Etude for A Quiet Hall by Christopher Deane performed by Mark Ford

This performance of Etude for a Quiet Hall is from the Celebration of Christopher Deane's Life and Music held at the University of North Texas College of Music on April 2, 2022. Performed by Mark Ford, Coordinator of Percussion at UNT, Etude for a Quiet Hall was one of Christopher Deane's first compositions for the marimba. Chris was 19 years old when he wrote this work in 1982 while studying at the North Carolina School of the Arts. Etude for a Quiet Hall won first place in the Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest that same year.
The full video of the Celebration of Christopher Deane's Life and Music will be available on the UNT College of Music RUclips Channel in the fall of 2022.
From Mark Ford's social media announcement on October 11, 2021:
It is with a heavy heart I share that Christopher Deane passed away on October 9th, 2021. Since his cancer diagnosis over 4 years ago, Chris has been incredible performing often on the campus and with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, composing new works and teaching our wonderful students at the University of North Texas. His warm, caring personality and love for his family, friends and percussion never faded as he fought this illness. We are heartbroken with his passing.
Professor of Percussion at the University of North Texas for the past 21 years, Christopher was an amazing musician, a visionary composer, and an inspiring teacher. The fall 2021 semester marked our 30th year to teach and perform together starting at East Carolina University and then UNT. Words cannot express the loss of my comrade and friend. To say that I will miss him is simply not enough…
As a composer Christopher Deane consistently developed new approaches to percussion music. His Vespertine Formations demonstrated to the music world the expressive potential of the marimba quartet. He transformed the art of classical vibraphone with his composition Mourning Dove Sonnet, and Deane’s marimba solos such as Etude for a Quiet Hall, Three Shells and Process of Invention are classics.
Chris was a multi-talented artist performing often on cimbalom with orchestras throughout the country as well as percussion. His heart was always with the orchestra and to hear Christopher play timpani was an insight into his passion for music.
A beloved and caring teacher, Chris’ many students over the decades have benefited from his dedication to musical detail concerning both classic works and new music. His former students are now performing and teaching throughout the country as well as in Europe and Asia.
In lieu of flowers, Chris’ family asks that you consider making a donation to the Christopher Deane Percussion Scholarship Fund at the University of North Texas.

[@nicko00]

Wonderfully played Professor Ford. Words cannot express my feeling of loss for all who knew Professor Deane. I had just picked up this piece once again after so many years. The timing couldn't be more apt to see this video as well. I hope you and your family are well. Rest In Peace Christopher Deane.

[@markfordmusic]

Thank you Nick for your kind comments!

[@rouxsauced200]

Love it professor ford!

[@EvOxMaKoTo]

Such a lovely piece. I'll be using this for both my senior recital and graduate auditions this coming winter. Wish me luck!

[@markfordmusic]

I completely agree! Good luck on your auditions!

[@MikeHunt-qc9dn]

it's almost there!🥰

[@Mekaels_Music]

Good stuff here

[@markfordmusic]

Thanks so much!