Blog (8.11.17): Probably one of the most valuable experiences of this process - being able to record my composition. It brings the score to reality and then adds value back to the score with checking and adding in nuances of each instrument. This process actually re-confirmed my choice of instrumentation . Just with the nature of the strings and timbre I had chosen, these were really nice to record and hear the resonance that you can't get with synthesised midi files.
Due to my instrument selection and access, I recorded each track separately and then compiled and edited everything in Garage Band. Pencils were not down but in hand throughout the whole recording process making score notes or small score changes based on feedback from the instrumentalist. Even during the editing and mixing process, I was still making small score changes while listening to the balance between instruments to check what worked and what didn't. In the last section I changed following recording, removing some piano triplets that didn't blend well and also adjusted the harp section. Garage Band was really helpful to be able to make sure that the phasing was all lined up and to manage additional dynamics that may not have been in balance in recording considering all tracks were recorded individually. I guess this is what listening, performing and composing all at the same time is also about! (Humberstone, 2015)
Scores following recording and further Garage Band editing:
Humberstone, J. (2015). Defining creativity for a more pluralist approach to music education. Paper presented
at the ASME XXth National Conference 2015. Music Educating for life, Adelaide, Australia. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292001106_Defining_Creativity_for_a_More_Pluralist_Approach_to_Music_Education