositions, what inspires you to write?

Listening and studying the scores of great composers inspires me to write.

3. Could you tell me a little about your transition from player to conductor?

The conductor of St. Austell band, Aaron Harvey, gave me my very first conducting lessons with the senior band when I was 16. At the age of 17, the band put on a concert entirely of my music, which I conducted. From there, I formed my own hybrid-jazz orchestra whilst studying at RWCMD, which I also conducted. Whilst playing at Tongwynlais Temperance band in Cardiff, I started to conduct a 3rd section band called Severn Tunnel, which lead to conducting Brunel brass and recently Filton Concert Brass.

4. What do you belive are the most important qualities that a musical director must have to lead a band and could you expand on what these qualities mean to you?

I believe the most important qualities in a conductor is leadership, knowledge of the repertoire, ability to critically analyse music and to have a a good understanding of musical theory.

5. What elements do you believe must be in place to allow for a productive rehearsal and can you share with me a typical plan which you may have for running a rehearsal?

Brunel Brass rehearse once a week, so it's incredibly important to make sure those two hours are as productive as possible. When I conduct a band for the first time I always make them aware that If anyone has a question, they go to the person next to them. If they don't know the answer then go to the section principal and if they don't know the answer, then the question will be brought forward to me. For me, a typical rehearsal will start with 15 minutes of individual warm up BEFORE the rehearsal begins. 5 – 15 minutes of hymns start each rehearsal, mainly to focus on the ensemble's warmth, tone and intonation. This is normally followed by a strict tempo rhythmical piece, focusing on ensemble playing. What follows is normally down to which pieces need rehearsing.

6. I recently commissioned a new unaccompanied piece of music from your pen and I was wondering what process do you go through in bringing a new commission to life? 

Well firstly is the most painful part, actually starting the piece!! Planning the piece is the most important part for me, as long as I know where it's going and what I'm trying to say then the piece writes itself.

7. I was wondering if you could explain a few of your thoughts and ideans being the new commission for Euphonium entitled 'Ride The Wave'?

I wanted to write something challenging to perform whilst still being enjoyable to practice, perform and to listen to. 'Ride the Wave' is a term my friends and I would use when on a winning streak whilst gambling. Instead of stopping, you simply 'Ride the Wave'.

8. Could you share with us any plans that you have for the future?

Lots of exciting projects on the way including a piece for Duo Giovivo in Switzerland, a concert band piece for an ensemble in the USA, a piece for a contemporary jazz band in Portugal, a full entertainment set for an elite band in Norway for SIDDIS Brass Band Contest, a piece for a band in west Wales, an arrangement for the Swiss Army Band and premieres in Canada and the Swiss nationals own choice, elite division. Looking forward to the next couple of months for sure!!!

9. What can individuals who have read this blog post find out more information about you and your music?

Check out my website: www.danielhall.uk for more information.

I want to finish this post by saying thank you to Daniel for taking the time to take part in this interview. I hope it will not be too long until we are able to catch up again!