Spencer, Julie

Julie Spencer

Biography

Born: January 09, 1962

Country: Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.

Studies: Eastman School of Music (B.F.A.1985), California Institute of the Arts (M.F.A.1990)

Teachers: Paul Novros, James Newton, John Beck

Website: http://www.spencer-blume.com/

Professional Bio

Julie Spencer - Profile

COMPOSER, MUSICIAN: MARIMBA, VIBRAPHONE, PERCUSSION, VOICE

The exceptional American artist and internationally renowned marimba virtuoso Julie Spencer enchants with her unusual instruments, her profoundly personal singing style, and her unmistakable musicality, creating new music through the harmonizing confluence of composition and performance.

Her cross-stylistic work is comprised of improvisatory sound collages, jazz compositions, world music cross-over as well as contemporary scores for solo marimba, chamber ensembles, choirs and orchestras. Her trail-blazing, individualistic playing technique is unique and expressive.

"Music is an expression of the soul, mediated through a language of the intellect, made possible by an openness of the heart, its substance and meaning perpetually redefined in the context of personal experience and collective consciousness. While deriving strength from the conflicts and sorrows of our lives, I hope in the creation of music to be a voice for love and joy in the world." -Julie Spencer

Works for Percussion

Solo Marimba Works

After The Storm
Almost 5 A.M.
Bamboo Leaf
Brothers In Peace
Chelsea Window
Color Suite
DJ Dog Demockracy
Ecstatic Sunlight on the Mountain Snow
Ecstatic Sunlight Suite
The Emperors New Clothes
Elim
Everybody Talk About Freedom
Fire Elves
Glowing Horizon at Dawn
Gomer in the Desert
Ice Cream
Mountain Spring
Soulhouse Suite
Summer Music
Swirling Light in the Mist by the Sea
Waterfalls
White Squirrel
Wild Heron

Solo Vibraphone Works

Ask
Tranquility

Solo Percussion with Ensemble Works

7 Souls X a Billion - Multiple Percussion and Orchestra
Before The Beginning - Marimba; Marimba Quartet
Pink Elisa Spring - Marimba; Marimba Duet
Tree Song - Marimba Duo and Orchestra - Marimba Duo and Orchestra
Tribeca Sunflower - Marimba; Marimba Quartet; World Music Ensemble
Waterfalls Concerto (Orchestra Version) - Marimba and Percussion Ensemble
Waterfalls Concerto (Percussion Ensemble Version) - Marimba and Percussion Ensemble
Zalan-Zalan - Concerto for Percussion & Orchestra - Multiple Percussion, Orchestra

Percussion Ensemble Works

Grateful Metamorphosis - 13 Players
Stronger Every Day - 4 Players
When You Hear The Soft Roar When There Is No Sound - 4 Players

With other instrument Works

If You Don't - Women Voice, Marimba, Vibraphone
Hot Chai - Marimba Duet; Marimba, Bass Clarinet
Peace of Mind - Marimba, Piano
Tree Song - Marimba, Flute Duo; 2 Marimbas; Marimba, Piano
Voices for Peace - Flute and Marimba with Vibes and Percussion

Recent Video

Interview with Julie Spencer from @Percussion Podcast with Casey Cangelosi