GPG Music  

Reno,  NV 
United States
http://www.gpgmusic.com

• Booth: 1203

Marching Band, Indoor Percussion, and Concert Music

GPG Music is the premier source for award-winning pageantry music and design for marching band, indoor percussion, and concert band. Over 40 years of competition-level experience are amassed to bring you maximum quality at maximum value. We are dedicated to providing reasonably-priced, custom compositions for all ability levels. Our balanced creative/educational focus will allow your band to reach its fullest potential based on the specific strengths of your ensemble.

GPG Music provides concert and marching music, custom arrangements, and clinicians for band and strings.

MARCHING: Our catalog of Marching Band Music combines a wide range of pricing with a modular ordering system that allows you to custom-build the perfect show to fit your budget!

INDOOR: Our Winter Percussion shows have everything you need to take your next winter percussion ensemble show to the next level - right out of the box!

CONCERT: Our esteemed composers utilized the same principles of our innovative marching band music in our catalog of exciting, attainable concert music.

CLINICIANS: Our education-based writing and design team are available to provide clinics and on-site coaching to help your group perform music (GPG Publications or not!) at the highest level!

Brands: Championship Series, Sound Value Series, Budget Series, Indoor Percussion, Concert Music

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 Show Specials

• Free Consultation with a GPG Music composer (Nov 23, 2021)

  Consult with a GPG Composer

  Walt Lovell (Thursday & Friday 10-11 a.m.) or Shaun Salem (Friday only, 9-10 a.m.).

  1. Talk to the composer about one of your pieces (10 min)

  2. Talk about the composer's composition process (10 min)

  3. Receive a review and feedback of one composition (10 min

  Bios below--

  Walt Lovell is a long-time Musician, Educator, Consultant, Composer, Arranger and Adjudicator.  He retired after 46 years of successful teaching at all levels and currently serves as a consultant and adjunct professor in the Fine Arts Department at Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada.  Walt was Director of Bands at Elko High School, Elko, Nevada for 36 years. Before moving to Elko he taught for 10 years in Arizona---Kingman High School, Phoenix Union High School, Carl Hayden High School and Mohave High School. His performance resume includes multiple performances nationwide including the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Hollywood Christmas Parade, the 6ABC/Boscov’s Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Washington D.C. National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, Presidential Inaugural Parade and performances for five Presidents. Walt received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nevada Music Educators Association upon his retirement and induction into the Elko High School Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the John Philip Sousa Foundation Legion of Honor in December of 2007. Mr. Lovell was named the Nevada Music Educator of the year in 1999.

  
  
  
  

   

  Shaun Salem is a music educator, conductor, and composer with a masters degree in music composition from the University of South Florida and a bachelor's degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He began composing at the age of 14 under the tutelage of composer W. Mark Harrell, a French Horn player with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Shaun studied music composition under composers Michael Linton, Paul Osterfield, David McKay, Paul Reller, Michael Sidney Timpson, and Chi Chun Chi Sun Li. He devotes his music efforts to concert band literature, film scores, classical music, and modern contemporary styles, working diligently to give students a quality educational performance experience in every work.

   

  Additionally, Shaun has been a licensed instrumental music educator since 2011 and has worked closely with area band directors and instrumental instructors for several years, including nationally recognized music educators George Hayden and Roann Romines. Works from Shaun’s WindSaga series have been programmed at multiple clinics, honor bands, and by college bands across the United States. Shaun’s 2014 work, “Call of the Wild” (for intermediate band) was awarded “Editor’s Choice” by J.W. Pepper, and his 2015 work, “Windfall” received special recognition in Bandworld Magazine’s Top 100 list of new works. Shaun has also been called upon to arrange band and percussion music for local marching bands including Knoxville Central High School and Alcoa High School.

   

  Shaun lives in Maryville, Tennessee with his beautiful wife and children. He is a regular participant and occasional guest conductor in community bands including the Tennessee Wind Symphony and the Maryville College Community Band. He teaches percussion at Montgomery Ridge Intermediate School and Maryville Junior High School while also serving as an instructor for George Hayden’s world-renowned, elementary grade-level Wind Ensemble, recognized for excellence in 2007 when the ensemble was invited to perform at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago, IL. If you are a director who enjoys programming works by this composer, find and connect with Shaun Salem on Facebook to share your group’s performances of his works (facebook.com/shaun.salem). Recordings of all Shaun’s works can be found at GPGMusic.com or by web search on YouTube.

• Refer a friend (Nov 23, 2021)
  If you’re already in the GPG family, swing by to refer a friend which gets both you and the referee $100 off your next field show purchase. Talk with our reps at the booth who will send the referee the detailed information on how to secure their discount.

• Enter drawing. (Nov 23, 2021)

  1. Enter a drawing for a chance to win a $50 gift card for a concert band piece. Drawing will be held in the last half hour of the conference. The winner will be sent a gift card digitally. Any of these activities qualify:

     1. Visit our booth and show one of our reps a GPG Music receipt for the fall/spring 2020 or 2021 semester. 

     2. Sign up for our e-newsletter GPG Music Notes, if you haven’t already. 

     3. Write a review of GPG Music on Facebook Review and share the link with us.

     4. Each day — 15th, 16th and 17th — we’ll post two trivia questions (morning and afternoon) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. The first person to drop by the booth in the morning and the first person to drop by in the afternoon each day who answers correctly will be entered into the drawing. 

• Buy One, Get One. (Nov 23, 2021)
  Buy a concert band piece ($50) at the booth and get your second concert band piece FREE.

 Press Releases

• GPG Music Digital Design Studio Challenge for StylePlus (Aug 18, 2021)

  Composer and GPG Music CEO Steve Martin was featured on the second episode of StylePlus Next Designer TV: GPG Digital Design Studio Challenge. He provided twelve field shows for eight new and diverse uniform designers to choose from. The designers competed to be the next up and coming costume and flag designer. The contestants were challenged to design a four-piece marching band look to match the theme of their choice of field show; each had three pieces. The winners of the competition earned a year-contract with StylePlus for marching arts performers to purchase. The twelve GPG Music field shows were Alcatraz, Babylonia, Blueprint, A Brave New World, Cleopatra, The Coven, Fire and Ice, Macabre, Mystery, Pathways, Pyramids of Egypt, and Twinkle. It’s a great collaboration to use grounded design principles to build a visual look based on the elements of the music. The winning designs will be available for Fall 2022 on the GPGMusic.com. #GPGMusic #StylePlus

• Expanding the GPG Music family to Inspire the Next Generation of Musicians (Aug 18, 2021)

  We love performing music together. You love performing music together. We all love to inspire the next generation of musicians. We just experienced one of the most challenging years we’ve ever seen in music education. To commemorate this achievement, we’re announcing our new referral program. 

  Do you know others who could benefit from joining our GPG Music performing arts family? Consider referring  friends or colleagues in the industry to GPG Music and we’ll show you our appreciation.

  • Refer GPG Music to band directors and music instructors you know 

  • When your referrals buy a field show from GPG Music OR sign up for Our Virtual Ensemble, you’ll receive $100 off your next show and they’ll get $100 off for purchasing their first show (so long as they are a new referral and haven’t purchased before or in the last three years)

  • If you refer a friend and they have purchased in the last three years, we’ll still give you $50 off your next field show in appreciation for your referral effort

  • Remember, we provide regional or contest-based exclusivity, so neighboring ensembles won’t perform the same music

  The GPG Music team includes educators, musicians and composers dedicated to inspiring the next generation of performing artists, by providing reasonably priced custom-level compositions for all ability levels. We balance creativity and education to allow your ensemble to reach its fullest potential based on their specific strengths.

• Band and Musician Safety Preparation (Aug 18, 2021)
  Unfortunately the pandemic is not over. New variants such as Delta continue to disrupt communities, not all of our young students are vaccinated yet and some schools or parents are still cautious about exposure even with vaccination. We’ve figured out how your school can utilize the Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to purchase performance safety gear and equipment for your ensemble and we've made it easy for you to access Musician’s PPE. For those playing brass or wind instruments, we know mask use is the most effective when combined with bell covers and or instrument jackets, which are also available such as Clarinet/Oboe/Bassoon Jackets. Let's keep everyone safe out there!

• Seven Tactics for Efficient Drill Education-Still Time to Cover Basic Drill (Sep 01, 2021)

  Efficient drill learning can be one of the most valuable time-savers during a marching band rehearsal and season. Teaching your students the process of learning drill will make them more independent on the field and allow for faster-paced rehearsals and a higher-level visual product. Take the time with your entire ensemble to go over the basics of drill learning early in the season:

  • How to read a coordinate sheet and/or drill chart 

  • The language you and staff will use during a rehearsal when discussing drill

  • The different markings and measurements that are always present on your rehearsal field (hashes, numbers, inserts, center X, tick marks, even props and tarps)

  • How to set up a coordinate (dot) on the field

  • How to make adjustments to forms, before, after and during reps

  • The desired pace and routine for rehearsals involving drill (i.e quickly resetting, check before you relax, etc). 

  • Teach a routine to the drill learning process (i.e sit down once you have found your set, stand with feet together facing the front to check forms, stay at attention after marching from one set to the next so staff can check the form)

  Even if your group doesn’t start learning drill until after band camp, don’t wait to teach drill learning! You can use old drill or write practice drill for your ensemble, so they get the experience of going through the learning process. (You might even be able to get your drill writer to write a couple of practice sets for your group to learn during band camp). 

  Teach your students to be more self-sufficient on the marching band field this season and reap the benefits of faster-paced rehearsals!

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  GPG Music is the premiere source for award-winning music and design for marching band, inspirational concert music, and powerful, captivating music for percussion. Our composers are dedicated to providing reasonably-priced, custom-level compositions for all ability levels. Our balanced creative and educational focus will allow your band to reach its fullest potential based on the specific strengths of your ensemble. #InspireTheNextGeneration

• Tools for Rhythm Practice (Sep 24, 2021)
  Are you spending valuable prep time coming up with rhythms for your ensemble to sight-read? Maybe you have used all of the challenging rhythms for your ensemble’s repertoire for this concert but want to do more rhythm-focused exercises? Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer is a rhythm generating application for smartphone or tablet that can generate random rhythms or allow you to pick from a long list of set rhythms. Extremely useful when projected on a board, this application can generate random rhythms for your ensemble/class based on a wide set of difficulty levels and styles. Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer features a “play along” option with each rhythm which provides a metronome with varying pitches for each different note duration; however, using a normal metronome in the background with the generated rhythm also works well. You can utilize the screenshot feature on your device to capture different rhythms and piece them together for your ensemble, or simply project the application in your room.

• Nurture Passionate Students with the "Spark" (Oct 13, 2021)

  Recently GPG Music owner and composer Steve Martin listened to renowned band director Paula Crider on the Everything Band podcast (Episode 193). The conversation reminded him how important it is for band directors to look for the students with the “spark,” especially students identifying as women or as people of color. Look for the students like young Paula who are willingly restringing a French Horn, who demonstrate their passion, but need a nudge to take the next step, to go to college, to believe. Listen in for your own takeaway and keep #InspiringTheNextGeneration.

• The Leading Drill Writing Software Available Through GPG Music (Oct 13, 2021)

  As composers and music educators, we know all too well the challenges of being a Marching Band director. Our mission continues to be providing the finest quality in music selection to challenge students, create tools to enhance student musicianship and to simplify the workload for band directors. 

  We’re delighted to announce you can purchase Pyware through GPG Music. Pyware 3D is the leader in drill design software out there — a staple for high school and college marching ensembles. Pyware software is used for many major special events such as Super Bowl halftime shows, Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, more than 90% of all college bowl games, and major parades. In addition, movie filmmakers such as from Drumline and  Broadway choreographers rely on the benefits of the software.

  The list of upgrades Pyware 3D has in its latest version really speaks to the product and its commitment to simplifying the work for band directors. The software is fast and flexible for drill writing. 

  Pyware 3D Professional Features:

  • View, edit, or print any count of any drill at any time

  • Create transitions by morphing an existing formation

  • Time Track removes the limitation that requires all transitions to begin and end at the same time

  • True Automatic animation is handled behind the scenes as you design

  • Records your every move and then uses that information to automatically create animation in the background

  • Rewrite your drill in seconds

  Our executive project manager and designer Aaron Hines works with Pyware 3D and can help you find the product line to meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more or call 800-511-4634 ext. 1.

• Late Season Marching Band Rehearsals (Oct 13, 2021)
  
  We have all experienced it, marching band in late October and November when all the drill is on
  the field, music is memorized, visuals have been added, and the intense focus from learning the
  show is beginning to dwindle. The initial goal of learning the field show is completed, but your
  ensemble needs new goals set for them in order to continue to improve throughout the
  remainder of the season. Here are some techniques to help you keep your ensemble engaged
  and challenged during late-season rehearsals:
  - Develop a focused rehearsal plan for each rehearsal
  - Meet with your staff to discuss areas of the show that need improvement
  - Watch previous performance videos
  - Record rehearsal run-throughs or small chunks to re-watch
  - It is never too late to break things down:
  - Schedule time to focus on the smaller details (set by set, count by count)
  - Schedule time for marching basics
  - Schedule time for music/flag/equipment fundamentals
  - Invite other musicians to come to your rehearsal to give you feedback
  - Other directors
  - Outside staff members
  - Older college students
  - Previous professors
  - Local college marching band director
  If you can keep your students more engaged and motivated through late-season rehearsals,
  your ensemble will continue to grow and improve.
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  GPG Music is the premiere source for award-winning music and design for marching band,
  inspirational concert music, and powerful, captivating music for percussion. Our composers are
  dedicated to providing reasonably-priced, custom-level compositions for all ability levels. Our
  balanced creative and educational focus will allow your band to reach its fullest potential based
  on the specific strengths of your ensemble. #InspireTheNextGeneration

• Can You Fuse Modern Music With Traditional Canons? (Oct 27, 2021)

  Knowing your community and your students, really can — and should — have an impact on your programming development. Can you add hip hop to traditional canons? Can you mash up Latino music with more modern band literature? Listen in to GPG Music CEO and conductor Steve Martin, who has some cool ideas about programming. How are you incorporating modern sounds to keep your students engaged? Share your thoughts on our GPG Music YouTube, LinkedIn or Facebook pages. Subscribe or follow us if you haven’t already!

• Ten tips to Maximize Music Conferences (Nov 19, 2021)

  Music conferences are a great way to connect with the music community, learn new ideas, trends or takeaway tips to improve your skills and network. Here are our ten tips to maximize the experience whether it’s your first clinic or your 75th. 

  1. Set a goal. What do you want to get out of going? Do you want to learn specific techniques, meet new people, experience other music? Define the purpose for your trip and what outcomes you want. You’re more likely to be successful if you write it down.

  2. Plan your schedule. Look at the conference programs and highlight the classes or clinics you want to take. You can’t attend them all, but do go to as many of the keynotes as you can.

  3. Do your research. Check out the speakers ahead of time. Are there composers you’d like to meet to seek advice from? Leaders you aspire to be? What in your repertoire needs a rubato and who can you learn from?

  4. Be sure to network. Some of the best education comes from the conversations in the halls. Find like-minded instructors, or people who can help you grow in your career, look for mentors, friends and commiserators. 

  5. Bring business cards. Take a picture of one so if you forget, you have them on your phone, which you are not likely to forget. 

  6. Follow up. When you get back to your room, follow the person on all of their social media platforms, send a follow-up email or post or DM with info about your discussion as a reminder, make the e-connections you promised. 

  7. Schedule down time. All of this education and networking can be exhausting. Take a walk. Get out of the building for a coffee break. 

  8. Take a tour. Never pass up an opportunity to see a new town and community. Try some of the cultural food favorites in the area. Arrive a little early to take a hike or a tour. 

  9. Listen to music. We all know music is life. Listen to the great performances at the conference. Break away to go listen to live music. Maybe bring your instrument and play. 

  10. Visit the exhibits. GPG Music is excited to be at the 75th Annual Midwest Clinic, Dec 15-17. If you’re attending, look for us at booth 1203. We’re bringing great music selections to check out. We have prizes, trivia, composer conversations and consultations with experts on teaching, rehearsal strategy and more. 

  
  

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  GPG Music is the premiere source for award-winning music and design for marching band, inspirational concert music, and powerful, captivating music for percussion. Our composers are dedicated to providing reasonably-priced, custom-level compositions for all ability levels. Our balanced creative and educational focus will allow your band to reach its fullest potential based on the specific strengths of your ensemble. #InspireTheNextGeneration

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