Aaron Guidry

In light of the other thread's rumor affirmation, I feel it necessary to quell another rumor brewing: This was posted a month or so ago: http://www.yataforluda.com/crossmen2008.htm This is to confirm that Aaron Guidry was let go as of Yata for Luda.He does remain with Yata for Luda, but his title has now been changed to Destroyer of Worlds. Aaron Guidry Destroyer of Worlds Yata for Luda

Johnny's Pizza! Enjoy the music, Aaron Guidry eXplore Planet X

Backbeat, That's a very intelligent observation. A signature of my arranging style is the use of musical continuity throughout the entire show. In other words, I rarely use a musical idea, be it melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic, just once in a show. Could there possibly be a Coda/Recessional that has yet to be heard? We do have a PreShow/Processional. Hmmm.... Enjoy the music!

Ha! Trust me, I was wearing my red cape the entire time I wrote this show! Enjoy the music!

Thanks to all for the feedback. Check Yata for Luda in mid-June for a Podcast detailing "Planet X," including music that ended up on the Cutting Room's floor. Enjoy the music!

Hello! As music design for the Xmen's 2008 production progresses, audio, as well as second-by-second commentary, will be posted for preview at Yata for Luda. The first 6 1/2 minutes are now available HERE. Enjoy the music! Aaron

Rick, Thanks for the support! Yes, I did BA's 2007 show which is based on Wagner's "Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral," but, as usual, with a ton of original material thrown in. Check yataforluda in the coming week for new show updates. Music is getting underway for Xmen 2008...should be eXciting! Enjoy the music, Aaron

For those interested, most of the larger shows in Vegas (generally termed "Production Shows") use live musicians. Some of those shows include the Cirque shows (Mystere, O, KA, Zumanity <LOVE, based on the music of The Beatles, does not use live musicians, but, rather, uses master recordings from The Beatles>), Mama Mia, Phantom, The Producers, Spamalot, Avenue Q (now closed), We Will Rock You (now closed), Blue Man Group, Le Reve, A New Day (Celine), etc. Bands/Orchestras range in size, with the largest probably being the orchestra at The Producers (approx. 25 players). Many of the shows are Union. However, Nevada is a 'right-to-work' state. Enjoy the music, Aaron

Gary, That is a great observation. I'll explain: As you noted, and referring to the audio at www.yataforluda.com from 5:05 - 5:18, there is an effect portion of the show referred to as "The Siren." This two-note motive is based on the repeated two notes at the end of the Hindemith 2 melodic line. Not only was The Siren to be an effect, but it was also thematic, which, to me, gives a musical effect even more credibility. I extended that two-note motive over the bar lines (which at that point are 5 + 5 + 5 + 6) to create a polyrhythmic/polymetric feel, as well as added dissonant harmonies to recreate a siren. I always heard the crescendo/decrescendo as a pan effect on the field, coming from different aural directions. (As an aside, the inspiration for that segment of music came from listening to The Beatles' "A Day in the Life.") There was a definite visual/drill idea to match this musical idea, but as sometimes things go, it didn't work. The Siren has gone through numerous melodic rewrites, but with every rewrite, the effect I was going for was not recreated on the field. In the meantime, as you noted, the answer has been to put that motive in the pit. As the corps got on the road, other issues took dominance, but over the next few weeks, I hope to see The Siren make its way back into the brass parts in some capacity. Thanks for the question! Enjoy the music, Aaron

Have a question about The Crossmen's 2007 "Metamorphosis" music design? Feel free to ask me, but please be specific by referring to timings from the audio at www.yataforluda.com. I'll try to answer as quickly and as briefly as I can. Only serious and intelligent questions will be answered. Enjoy the music, Aaron

As a music designer and performer, allow me to add this thought: It's NOT about the music. It's about the PRESENTATION of the music. Think about totality, and you'll find your answers. Enjoy the music, Aaron www.yataforluda.com

Hello, Thanks to all for the support! Now, show your love to The Crossmen as they tackle a demanding musical and visual package!! Enjoy the music, Aaron

Hello, After reading a few threads asking questions about The Crossmen's music, I have posted my sequenced audio for their 2007 show, "Metamorphosis," at www.yataforluda.com More details can be found there about the music design of the show, as I have also posted program notes in a second-by-second format. Enjoy the music, Aaron

I have no explanation for the physics of it all, but try this: Use your other stick in place of the rim. In other words, if you are playing the rim shot with your right hand, position your left stick under your right hand, and play the rim shot as you normally would, but instead of hitting the rim, hit the left hand's stick. That stick is serving as the 'rim.' It might take a little practice to get it right, but when you do, it produces an audible sound equal to a rim shot. So, one could potentially conclude (in modest of terms) that it has nothing to do with the rim at all. Where do we go from there? Not sure, but that's just some more food for thought. Aaron edit: to be clear, I'm not talking about producing a 'stick shot' where the bead of the left stick is on the head. the left stick would have no contact with the head at all with is altered 'rim shot' technique.