Embedded Files
From an early age, Gavin was interested in music. He began with piano lessons in the first grade and performed in various school productions and bands in elementary school. He began an instrumental music program at age nine and continued to develop his skills on the clarinet and bass clarinet throughout high school. Queen's University accepted Gavin into their vocal program, where he excelled in theoretical and educational studies. Though never much interested in performing, Gavin showed interest in music production and dabbled with a bit of composition and musical arrangement.
Originally arranging music for middle-school music classes, Gavin tried several different styles before devoting most of his time to soprano/alto arrangements.
The Secret Path
The Secret Path
Recently, Gavin has been working with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) to further our National cause of Truth & Reconciliation. Though a solo act, Gavin has tried to recreate the project by Gord Downie (of the Tragically Hip) known as "The Secret Path." Gavin's concerts have been performed for free, while donations have been collected on behalf of the DWF. Check out a sample of the show below. If he comes to your area, please support a great cause by heeding Gord's national call to action for us all to "Do Something!"
Instrumental Works
Instrumental Works
Though mostly a vocalist, Gavin has composed some instrumental pieces. Being a wind-instrument player, Gavin's pieces tend to feature wind instruments as soloists. While many of his compositions remain unfinished - a few have been completed.
Gavin Foster - 02 - The Beach.mp3The Beach from ROBB Revisited
The Beach from ROBB Revisited
Gavin was awarded the medal for young composers by KORG Canada in 2003. He entered a piece of serialized, atonal music and won in his category. The work, entitled, "ROBB Revisited" was a reflection on early teenage life. This chamber piece, featuring Bassoon and Bass Clarinet tells the story of two friends, hanging out on a beach.
Rachel's March.mp3Rachel's March
Rachel's March
In 2006, when Gavin was married, he decided to compose an original piece of music for the wedding ceremony. As the title suggests, this is the wedding march as Rachel, his wife, walked down the aisle.
Let's Hit It.mp3Let's Hit It!
Let's Hit It!
After listening to "Fugue for Percussion" by Lou Harrison, Gavin tried his hand at composing something for percussion ensemble. The piece was designed to be performed by elementary or early high school ensemble.
Unfinished Works
Unfinished Works
As most of us are, no doubt, aware - Life tends to complicate one's musical ambitions. Gavin has had several musical ideas throughout his career that have gone unfulfilled. These pieces remain works in progress and, he is quick to admit, may never be finished.
Enochian.wavThe Seventh Key
The Seventh Key
Though not particularly religious, Gavin has always had an interest in spiritual and theological topics. In his early twenties, Gavin embarked on an ambitious project to compose a nine-piece song-cycle based on the lost book of Enoch. The work was to be performed by woman's choir with wind instruments. The work features the "tritone" frequently, as this diad was originally banned by the church. This is an excerpt from movement seven.
Choral Pop Arrangements
Choral Pop Arrangements
As a vocal coach, Gavin has spent much of his time working with adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15. As a result, most of his arrangements are in two part (typically SA) with piano accompaniment. In order to hold the interest of young teenagers, most of the arrangements are of pop tunes.
Getting Better.mp3Getting Better
Getting Better
Written by Lennon/McCartney and originally performed by "The Beatles," This piece is typical of Gavin's pop arrangements as it features soaring soprano parts and tenor/low alto solos.
Goodnight (SSA)
Goodnight (SSA)
Another "Beatles" tune, (from the "white" album) the piano is meant for rehearsals only as the intent for this work is to be performed acapella.
Goodnight - SSA.mp3Imagine - In A.mp3Imagine
Imagine
Composed by John Lennon, this famous piece works very well as a two-part (SA) performance for teenagers.
Let It Be
Let It Be
Another very nice "Beatles" tune, written for two-part, adolescent choir with piano accompaniment. Featuring Alto voice as soloist with upper-voices providing harmony.
Let It Be - In F.mp3Mamma Mia - All Parts.mp3Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia!
Originally performed by Sweedish pop sensation, ABBA, and adapted from the popular stage and screen musical, this fun piece of music is a favourite of teenage performers and audiences.
Numb
Numb
Performed originally by "Linkin Park," this protest song is perfect for agressive, teenage angst. When performed, two groups of singers can either perform directing thier fury towards each other, or towards the audience.
NUMB - No Drums.mp3Three and four part vocal arrangements
Three and four part vocal arrangements
From time to time, Gavin has had the opportunity to work with more advanced, or adult vocalists. Arranging for these ensembles brings a lot of joy to Gavin as he misses the "bass tones" that are often absent from teenage arrangements. Of these arrangements, Gavin's favourite is his unfinished song-cycle of three Latin carols. Only two of the carols have been finished, but both have been performed to appreciative audiences.
Hacia Belen Va Una Burra
Hacia Belen Va Una Burra
The second song of the cycle, this piece is once again performed by Piano and SAB chorus. The song is about Mary's arrival to Bethlehem whilst riding a donkey.
Hacia Belen va una Burra - All.mp3Various Additional Compositions
Various Additional Compositions
Like all composers, arrangers & educators - occasionally Gavin has had to compose for a variety of different ensembles. Below are some pieces for Recorder, Orff Ensemble and a variety of other combinations of instruments and voices.
Van Diemen's Land - Audio.mp3Van Diemen's Land
Van Diemen's Land
Based on the song of the same name from U2's "Rattle & Hum," this work is composed for unison voice, piano, guitar and Orff ensemble.
Varitions On A Celtic Theme
Varitions On A Celtic Theme
One of Gavin's earliest attempts to compose for soprano recorder, this work is a mixute of two songs from his childhood. "The Rowan Tree" is a Scottish song, while "O Claire De La Lune" is from French Canada.
Variations.mp3Zum Gali Gali - Orff.wavZum Gali Gali
Zum Gali Gali
Gavin performed this piece as a child for two-part vocal ensemble and piano. He later arranged this piece for voices and Orff ensemble but discovered that the Orff part stood successfully on its own as a piece of music.
Google Sites
Report abuse