Iowa State University MUSIC

Tin-Shi Tam

Tin Shi Tam

Cownie Professor of Music
(University Carillonneur)

Associate Professor of Music

Chair of Keyboard Division


Research

PUBLICATION:


TAM, Tin-Shi ed. Iowa State University Carillon Composition Competition Winning Compositions. U.S.A.: Iowa State University, 1999.

Law, Daniel, TAM Tin-Shi & Anita Mak ed. Chinese Praise. Hong Kong: Christian Communications Ltd. 1992.


RESEARCH interests:

  • Bells and bell music in China
  • Pedagogy for on-line learning in performing arts



PAPERS:


"Music for Carillon and Orchestra" (July 2008)
"match.com" (The marriage of Carillon and Orchestra) (June 2008)

"Bells and Bell Music in China" (July 2006)

"The Hidden Dragon" (June 2006)

"Bells and Bell Music of China" (June 2003)

"Self-test as a Lens to Explore the Exam Preparation Process: Music 102" (June 2001)



PUBLICATION:

TAM, Tin-Shi ed.

Iowa State University Carillon Composition Competition
Winning Compositions

U.S.A.: Iowa State University, 1999

Since 1995, Iowa State University Carillon Composition Competition is held to encourage the writing of original carillon compositions by young composers. Three of the winning compositions are included in this publication.


Law, Daniel, TAM Tin-Shi & Anita Mak ed.

Chinese Praise

Hong Kong: Christian Communications Ltd. 1992


A collection of hymns written by Chinese composers.


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PAPERS:


    "Music for Carillon and Orchestra"

    The XVI World Carillon Congress
    Groningen, The Netherlands
    (July 2008)


    Abstract:
    The carillon is an orchestra unto itself. For centuries, the sound of bells inspired composers to write orchestral works that contained the word "carillon" in their titles. In contrasts, music for carillon and symphony orchestra is rare. The challenges of composing and performing works for carillon and orchestra are many, including the choice of performance venue and overcoming serious acoustical balance issues. However, electronic technology now makes it possible for carillon and orchestra to perform together much more successfully.
    Two commissioned works for carillon and symphony orchestra have been composed in recent years. Star Bells (2002) by Jeffrey Prater (Professor of Music at Iowa State University), was commissioned by the Stanton Memorial Carillon Foundation to celebrate the centennial of the Bells of Iowa State. This work is in three movements, each with a different focus, form, and musical character. The première took place in real time via fiber-optic technology, with the carillon and concert hall separated by nearly a mile. Finale festivo (2005) by Henk de Vlieger was commissioned to celebrate the twenty-fifth year of the reign of Dutch Queen Beatrix. This piece is based on well-known Dutch birthday songs and the Dutch national anthem "Wilhelmus". The première took place in Amsterdam outdoors at Dam Square. The orchestral sounds were electronically reinforced for a better acoustically balanced performance.


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    "match.com"
    (The marriage of Carillon and Orchestra)

    The 66th Congress of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America,
    The University of California at Berkley
    California, U.S.A.
    (June 2008)


    This paper is a study of compositions for carillon and orchestra, including Star Bells (2002) by Jeffrey Prater and Finale festivo (2005) by Henk de Vlieger. The challenges of composing for carillon and orchestra and the technology involved in those performances.



    "Bells and Bell Music in China"

    The XV World Carillon Congress
    Gdansk, Poland
    (July 2006)

    Abstract:
    Bianzhong (a set of bells) is one of the earliest musical instruments in the history of Chinese music. It was used as the fundamental tone for other instruments and was the foundation of the Chinese tonal system. The discovery of a     bianzhong in a tomb from about 430 B.C. in 1978, together with related manuscripts, produced a great increase in the understanding of Chinese musical history. The ancient instrument is a set of sixty-five bells of three types, ranging in height from 20cm to 153 cm. They are mounted on a rack and are played by strikes with a mallet. Exact replication of the instrument, in 1984, enabled the creation of ensembles for playing bianzhong music, and inspired the writing of new music by modern composers.


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    "The Hidden Dragon"

     The 64th Congress of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America
    Yale University
    New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A.
    (June 2006)

    This paper is a study of Tan Dun's     Heaven-Earth-Mankind Symphony 1997 for cello solo, bianzhong, children's chorus and orchestra.


    "Bells and Bell Music of China"

    The 61st Congress of The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America
    Berea College
    Kentucky, U.S.A.
    (June 2003)

    This paper is a study of the bells unearthed recently in China and their various roles in ancient Chinese music.


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    "Self-test as a Lens to Explore the Exam Preparation Process: Music 102"

    The Third Annual WebCT Conference
    Vancouver, Canada
    (June 2001)

    This is a research-study evaluating the use of study guides on learning and exam performances.


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