Waltz for a Rainy Day - Three Scenes From The Desert Alex Stopa 2018-05-05 | "Three Scenes From The Desert" Red Rock Canyon Waltz for a Rainy Day Desert SunriseThe deserts of Southern Nevada and California were the inspiration behind these three compositions."Rain in the desert is a rare pleasure. In the springtime, after heavy rains, desert wildflowers will often bloom in brightly colored fields as far as the eye can see.."Composed by Alex StopaPerformed by the Pana Percussion QuartetAlex StopaRyun LouieJeff CrowellEliseo RaelDirector of Photography & Editor: Michael TushausCamera operators: Kelly Schwarze & Maximus KehayouAudio Engineer: Robert RootRecorded at The Killers 'Battle Born' Studio in Las Vegas, NVSheet music available from: www.tapspace.comPerformed on:Majestic mallet instrumentsSabian cymbalsVic Firth malletsRemo percussionwww.alexstopa.com
Las Vegas Percussion Collective - Promo Video 1 Alex Stopa 2023-02-14 | The Las Vegas Percussion Collective features four of Las Vegas’ premier percussionists who, collectively, have played in many of the major productions on the Las Vegas Strip for the last decade. Lead by Dr. Alex Stopa, the group brings percussion instruments to the forefront, performing music that highlights the versatility and musicality of the percussion family in a fun and educational setting.www.lasvegaspercussiongroup.com
Las Vegas Percussion Collective - Promo Video 2 Alex Stopa 2023-02-14 | The Las Vegas Percussion Collective features four of Las Vegas’ premierpercussionists who, collectively, have played in many of the major productions on the Las Vegas Strip for the last decade. Lead by Dr. Alex Stopa, the group brings percussion instruments to the forefront, performing music that highlights the versatility and musicality of the percussion family in a fun and educational setting.www.LasVegasPercussionGroup.com
Spiral for Percussion Quartet Alex Stopa 2023-01-06 | "Spiral" composed by Alex Stopa"Spiral" is a classical fusion piece that combines pop and jazz harmonies with elements of improvisation. The piece is built around a repeated rhythmic motif: a pattern of five that can be heard on the vibraphone near the beginning of the piece. I imagined this spiraling pattern as the rhythmic DNA of the work; a "musical double helix". This imagery formed the inspiration for the title.Performed by Pana Percussion QuartetJeffery CrowellRyun LouieEliseo RaelAlex StopaThe video was shot at the Art Square Theatre in Las Vegas by a local film crew including Emmy award winning editor and director Michael Tushaus (Digisphere Productions) with cinematographer Tim Harbour and camera operator Gray Gubler. Recording Engineer: Josh Connolly (Studio A)Mix Engineer: Robby WingfieldSheet Music available from Tapspace PublicationsThis project is supported in part by the Nevada Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Majestic 4.3-Octave Padauk Marimba - Setup Alex Stopa 2021-08-23 | Instructional video on how to set up a Majestic 4.3-Octave MarimbaModel number: MAJ-M6543DI love this instrument! It's quick and easy to set up and sounds great!Professional level marimbas have rosewood bars. This marimba is made from Padauk which is much cheaper and is a great alternative to rosewood!0:07 Step 1. Assemble frame0:19 Step 2: Insert rails into frame0:36 Step 3: Place resonators on frame1:00 Step 4: Connect stabilizer brackets1:09 Step 5: Place bars on instrument (naturals, then accidentals)1:33 Step 6: Play!!!Audio: "Red Rock Canyon" from "Three Scenes From The Desert", composed by Alex Stopa. Performed by Alex Stopa and Kyle Bissantz. Sheet music available from tapspace.comalexstopa.com
Sweep Dreams, performed by Pana Percussion Quartet Alex Stopa 2021-03-27 | Sweep Dreamscomposed by Danny Raymondperformed by Pana Percussion QuartetJeffery CrowellRyun LouieEliseo RaelAlex StopaAudio and Video editing by Alex StopaSheet Music available from Tapspace.com
Brush Hour - Brush Techniques Demonstration Alex Stopa 2020-10-31 | "Brush Hour" Snare Drum Quartetcomposed by Alex StopaPurchase sheet music: www.tapspace.com"Brush Hour" requires the performer to be familiar with certain specific patterns and motions. This video demonstrates the various patterns used throughout the piece. Detailed descriptions of these brush techniques are also included with purchase of the sheet music.The composer does not profess the brush patterns used in this piece to be “the standard”, in fact, there are likely infinite possibilities with brushes! With that in mind, performers may use different patterns and stickings if desired. The visual aspect of the piece is important, however, and so stickings and motions should be synchronized between players when possible.www.alexstopa.com
Brush Hour (Alex Stopa) Alex Stopa 2020-10-29 | Brush Hour - Quartet for BrushesComposed by Alex Stopawww.alexstopa.comPerformed by Pana Percussion QuartetRyun LouieJeffrey CrowellEliseo RaelAlex StopaDesigned in 1913 by Alliston and Weinstein, brushes were originally named “fly killers” and looked very much like they do today. Although we don’t know who first used them on the drum set, we do know that they likely rose to popularity in the New Orleans jazz bands of the early 1900s.Over time, drummers developed a personalized approach to brush language, establishing certain grooves, techniques, and patterns that could be used to accompany a wide range of musical styles. Many of these patterns were taught by rote, passed down from one drummer to the next, or from teacher to student. In fact, there are numerous stories of famous drummers who, while on tour, would meet up with other drummers to trade “brush licks” while hanging out in their hotel rooms, playing on tables, chairs, or even pizza boxes! This idea was the inspiration for “Brush Hour” which is built around grooves, themes, and “licks” that are traded between each player in the ensemble. -- Alex StopaSheet music available from: www.tapspace.com
Armandos Rhumba - Piano and Percussion Alex Stopa 2020-08-02 | Armando's Rhumba, composed by Chick CoreaPiano - Dave RichardsonPercussion - Alex Stopa
Morning Serenade for Mallet Percussion Quartet Alex Stopa 2020-07-11 | "Morning Serenade" from the ballet "Romeo and Juliet" composed by Sergei Prokofiev, arranged for mallet percussion quartet by Eliseo Rael.Performed by Pana Percussion QuartetJeffrey CrowellRyun LouieEliseo RaelAlex StopaAudio and Video mixed by Alex Stopawww.panapercussion.com
What a Wonderful World - ALEX STOPA Alex Stopa 2020-04-27 | "What a Wonderful World" for solo marimbaComposed by George David Weiss & Bob ThieleArranged and performed by Alex StopaLouis Armstrong’s iconic recording of “What a Wonderful World” is loved and recognized by all. Remarkably, this peaceful pop ballad, with its uplifting and optimistic lyrics, was composed and recorded during a tumultuous period in American history. In 1967, the Vietnam war was raging, Martin Luther King was campaigning for civil rights amid race riots around the country, and the “Summer of Love” brought nearly 100,000 youth (‘hippies,’ as they were known) to San Francisco. These events embodied a climate of intense social and political unrest in America.Amidst this turmoil, at an all-night recording session in Las Vegas, Louis Armstrong recorded “What a Wonderful World.” Juxtaposed against this political and social turbulence, “What a Wonderful World,” with its positive message of peace and tolerance, could appear out of place. It seems to recall a simpler time. Musicians and artists, however, have long held up a mirror to society, and it’s quite likely that composer George Weiss and lyricist Bob Thiele wrote the song after seeing how Louis Armstrong’s music helped to bring people of different races together. Over 50 years later, Louis Armstrong’s performance of “What a Wonderful World” continues to resonate with listeners. The lyrics retain their poignancy and serve as an enduring reminder of benevolence and the human spirit.This arrangement for solo marimba leads the original melody through a few unexpected twists and turns, while showcasing the mellow and warm tonal nuances of the marimba. Harmonically, it draws influence from the jazz idiom for which Louis Armstrong was famous.- Alex StopaThis arrangement available for purchase from www.tapspace.comVic Firth Mallets: Ney Rosauro model M222, M223
Married Life - from the Pixar film UP Alex Stopa 2020-04-17 | Married Life - from the Pixar film "UP" Composed by Michael Giacchino Arranged by Alex Stopa Performed by Pana Percussion Quartet Ryun Louie Alex Stopa Jeff Crowell Eliseo Rael Sheet music available for purchase from www.tapspace.com The opening scene of Pixar’s Up is an extraordinary animated sequence. Reminiscent of a home movie, it is a touching montage that chronicles the entire marriage of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen, from the day they first met till the day of Ellie’s death. The scene contains no dialogue, only images and music, and its brilliance lies in its power to emotionally connect the viewer to Carl, while allowing us to personally reflect on the fragility and fleeting beauty of life, love, and the human experience. Composer Michael Giacchino perfectly captures the sentiment and poignancy of this scene with a waltz that, upon request of director Pete Doctor, “plays as if from one’s grandmother’s music box.” Married Life contains two primary themes that represent Carl and Ellie. Throughout the piece these themes are passed from one instrument to the next, explored in various textures, timbres, and instrumental combinations, and carried through a variety of tempi, dynamics, and harmonies. The music is beautiful, wistful, full of melancholy, and subtly alludes to the ragtime and jazz influenced music of tin pan alley. "Up" model house built by Dan Dundin - 2of2 Goods
Floor Play for body percussion quartet (Alex Stopa) Alex Stopa 2019-10-26 | "Floor Play" is a fun, light-hearted piece for body percussion quartet, composed by Alex Stopa. Performed by the Pana Percussion Quartet (panapercussion.com).Performers (L-R):Ryun Louie, Jeff Crowell, Alex Stopa, Eliseo RaelSheet music available from Tapspace at tapspace.com
Fantaisie Impromptu in C# minor by Frederic Chopin Alex Stopa 2019-08-08 | Frederic Chopin (1810 - 1849)Fantaisie-Impromptu in C# minor Posthumous, Op. 66Marimba and Vibraphone duet adapted and performed by Alex StopaFantaisie-Impromptu in C# minor Op.66 was composed in 1834 and is one of Chopin’s most famous and frequently performed compositions. Originally written for solo piano, this adaptation calls for two players performing on marimba and vibraphone. The marimba performs the exhilarating allegro agitato in the outer sections of this ternary structured work, while the vibraphone joins for the lyrical and melodic moderato cantabile of the middle section.Mix Engineer - Caleb Lindskoog Video Editor - Michael Tushaus, Digisphere ProductionsSheet music available for purchase from www.tapspace.com
Plant Stand Percussion Groove Alex Stopa 2018-08-03 | Picked up this $20 plant stand from Lowe’s hardware. Who knew it would sound so good?!
Desert Sunrise - Three Scenes From The Desert Alex Stopa 2018-05-05 | "Three Scenes From The Desert" Red Rock Canyon Waltz for a Rainy Day Desert SunriseThe deserts of Southern Nevada and California were the inspiration behind these three compositions."An all-night drive through the Mojave Desert: Just as your eyelids are becoming heavy, a sliver of sunlight, the new day, is seen on the horizon. The vibraphone parts imitate the fingerpicking technique of an acoustic guitar."Composed by Alex StopaPerformed by the Pana Percussion QuartetAlex StopaRyun LouieJeff CrowellEliseo RaelDirector of Photography & Editor: Michael TushausCamera operators: Kelly Schwarze & Maximus KehayouAudio Engineer: Robert RootRecorded at The Killers 'Battle Born' Studio in Las Vegas, NVSheet music available from: www.tapspace.comPerformed on:Majestic mallet instrumentsSabian cymbalsVic Firth malletsRemo percussionwww.alexstopa.com
Red Rock Canyon - Three Scenes From The Desert Alex Stopa 2018-05-05 | "Three Scenes From The Desert" Red Rock Canyon Waltz for a Rainy Day Desert SunriseThe deserts of Southern Nevada and California were the inspiration behind these three compositions."A four-over-three polyrhythm forms the basis for the thematic material in this composition. Images of the “Wild West,” horse-drawn carriages, ranchers, and frontier settlers inspired this short, energetic piece."Composed by Alex StopaPerformed by the Pana Percussion QuartetAlex StopaRyun LouieJeff CrowellEliseo RaelDirector of Photography & Editor: Michael TushausCamera operators: Kelly Schwarze & Maximus KehayouAudio Engineer: Robert RootRecorded at The Killers 'Battle Born' Studio in Las Vegas, NVSheet music available from: www.tapspace.comPerformed on:Majestic mallet instrumentsSabian cymbalsVic Firth malletsRemo percussionwww.alexstopa.com
Chain for solo marimba, performed by Alex Stopa Alex Stopa 2018-03-08 | Alex Stopa performs "CHAIN" for solo marimba, written by Japanese composer, Kazunori Miyake. Audio only
Outside In Jazz Trio PROMO Alex Stopa 2016-10-22 | Outside In Jazz Trio, live at Osaka! Based in Las Vegas, the "Outside In Jazz Trio" boasts a broad repertoire ranging from jazz standards and funk, to ‘jazzed up’ pop tunes and Latin grooves. The group can be augmented with additional instruments or vocalists to suit any occasion!John Matteson: piano, composer, arrangerGeoff Neuman: bassAlex Stopa: drums
Sequoia for marimba duo Alex Stopa 2016-07-17 | "Some time ago I took a road trip and visited the breathtaking redwood forests of Northern California. Standing among these majestic trees, some of which are over two and a half thousand years old, was like stepping back in time. It was a deeply spiritual and moving experience. The strength and nobility of these grand, old ambassadors formed the inspiration for this work."Composed & Performed by Alex StopaDirector & Cinematographer: Michael TushausSecond Camera: Alberto Triana Camera Assistant: Maximus GarciaAudio Engineer: Eric RickeyPerformed at the Art Square Theater, June 6th 2016, Las Vegas NVInstrument: Prototype Majestic 5.0 Octave MarimbaMallets: Vic Firth Robert Van Sice ModelSheet music available at: www.tapspace.comwww.alexstopa.com
Outside In Jazz Trio Alex Stopa 2013-09-16 | "Outside In Jazz Trio" John Matteson - Piano, Compositions, ArrangementsGeoff Neuman - BassAlex Stopa - DrumsFor bookings and more information please contactGeoff Neuman at neumang@cox.net
Twine for marimba and xylophone, by Rolf Wallin Alex Stopa 2012-09-01 | Two streams of sound, both emerging from the same physical substance - wood - but still slightly different; the bright and hard versus the dark and soft. Two streams twisting and twining, separating and merging, opposing and caressing. Two streams living their own separate lives, but each still influenced by the other.Performed by Alex Stopa and Ryan Simm, Doc Rando Recital Hall UNLV, 2010
