SINDBERG, LAURA K. (b. 1958)

Composer Laura K. Sindberg (born December 18, 1958), is currently the Director of Bands at Central Middle School in Waukesha, Wisconsin. At Central, Ms. Sindberg’'s responsibilities include grade seven and eight concert bands, jazz ensemble, and chamber ensembles. Prior to teaching at Central, Ms. Sindberg was Director of Bands at Roosevelt Middle School of the Arts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

 

Ms. Sindberg earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has been appointed to the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) steering committee and the Arts Propel Leadership Academy of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

 

In 1994, Ms. Sindberg initiated the Central Bands Commissioning Project. The Project provides new works for young band students and also provides an opportunity for students to better understand the process of composition through meeting and getting to know a composer. Each spring, a new work for young bands is premiered by Central students. Commissioned composers include Pierre LaPlante, Rick Kirby, Hugo Hartig, Jack Stamp and Timothy Broege. The Commissioning Project has been supported by grants from various organizations as well as parents and selected businesses in the Waukesha community.

 

In addition to working around Wisconsin and the Midwest as an adjudicator, clinician and presenter, Ms. Sindberg has served on the Wisconsin Music Educators Association Council as Public Relations Chair. Professional memberships include Music Educators National Conference, Wisconsin Music Educators Association, American School Band Directors Association, and the Waukesha Area Symphonic Band. Recently, Ms. Sindberg was invited to join the advisory board of New Band Horizons of the American Composers Forum in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has written for the Music Educators Journal, Teaching Music and the Wisconsin School Musician. She is currently working on a book about the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) model for planning instruction.

 

"Ninni, Baba" is an arrangement for the young concert band of a song which came from an old series of song books, World Around Songs, published in 1956. Laura says, "It is my desire to share this beautiful, gentle melody with young students. "Ninni, Baba" is dedicated to Erin, Kari and young musicians everywhere. Perhaps as young people learn the piece, it will recall memories of their childhood and remind them of being sung to at bedtime."

 

Performance Notes: "Ninni, Baba" needs to be performed in a very gentle, legato style throughout. This will be a good challenge for young players, and is a skill that will transfer to other compositions. The meter changes serve to provide interest and to teach students about mixed meter. Balance between melody and ostinato is important. The use of percussion is mainly for color as opposed to pulse. Flute players will have an opportunity to develop their low register and should not be shy about this! The tempo of the piece is 84-88. It should be played with a sense of forward motion, but not be rushed. At the same time, if the tempo is too slow, the piece will become stagnant. Enjoy!