Persist is a commission by Band Directors Talk Shop in honor of Marcia Zoffuto. Marcia’s legacy in teaching is the focus of the piece. In my research I came across many very heartfelt sentiments regarding her passion and success in teaching. Her approach was one of “insistent persistence”. This is a trait of all great teachers, but Marcia took this to such an extraordinary level that she was able to move the toughest of students: those in junior high. Mrs. Zoffuto’s success with these groups is well noted, but it is perhaps her style of persistence that best captures her musical genius.

The music reflects this with a recurring theme within a 5-part rondo (ABACA) form. No matter the movement away from the music’s primary theme be it harmonic, rhythmic, or melodic, it is sure to return with persistence.

INSTRUCTIONS

Start without your headphones plugged in to the playback device.
Open your video recorder of choice, but don’t start recording yet. This may have to be a second device. A computer could likely record your video and provide YouTube playback at the same time, but you probably can not do both simultaneously with your phone. Make sure you are framed as the video demonstrates.
Open the recording accompanist video below for your instrument. It will explain the final steps for you.
Play the music! It was designed for you to play from the screen, have it play by your recording device so you will be looking in the direction of the camera.
When the music finishes, remain in concert pose throughout the countdown at the end. Do not press stop until instructed by the conductor video.
You can now playback what you’ve heard. If you want to rerecord, feel free. When you’re happy with what you have, save the video so that you have a copy on your computer.
When you have a copy of the video on your computer, upload it through our upload form (either here or underneath the accompanist video).
That’s it! If you want to record multiple instrument parts, I won’t stop you (but don’t record multiple takes of the same part).

☑️ I am ready to submit my music now!

TROUBLESHOOTING

If you run into any issues with the above, or have any other questions, please feel free to contact bjbrooksdotcom+persist@gmail.com for assistance.