Books

One Poet's Odyssey
When one thinks about things in Australia today, it’s plain that in many ways we are well off compared to some other nations, and have right to feel blessed. After all, we have relatively stable governments; banking, commercial and financial systems that work; judicial and educational ones too. There are internal political flaws, of course, but mostly things are managed pretty well, though the Australian “she’ll be right mate” and often lack-lustre attitude must, at times, lessen our country’s reputation and international competitiveness. ....now, one’s memories of lost things and personalities from yesteryear recalled between the following covers. Bring it back, please!
I hope you enjoy sharing some of those recollections with me. Patrick Thomas, August 2017
Foreword by Larry Sitsky AO

Sadly, this was to be Patrick's last book of prose. Patrick passed away in August 2017.

ISBN 9781876829 50 6

Music for piano was composed in 1915 by Joseph Bernard commemorating Gallipoli 1915.  Historical and pictorial introduction, and performance notes by Christina Whiteley. This 30 page book is a unique document as it presents a form of home entertainment from years long gone, and as such, may be considered an historical document as a reminder of Australians participation in World War I.

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• Australians Invading Turkey  - sheet music

ISMN 9790720146317

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Unashamedly anecdotal material which includes career experiences, stories of people who were of influence, backstage dramas, the perils of travel and a range of incidents which occurred along the way for the author.  An interesting and at times, hilarious read!

ISBN 978 1 876829 25 4

Early twentieth century Australian women composers and their piano music. There were a relatively large number of women born in Australia between 1860 and 1915 who became composers of piano music. For many of them this was not an easy task. They did not always receive encouragement. Certainly many could not earn a living at this creative work and they battled not only the gender inequality that still largely exists today but also against musical fashion and trends that their works did not always reflect, as well as the backlash which came from being born into a ‘colonial’ country.  This is their story. Australian Heritage Collection - the piano works of these women have been published in three volumes as researched and edited by Jeanell. Each volume contains a CD of the works within.  A CD Nostalgia has been released with many of these works recorded by Jeanell.  It was featured as ABC Classic FM "CD of the week", November 2016.  All piano works available online - Australian Heritage Collection Volumes I, II, III ISBN 9781876829421

An enjoyable account of the story of the progress of the growth of Western music, humbly expressed, for the use of advanced students and young teachers. It is hoped that it may be an inspiration for further detailed study.
An excellent resource book, it is comprehensive, accessible, appealing, written in a humorous style making it delightful and knowledgeable reading. Copyright 2015.

ISBN9781876829346

To quote the writer: I  present myself as a writer, who has composed words suggestive of music, their texture and rhythm being as much a measure of each as the initial shadows of thought that inspired them. 

Once more in the back of Phillip's mind when working on this project is Thomas Kelly and the magnificent organisation (The Thomas Kelly Youth Foundation) that has evolved  as a consequence of Thomas' untimely and tragic death.  To quote Phillip again, charity - when exercised with clarity - never fails; that the practice of such charity - the voluntary giving to those in need that sees our humanity at its best - reflects the beauty of divine  beneficence. 

 ISBN 9781876829377 

A profound reflection on the composer's relationship with his art.  The writer quotes: Since the very first day, when at 14 years of age I put pen to paper and began to notate music, I understood well that the greater lesson to be learned had little to do with the laws of harmony and counterpoint, nor even the virtues of discipline whereby the waywardness of random sounds could be made more civil. In the face of whatever higher force it was at work that afforded me the gift of self-realisation through sound, I knew well that however successful I might become (if at all) as a "composer", the abilities entrusted me for the caring and the sharing were so granted on the provision that I learn to overcome pride in order to find my place, and the greater the gift the more glory there would be to leave behind.

 ISBN 9781876829391

Another collection of delightful and humourous verse by Patrick Thomas. Among some of his personal favourites have been dogs and birds - owls in various forms being of particular interest!  Yet other fauna, domestic and wild, have provided wonder and amazement when viewed in their natural habitat, in Game Parks, Zoos, Documentaries and the like. 
Many of the sketches were prompted by birds and animals that added greatly to his quality of life. Hopefully, some will resonate with readers and rekindle a few of their own memories and experiences.  

 ISBN 978 1 876829 31 5

Selected Verse (1983-2003) with an essay on Melancholia "The Muse of Bile".  An appreciation and a defence of the artist's temperament (1999). Includes 16 modern sonnets using antique forms - abounding in rhyme and rhythm.

ISBN 9781876829230

A comprehensive study book with illustrations, questions, activities and answers within the topic Radio, Film, Television and Multi-Media.

This book is the first in a series of books that are topic based and are suitable for study in Preliminary and HSC courses of Music in the NSW BOSTES syllabi. Each topic book explores the six concepts of music- pitch, duration, texture, tone colour, structure, dynamics and expressive techniques as well as unity and contrast.

All the exercises and questions throughout are designed to be analysed at the student’s pace and not under examination conditions. They can be used to enhance practise in writing graphic notation and aural analysis. Each listening example has a main question on which to focus, as well as the inclusion of other activities which will provide a variety of ways to approach aural analysis. At the conclusion of each listening example is a summary of the unity and contrast found within the music.

We have given our own interpretation of how each question can be approached and this can be used as a guide to the analysis of the musical themes.  Written 2016

Review by Music Teachers' Association NSW in Studio magazine February 2017.

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• Film and Television Music Study - samples
• Listening Guide and Resources

For school orders please send purchase order to the following email for immediate processing keats@wirripang.com.au

ISBN 9781876829582

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A comprehensive study book with music examples, questions, activities and answers within the topic Rock music.

This book is the second in a series of books that are topic based and are suitable for study in Preliminary and HSC courses of Music in the NSW BOSTES syllabi.
Each topic bookl explores the six concepts of music- pitch, duration, texture, tone colour, structure, dynamics and expressive techniques as well as unity and contrast.

There are two ways to approach the analysis of each excerpt in this book: - 
     Part 1: Using dot points, rhythm and graphic notation.
     Part 2: Written response in paragraph style.

All the exercises and questions throughout Rock Music are designed to be analysed at the student’s pace and not under examination conditions. They can be used to enhance practise in writing graphic notation and aural analysis.  Each listening example has a main question on which to focus, as well as the inclusion of other activities which will provide a variety of ways to approach aural analysis.   
At the conclusion of each listening example is a summary of the unity and contrast found within the music.
We have given our own interpretation of how each question can be approached and this can be used as a guide to the analysis of each musical piece.
Written 2016

Review by Music Teachers' Association NSW  in Studio magazine August 2017

Download samples

• Rock Music Music Study - samples
• Listening Guide and Resources

For  school orders please send purchase order to the following email for immediate processing keats@wirripang.com.au

ISBN9781876829599

OR $30.00 for PDF instant download:

A comprehensive study book with music examples, questions, activities and answers within the topic Music for 20th and 21st Centuries.

This book is the third in a series of books that are topic based and are suitable for study in Preliminary and HSC courses of Music in the NSW BOSTES syllabi.
Each topic bookl explores the six concepts of music- pitch, duration, texture, tone colour, structure, dynamics and expressive techniques as well as unity and contrast.

All the exercises and questions throughout are designed to be analysed at the student’s pace and not under examination conditions. They can be used to enhance practise in writing graphic notation and aural analysis. Each listening example has a main question on which to focus, as well as the inclusion of other activities which will provide a variety of ways to approach aural analysis.
At the conclusion of each listening example is a summary of the unity and contrast found within the music.

We have given our own interpretation of how each question can be approached and this can be used as a guide to the analysis of the musical themes. Written 2016

Review by Music Teachers' Association NSW in Studio magazine August 2017

Download samples

• Music of the 20th and 21st Centuries - samples
• Listening Guide and Resources

For school orders please send purchase order to the following email for immediate processing keats@wirripang.com.au

ISBN 9781876829605
OR $30.00 for instant PDF download: