CONDUCTOR COMMENTS
"Mark Slater's music shows a delightful level of creativity and personality that truly resonates with ensembles and audiences. He certainly demonstrates a gift for melody and an imaginative skill with harmony. I always look forward to seeing what Mark has come up with next!"
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- Robert Sheldon, retired Band Music Editor, Alfred Music
"It is always a pleasure to record Mark Slater's compositions for Alfred Music Publishing Company. Mr. Slater possesses a gift for composing music that is educationally sound, musically rewarding and enjoyable to hear. Having taught for many years in the public schools, Mr. Slater is consistently aware of writing astutely for student musicians. His sensitivity and understanding to the challenges young musicians face is evident in all of his compositions."
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- Anthony Maiello, George Mason University
"Over several years I have rehearsed and performed multiple pieces of Mark’s. His pieces are always the pinnacle of craftsmanship. He is an expert at writing music for middle school and high school band. In my many honor band conducting experiences his music is always a favorite with the students!"
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– Tom Seddon, Director of Bands, Washburn University
“'Clouds' by Mark Slater was a wonderful musical experience for my students and myself. We deeply enjoyed working on the piece and experienced even more joy at the performance. Mr. Slater artfully crafts his works to be fun, educational, and achievable. I would recommend playing his music to any ensemble director!"
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- Jacob Gross, Lehman High School, Kyle, TX
“'Yuletide Reflections' is a wonderful legit Holiday selection. Written for an intermediate level band, it can and should be played by all because of its sincerity to the the three carols in the medley. There's a lot of teaching to do and your students will want to play it."
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- Tom Kessler, Bacon Academy, Colchester, CT
"My Band students thoroughly enjoyed performing Mark Slater's band composition 'Power Surge'. The interesting themes featured all sections in the band, though challenging both rhythmically and melodically, the contemporary and exciting feel to it made it a favorite among my middle school players. We performed 'Power Surge' for both school concerts and competition, receiving a Superior rating. My students still talk about 'Power Surge' and how much they loved it!"
- Chuck Serravalle, Pulaski Middle School, New Britain, CT
"Mark Slater’s 'Stick Figures' was a huge hit with my 6th Grade Band! Faced with an extra-large percussion section, this piece was the perfect choice for their first concert of the season. The variety of percussion instruments and interesting combination of rhythm patterns kept the drummers challenged, and the wind players loved echoing the drum rhythms in the middle section of the piece. The fun and energetic melodies were not difficult to learn, but Mark’s knowledge of young bands and his clever crafting of this arrangement to match their ability and interest kept them all happy and motivated. No matter how large your percussion section, I highly recommend 'Stick Figures' for your young band!"
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- Liz Smith, Gideon Wells School, Glastonbury, CT
"I highly recommend the music of Mark Slater due to the exceptional quality of his work. His extensive experience in the classroom gives him an edge as a composer of interesting, appropriately leveled pieces that have lots of 'teachable moment' opportunities. He understands what is interesting to both the performer and listener and has created pieces of music utilizing beautiful harmonies and chord structures time and time again. As a high school music director that has commissioned a work by Mark Slater, I am more than happy to give my highest recommendations to Mark as a clinician as well. He took the time to get to know my ensemble, the students and what was actually achievable. Because of his ability to conduct and work with ensembles, his compositions are always challenging, yet attainable AND interesting. The music of Mark Slater is timeless, and you will want to perform his pieces over and over again!"
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- Jacob Wilson, Lyme-Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme, CT
