From the Maslanka Archive features media and stories of David’s life and work. Did you work with David? Please consider contributing material.
It’s time for another edition of From the Maslanka Archive. We are actively building the Archive, but it won’t be ready for public viewing for a while. In the meantime, we wanted to show off some great items we’ve already collected.
We also wanted to inspire YOU to help grow the collection. We would love to feature you in an upcoming edition! Simply provide us with photos, video, audio, or stories of your time together and you may find them on the front page.
This week, we are excited to feature Alex Teater’s signed program and tenor saxophone sheet music from the World Premiere of David’s Symphony No. 8 by Stephen K. Steele and the Illinois State University Wind Symphony on November 20, 2008. The following is a brief description by Alex:
I was fortunate to work with David during my time at Illinois State University as an undergraduate student from 2006-2011. During that time I was in the Wind Symphony that premiered his Symphony No. 8, and to this day it persists as the most remarkable performing experience of my life. Never have I been more physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted, and never have I performed in an ensemble that was as close-knit as that group. We were united by his music and the experience of working with him to prepare it.One of my prized possessions that I keep framed my office is his notation for the tenor sax part, which was printed incorrectly. I clearly remember during rehearsal that David stopped the ensemble and asked me, “What are you playing on the tenor sax part?” He came to look at the music over my shoulder, said something to the effect of “Well that’s not quite right,” grabbed my music and headed to the side of the stage. You can see on my part his notation that he hand-wrote in the margin for me to play.
A very special thanks to Alex for sharing these treasures with the world. From the Maslanka Archive would also like to thank Andrea Tejada for capturing the amazing cover image of David & Stephen Steele.
Would you like to be featured in an upcoming edition of From the Maslanka Archive? It’s easy! Please send us anything you have (picture, audio, video, concert poster, concert program, correspondence with David, etc.) and we will feature you!
