MP3 Gill Civil - Dancing Keys

An inspired and engaging collection of 28 original piano pieces specifically designed for the ballet class - suitable for all ages and levels.

28 MP3 Songs in this album (34:06) !
Related styles: CLASSICAL: Ballet, NEW AGE: Solo Instrumental



Details:
Gill Civil

Gill Civil is a New Zealander who got her start in dance accompaniment around 1980 playing classes for âLimbsâ - New Zealandâs top Modern dance company at the time. It was here that Gill first learned how to use her improvisational skills on the piano and other instruments in inspired and spontaneous dance settings.

Although Gill is a classically trained pianist, she has always had a fascination with a wide array of musical styles. During the early eighties, she not only composed and played for dance but also toured and made records with a variety of contemporary rock bands. Her most influential work from this period could be heard in her âMarie and the Atomâ project. In this experimental music group Gill played instruments ranging from electric organ to banjo and steel drums, and produced several innovative recordings. (In 2006 Warner Music re-released her "Marie and the Atom" song "Isol" on their compilation album called the "Flying Nun 25th Anniversary Boxset" and beginning in 2009 this same piece will be featured as the title music for a New Zealand television series entitled "The Good Word".)

In 1984 Gill moved to Melbourne, Australia. to work for the âVictorian College of the Arts". There she accompanied Ballet and Modern dance classes for the best of young Australian dance talent. The several years she spent in Melbourne were highly productive. She wrote three major dance performance pieces including a work for âThe Australian Dance Theatreâ and in 1986 toured as keyboardist for Australiaâs foremost pop band of the time â âCrowded Houseâ. (Check out the bandâs early video â âNow Weâre Getting Somewhereâ on YouTube, for a glimpse of her performance.)

Gill Civil left Australia in 1988 and settled in Vancouver, Canada. Here, she has continued to refine her skills as a dance accompanist and composer for a variety of creative projects. Over the last 20 years she has been commissioned to write for many mediums including dance, film and orchestra. Highlights include a multi-media orchestral production in 1990 called "Yondi", a 1992 film entitled âFine Amourâ, and a 1995 recording called âProcessionâ - a highly layered keyboard work for Flying Nun's âShrewâd - A Compilation of New Zealand Womenâs Musicâ. In 2008 a new version of âYondiâ, scored for voices, piano and didgeridoo was premiered by "Choralations" - a children's choir from B.C.'s Sunshine Coast.

Gill Civil is currently working on Dancing Keys 2 which should be ready for release in 2009.

Reviews:

"Just a note to say I did receive "Dancing Keys" and it is lovely. I teach courses in elementary and secondary music and arts education at the University of Regina, and I plan to recommend this CD to my students. These short pieces are absolutely perfect for encouraging creative dance with children - and the alternate titles are very helpful for stimulating the imagination. What a great education resource!"

Denise Morstad, M.Ed., Chair of Music Education, Faculty of Education, University of Regina

"Dear Ms. Civil,
Please tell me you have more than one cd???!!!! I have Dancing Keys and have worn it out. I just love it. It is me, it is perfect for class. I hope you have more great ballet class music. Please let me know."

Deborah Choszczyk, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Fine Arts/Dance