TAKE TWO DUO

Take Two is a funky rock ‘n roll and pop duo playing Jazz, Standards, Rock, Pop and Contemporary classic songs from all eras. Our repertoire covers many artists from Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Roy Orbison and Ray Charles to Ed Sheeran, Michael Buble and many more. Please check out our showreel.

Please  click this link to view us in action 

Check out our promo video here:

TAKE TWO PROMO REEL 2023

Recent comments from patrons at our concert.

The guys were a dynamic duo. Songs  were very good. Songs to suit everyone. 10 out of 10 

I enjoyed it very much indeed.  It was good to have a little jazz included.

Nicest one I’ve been to.

Just brilliant

Very enjoyable

Best performance I’ve seen at this library

For bookings and enquiries, contact Rod on the contact form on this website or phone 0411441044.

BOOKINGS: Rod Christian

0411441044

rodmusic@bigpond.com

CONTACT US

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SONGS FOR PRIMARY and SECONDARY SCHOOLS 2022

SCHOOL SONGS/ANTHEMS
Welcome to the schools page. I have taught in secondary schools for over 38 years as head of music/performing arts. During this time I have arranged and composed music for choirs and ensembles, directed concert bands and orchestras and school musicals. I have written two major musicals and co-written another six. As well as this I have composed ten school anthems/songs from lyrics supplied by the schools or simply by studying a school’s prayer or creed and setting these to music. This service is available by contacting me here on the contact page.If you are interested lets have a chat. Recordings are done here in my studio Hotel Sorrento WA.

Below is a sample of anthems written and recorded here at Rodmusic Productions for St John’s School Scarborough, Hammond Park Catholic Primary School, St Thomas Primary School Claremont and Sacred Heart College Sorrento.

PUBLISHING


This is Rodmusic Publishing company where clients can access my original compositions in sheet music form online. They can also listen to and purchase original music composed for theatre, television, film or documentaries, advertising jingles, original contemporary music tracks and virtual soundtracks for a variety of soundtracks and projects. A wide variety of choral music and songs for schools are a feature of this site. I also can represent client’s music and publish  and promote their works if necessary. I am currently arranging music and lyrics for three separate stage musical authors.

Rodmusic Publishing will handle and distribute sheet music and production music. Here, you submit f original songs and arrangements or ideas you may have where music or instruments need to be arranged for a variety of musical genres. You can also access large orchestral works such as Uluru Suite and other film scores and incidental music I have arranged and recorded.

SONG NUMBER ONE: Song for Western Australia

The Mt Pleasant Primary School Choir with Director Ms Jenny Coleman and Composer Rod Christian
The Mt Pleasant Primary School Choir with Director Ms Jenny Coleman and Composer Rod Christian
Year 4/5 Class Poseidon Primary School with Marie Paragelli and Rod Christian Composer.
Year 4/5 Class Poseidon Primary School with Marie Paragelli and Rod Christian Composer.

Hello Primary and Secondary music teachers. I am now publishing a variety of music for schools, catering for all age groups from Primary to Secondary and beyond.

The first song, Song for Western Australia is gaining momentum and popularity in WA schools and choirs. Recently, a number of primary schools, Leeming Primary School, Mt Pleasant Primary School, Creaney Primary School, Burrendah PS, Poseidon Primary and St John’s Albany. Western Australia was performed at their assemblies, concerts and Eisteddfods. The reaction was amazing, so much so, I have decided to publish the work so that all schools and colleges and choirs can access the song. You can now purchase the song in single or two part harmony complete with piano score and full backing track. In a few instances I have created specific arrangements including piano, flute and strings for the song. The package now available is. 1. A full backing track. 2. A complete piano/ guitar/vocal score. 3. Specific arrangements on request. 4. A video of the song that can be projected on an AV screen while the song is performed.This appears below featuring extracts from the video. 

Total cost is on application, depending on your requirements. This also covers the copyright for reproducing multiple copies of the score. Please contact me here directly for more details: rodmusic@bigpond.com

I will invoice your organisation and send the package to you on receipt of payment.

These are samples of my choral publications and some links to the videos or sound files

I have completed a recording of the choir at Mt Pleasant Primary School singing ” Song for Western Australia” under the direction of  Ms Jenny Coleman. View the video below:

Click here to view the first two pages of the score.

WA Song SAMPLE Pages 1-2

Lyrics reproduced below:

SONG for WESTERN AUSTRALIA Lyrics Copyright 2005 Rod Christian

Listen to and watch excerpts from the video featuring Courtney Murphy on vocals. This video is available to play at your assembley/ concert while your choir sings the song.

Rod Christian directs his Virtual Choir during Covid 19 Pandemic in June 2020. This is the SATB arrangement.

SONG for WESTERN AUSTRALIA Lyrics

Copyright 2005 Rod Christian

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is WESTERN-AUSTRALIA-Lyrics-Copyright-2007-Rod-Christian-724x1024.jpg
The lyrics here are from the song Song for Western Australia

SONG NUMBER TWO:

ULURU SUITE for ORCHESTRA and SSATB CHORUS

I Rod Christian, composer of the composition ULURU SUITE for ORCHESTRA and CHORUS, acknowledge the Anangu people, Traditional Custodians of this sacred land titled Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, their language Pitjantatjara and their culture and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. 

This new work was started on 12 December 2016 and completed on 8 September 2020. I have re-written movement 1 to include full orchestra and SSATB Chorus. The second and third movements feature an SSA Chorus but the third movement or Finale introduces the SSATB Chorus in the finale section. This work depicts Uluru from its early beginnings. The Anangu people unique to this vast area in Central Australia summon the spirits along the Songlines many thousands of years ago. We then hear the orchestra change key to reveal the spectacular sunrise over Uluru, the often harsh conditions during the day, the bird life, the thunder, lighting and rain, the creatures and legends but, above all the tranquility and peaceful ness of this Sacred place in Australia.

The Second movement pays tribute to Kata Tjjuta, the area in which Uluru is situated, the tranquillity and beauty, the sunsets and bird life.

The Third and final movement sums up the sentiment expressed in the opening movement and ends with the words sung by full choir, “Uluru, Tjukuritja – the Ancestral beings, Crossing the landscape to follow their dreams. Uluru.”

The vocal performance features Chelsea J Gibson, Soprano and Alto parts, Perry Joyce Tenor/ Baritone/ Bass and Justin Freind, Tenor. All orchestral parts were performed by Rod Christian using East West Symphonic Orchestra on Logic X Pro.

CD cover. Artwork by Sandy Prideaux

You can also purchase a copy of this work by filling in the contact form on this website.

Listen here to extracts from ULURU SUITE Movements 1, 2 and 3:

I have also included a Piano/ SSATB arrangement for the First Movement

ULURU Suite for PIANO and SSATB CHORUS P2
ULURU Suite for PIANO and SSATB CHORUS P3

AUDIO of EXTRACT HERE:

Enquiries: rodmusic@bigpond.com

SONG NUMBER THREE:

OH SUSANNAH!

OH SUSANNAH, a traditional song composed by Stephen Foster in 1840 is a song that lends itself to choral part singing. I arranged this in a jazz style as I have a real interest in unusual chords and the jazz genre.
The setting is for five parts, Soprano 1 & 2 with splits; Alto 1 and Alto 2. There is also an SATB setting of the song. The two arrangements are available here.

Review: This stunning treatment of the 1848 Stephen Foster classic was crafted by Rod Christian, one of Western Australia’s most talented composers and arrangers of choral music. Featuring tight jazz influenced chords and interesting harmonies, Christian achieves an uplifting, reflective, almost spiritual sound. The arrangement contains an optional piano part and is available for treble SSAA or mixed SATB choirs.

Click here to hear OH SUSANNA performed by the Iona Presentation College Chorale.

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Rod with the Iona Presentation College Senior Chorale

Audio File OH SUSANNAH! SSAAOH SUSANNAH Audio recording

Sheet Music sample pages 1 -2.



Contact me on the contact page to find out how to order your music or to discuss any music questions.

SONG NUMBER FOUR:

AUSTRALIAN ANTHEM FOR UNITY

Australian Anthem for Unity is a special song – one that represents our unique culture with all of our diverse backgrounds.In writing Anthem for Unity, I set out to show that we are all members of society. We need to strive as one voice to live in peace and harmony. The song asks for reconciliation amongst the turmoil we are experiencing in today’s world.

Versatility is an important feature of this anthem. It is available in either SATB format or SSAA format. This should cater for the vast majority of school and community choral groups.

There is also Piano/Guitar vocal sheet music available for the song.The chord symbols chords are visible above the piano line.



This version of the song was recorded in 2001 by Nicole Wheatley, Rod Christian and the Born to Sing SATB Choir. The solo vocal line here is shared with a male vocalist. The backing track and arrangement with the drums bass keyboards guitar and strings are available on request.

Nicole Wheatley sings Australian Anthem for Unity

Listen to and view the Rejoyce Choir singing Australian Anthem for Unity in SATB style under the direction of Perry Joyce and accompanied by Rod Christian at UWA Perth 2012



Links to Youtube here:

SONG NUMBER FIVE

KIMBERLEY SUN

Released on a CD KIMBERLEY SUN

Listen Here:

Now available for choirs.

RELEASE INFORMATION Luke and Dan Riches are Indigenous West Australians born at One Arm Point in the Kimberley. In 2014 Dennis Bird, then CEO of Abmusic, approached me to mentor the guys in vocals and performance. I had composed a number of songs but felt that these artists would enhance some of these songs as they related to the Kimberley and the particular culture. As time progressed we began recording the songs and I produced an album in my recording studios in Perth, Hotel Sorrento. The boys became inspired by the sound they were producing so we branched out and wrote a couple of “pop” and rap tunes which are now included on the album. Eventually, Luke and Dan composed a song each for this album which I was honoured to include. Dennis helped in the production of the songs. Various Perth musicians were selected to take part in the recording including Richard Walley who provided the didgeridoo and clapping sticks in the title song “Kimberley Sun.” Kelly Green, Paul Millard, Paul Reynolds, Mark Underwood, Mike Nelson, Jenny Wrenn, George Janicki and Tony Celiberti were contributing musicians. I recorded, mixed and mastered all tracks at Rodmusic Productions and played bass guitar and guitars. 
The album release date was Thursday October 1 2020. I know you will thoroughly enjoy this eclectic mix of songs. 
Rod Christian Writer/Producer << Less

School and Choir Versions: Kimberley Sun is now available to sing in primary and secondary and community choirs. Here are pages 3/4 of the arrangement.

SONG NUMBER SIX

THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY

This is a very popular song composed in 2016 and featuring the Haze Showband from Perth Western Australia. Rod sings the lead vocal backed up by drummer Nigel Ridgway, Sax/Trumpet?Guitar and vocals, Bazz Clarke and Robbie Jones, Lead Guitar and vocals.

The song is available on Spotify and SoundCloud

Check out the video here:

LYRICS:



This song can be arranged for your school band/class band/concert.

Let me know what format would suit you by reaching me on the contact page.

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CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

THE MUSICAL

CRUISIN’ The Musical is undergoing a change, a change that brings it into line with current trends and protocols. We are updating the title, the script and the characters to make this show even better while retaining the original music score and songs which stand alone in this outstanding all Australian show.

Copyright 1990-2021 Rod Christian and Peter Waterman

Please view our Showreel here featuring excerpts from Sydney and Perth performances.

https://youtu.be/u3PXqpelg2c

For more information contact the Agent David Spicer Productions here:

https://www.davidspicer.com.au/shows/cruisin-musical

SYNOPSIS CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Book, Music and Lyrics By

      Rod Christian and Peter Waterman

Ó 1990-2021

All Rights Reserved.

2016 Edit by Hal Davies

2021 Edit by Glenda Prideaux

Artwork by Gordon Mitchell, SPECARTS

This book belongs to David Spicer Productions.

www.davidspicer.com

P.O. Box 2280 Rose Bay North NSW 2030 AUSTRALIA

PHONE: 0422 307 700

Email: david@davidspicer.com

UNAUTHORISED PERFORMANCES of CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL are STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

This work is copyright Rod Christian and Peter Waterman. All rights reserved.

CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

            A MUSICAL IN TWO ACTS

THIS CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL is a vibrant, energetic and engaging musical story which follows a young Italian kid – VINNIE RUSSO – as he struggles to escape from his father’s expectations of him. Instead all Vinnie wants is to take his place in the late 1950’s world of motorbikes, rock and roll – and girls!

SYNOPSIS

ACT ONE – Scene 1

The Year is 1959. We are in Johnny Angel’s Rock ‘n Roll Club, a teenage hangout.

Johnny Di Macchio aka Johnny Angel is a streetwise character who ten years earlier managed to escape a potential career in crime in Italy by emigrating with his old friend, Vincenzo Russo to Australia. Resisting all efforts on the part of Vincenzo for him to join the Russo family business, Johnny has invested all his time, money and energy on a rundown eatery and milk bar in town and, to the dismay of his friend Vincenzo, has transformed it into a thriving rock ‘n roll venue. Here, Vinnie Russo, Vincenzo’s son, a 17-year-old high school student has a casual job as a cleaner and bottle washer at the club as well as juggling his time playing the accordion in his father’s wedding band. Unknown to most Vinnie has a secret ambition to play the lead guitar in a band and to that end has purchased an electric guitar with the money he has earned at the club. Johnny is proud to be staging the annual Battle of the Bands at his club for the first time with the grand final being held in a couple of weeks’ time on New Year’s Eve. This is a big event for Johnny and the success of the competition will ensure his club survives well into the future of this crazy Rock ‘n Roll phase. To renovate the club and stage the event Johnny has had to borrow a substantial sum of money from a local crime syndicate, and they now want the return of their money with interest– a major reason why Johnny has to make sure that the competition packs the club out. With everything resting on the local band Cruisin’ led by Phil Stanton (18) to attract the customers and become the resident band, Johnny is optimistic that for him and his club the sky’s the limit!

The action starts with the Cruisin’ band rehearsing on stage but Johnny is far from happy with what he hears and complains to Phil about his lousy guitar work. Vinnie looks on with more than an interest –wishing he could prove how good he is. Vinnie’s other interest in the club is Pamela, a beautiful blonde who works for Johnny. However, on more than one occasion Johnny has told Vinnie that Pamela is well and truly off limits because he sort of fancies her himself.

As well as the obvious rivalry between Phil and Vinnie over the guitar playing, Vinnie also has another issue with Phil as he suspects that his younger sister Maria is seeing Phil behind their parents’ back – something that concerns Vinnie a great deal.\

Scene 2

The Russo Home. It is early evening and Maria arrives home late from school. Rosa, her mother, has witnessed her being dropped off by Phil on his motorbike and is none too pleased. Their discussion is interrupted by the arrival of Vincenzo and Vinnie who are having a disagreement of their own. Vinnie is trying to persuade his father to let him play his guitar at the next Italian wedding they are performing at but Vincenzo is having none of it – The guitar is simply not an option! Vinnie is told that he must forget about his guitar playing and crazy rock ‘n roll music and settle down to build a future for himself – possibly with a University degree and a nice Italian girl -friend.

Scene 3

Maria has taken advantage of her father playing at Bianca and Gino’s wedding and has met Phil at the band’s hangout. Vinnie on his way to the wedding stops by to give Phil a good talking to about Maria and is shocked to find Maria with him. A fight breaks out between Phil and Vinnie with Vinnie coming off the worst.  Angry at each other, both Vinnie and Maria threaten to tell on each other to their father – Maria for seeing Phil and Vinnie for planning to play guitar in a band. For the moment there is a stale mate between them as Vinnie takes off to lick his wounds.

Scene 4

Bianca and Gino’s Wedding Reception. The reception is in full swing when Vinnie arrives, all dishevelled and with a bloody nose. Vincenzo is angry because he thinks Vinnie is letting down the Russo good name and sends him off to get cleaned up. When Vinnie returns to play his accordion, his downcast mood soon picks up when he hears his father announce that Pamela is one of the bridesmaids and that she is going to sing the bridal couple’s favourite song. Vinnie is delighted when Pamela asks him to join in singing with her.

After the number the single girls line up for the catching of the bouquet tradition. It is caught by Giovanna, a rather large, young and plain looking Italian girl who Vincenzo thinks would make the ideal partner for his son. Thinking this might be a perfect opportunity for his son and Giovanna to get to know each other better he looks around for Vinnie but his son and Pamela are nowhere to be found. When he does eventually find them Vincenzo is furious with Vinnie’s attitude and grounds him for the next week.

Scene 5

It is the night of another Battle of the Bands Heat and a local band Johnny Tornado and the Hurricanes make a huge impression on the customers at Johnny’s. After being paid another visit by the two heavies from the local crime syndicate Johnny is getting desperate and gives Phil an ultimatum to find a better guitar player who will beat all the competition. Reluctantly Phil recommends Vinnie but tells Johnny that he won’t be able to come to the club because he has been grounded by his Dad for sneaking off with Pamela at the wedding. Johnny tells him that he will make things good with Vinnie’s Dad providing Phil gets Vinnie to the club in time for the next performance.

Scene 6

The Russo Home. Vincenzo and Rosa are having a quiet evening at home. Vinnie is in his bedroom supposedly studying but in fact he is practising madly with a tennis racquet in place of his confiscated guitar. Maria is spending the night at Giovanna’s. Vincenzo is not too happy when Phil arrives asking to see Vinnie and warns him about keeping away from his precious daughter, Maria. Phil finds Vinnie in his room and tells him about the situation at the club. Vinnie can hardly believe what he is hearing when Phil begs him to go with him and even promises to lend him his guitar for the gig. Eventually Vinnie agrees and arranges to meet Phil outside choosing to escape his confinement by going through his bedroom window. After Phil has left Vincenzo is incensed when he hears him roar off on his motorbike and tells Rosa he is going to have a man to man talk with Vinnie about the Phil and Maria situation. When he finds Vinnie’s room empty, Vincenzo is like a man possessed as he rushes from the house after his son.

Scene 7

Meanwhile back at Johnny’s club the patrons are getting restless waiting for the next band to perform. Among the customers are Maria and a very nervous Giovanna who have escaped from Giovanna’s house to catch the action at the club. Giovanna eventually starts to relax when the nerdy Neville takes an interest in her but she is ill-prepared when she is thrust on stage with Maria and Pamela as a fill-in group until Phil and Vinnie arrive. Their song is a huge success and finishes just as Vinnie gets there. Handed Phil’s prize guitar Vinnie goes on stage with the Cruisin’ band and blitzes the competition. The reception the band gets is overwhelming but not everyone is pleased with what they hear.

Vincenzo has arrived at the club and his worst fears are realised when he sees his son performing at Johnny’s Angels. The situation comes to a head when he orders Maria home, but she screams at Vincenzo to get away from her and rushes from the club followed by Vinnie.

          ACT TWO – Scene 1

Act Two commences as a continuation from the last scene of Act One. Rosa has followed Vincenzo to the Club and now rushes in and hears from Johnny and the ensemble what has happened. Furious with the questions he is being asked and frustrated by the whole situation, Vincenzo cries out in anguish and takes off to find his children.

Scene 2

Maria and Vinnie are sitting in a nearby park wondering what to do now. Maria is planning to spend the night at Pamela’s house while Vinnie’s only option is to ask Phil for help and go to the band’s hang-out. Hearing their parent’s calling off-stage, Maria and Vinnie take off arranging to meet the following morning. Vincenzo enters exhausted and near to breaking down as he thinks he has lost his children forever. Rosa and Johnny do their best to comfort him and to persuade him to allow the children more freedom and not to be tied down by the rigid traditions of the past. The mood lightens as the three friends start to reminisce about coming to Australia. Eventually Rosa persuades Vincenzo to come home with her and wait for the children there.

Scene 3

We see a very despondent Maria and Giovanna sitting in Pamela’s bedroom. Giovanna is particularly concerned about the punishment her parents are going to give her for sneaking out of the house and thinks that a life as a Nun in a convent would be preferable. This introduces some light-hearted banter between the girls which lifts their mood considerably. Pamela enters with the bad news that her parents have phoned Maria and Giovanna’s parents to let them know where they are. Awaiting their inevitable doom they decide to cheer themselves up by rehearsing another song to sing at Johnny Angel’s. Giovanna’s mother comes to take her home, as does Rosa to fetch Maria. Rosa is sympathetic with her daughter’s situation and lets her know that she is always there for her no matter what happens.

Scene 4

Vinnie has spent an uncomfortable night sleeping on an old mattress in the shack. Phil arrives with an uninspiring breakfast of donuts and is alarmed to hear that Vinnie is having second thoughts about playing in the final heat at the Club that evening. To make him see sense Phil blurts out about the nasty situation Johnny has got himself into with borrowing money and how much he needs the competition and the business it will bring in. Desperate to help, Vinnie rushes off to make amends with his Dad and to discuss what to do about the Johnny situation.

Maria arrives at the shack to tell Phil that her father has agreed to them seeing each other but before she can, Phil starts to make disparaging remarks about Vincenzo and threatens to deal with him should he stand in his way again. Not liking what she is hearing Maria takes off telling Phil she is having second thoughts about being his girlfriend.

Scene 5

Vincenzo is getting desperate waiting for Vinnie to return home. He wanders into Vinnie’s bedroom and starts to think over all the hopes and dreams he had for his children. Vinnie arrives and is reconciled with his father but then tells Vincenzo that he has some bad news about Johnny. Meanwhile in the kitchen Rosa is surprised when she sees Johnny at the back door. He has come to see if the children have come home and, more importantly, to see if Vinnie is going to be allowed to play in the band that night. Sensing that there is something wrong Rosa asks Johnny what is wrong but he shrugs it off as being nothing. When Vincenzo enters the room he makes Johnny confess what he has been up to and tells him how stupid he is to get involved with people like that again. Johnny is remorseful and promises not to do it again, convinced that a successful night at the club that evening will ensure the Club’s success well into the future. Vincenzo eventually agrees to let Vinnie play and hands him back his guitar.

Scene 6

It is New Year’s Eve at Johnny Angel’s and the final act is Cruisin’. Everyone is there to hear the band play including Vincenzo and Rosa. The band is a huge success and wins the whole competition. The excitement is interrupted by the arrival of a very glamorous Giovanna on the back of a Harley-Davidson motor bike. Giovanna has decided against a life in a convent and vows that for the New Year she will no more be a good Italian girl. Giovanna is a huge success with the boys, but she only has eyes for Neville. The party mood continues when an Elvis look-alike arrives on stage – to everyone’s surprise it is Vincenzo who announces that there’s no more Caruso for him, that from now on it is all Elvis. The Year 1960 is counted in. Everyone is reunited and the mood is one of great celebration for all the exciting changes the New Year will bring. Music has become the instrument of reconciliation – bridging the generation gap and creating a new cultural harmony – and optimism for the future.

CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

CHARACTER SYNOPSIS

PRINCIPALS:

VINCENZO RUSSO: [BARITONE]

(Papa) Italian, Mid 40s, ruggedly handsome features. Quick tempered, domineering and set in his ways, but also has a humorous side to his character. He is a traditional Italian musician and operates a smallgoods business. His family comes first!

ROSA RUSSO: [SOPRANO]

(His wife) Italian, late 30s, compassionate, well -meaning. Her family is foremost in her life. Loving wife to Vincenzo, very protective of her children. Gentle, sincere and has a hidden sense of humour.

VINNIE RUSSO: [TENOR]

Age 17, background Italian. Feisty, good looking. Loves girls, Elvis, Rock and Roll and guitars. Wants to realize an ambition to become lead singer of the CRUISIN’ band. Desperately wants to “fit in” with the new teenage rock and roll scene. Very musically talented. He has aspirations to “reach the stars”.

MARIA RUSSO: [SOPRANO]

Age 16. Pretty, background Italian.

On the surface, seems innocent but loves boys, music and dancing.

She is the apple of her mother’s eye. She is also very musical and fashion conscious.

JOHNNY ANGEL: [TENOR]

Mid 30s, (real name Johnny Di Maccio), originally a friend of the Russo family. He is “street wise” with “connections”! He is clever at manipulating people.

PAMELA SANDERSON: [ALTO/SOPRANO]

Age 17, blonde, blue – eyed and gorgeous. Pamela is a trend setter, right up with the latest fashions and worldly. She is an outstanding singer and dancer. She falls for Vinnie.

GIOVANNA PAPARDE: [ALTO]

Age 16. Very large, plain girl with glasses and an abundance of black hair. She is the “Good Italian Girl” in Papa’s dream and the perfect match for his son VINNIE. She is initially shy and reserved with a hidden sense of humour.

PHIL STANTON: [TENOR]

Age 18, a “Bodgie”. Rides a Harley Davidson and hangs out at the Dynamite Shack, the bikies’ clubhouse. PHIL is rugged and good looking in his own way. Has more than a passing interest in Maria. Leads the CRUISIN’ band.

MINOR CHARACTER ROLES and EXTRAS.

NEVILLE

Age 18. Very nerdy, tall guy. Lusts after Giovanna.

CARMELLA

Giovanna’s Mother

MAN #1

Underworld Heavy type

MAN #2

Underworld Heavy type

BIANCO and GINO

Bride and Groom

CHORUS OF SINGERS AND DANCERS (as many as possible)

These need to be a mixture of ages ranging from 16 to 60. They play the Club’s patrons, workers, band member’s relatives, and relatives and friends at the wedding of Bianca and Gino.

CRUISIN’ BAND – Guitar, TONY, Bass, VINCE, Drums with PHIL out front as guitarist/vocalist

RIVAL BAND: Johnny Tornado and the Hurricanes – Guitar, Double Bass and Drums with JOHNNY as lead vocalist.

WEDDING BAND: MARIO, organ and TONY, drums.

ORCHESTRA: 13 piece. Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Baritone Sax, Trumpet 1 Trumpet 2, Trombone, Piano, Keyboard, Bass, Guitar and Drums.

Professional scores for all instruments, including complete Conductor’s Score.

Vocal rehearsal score with piano accompaniment.

CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS

OVERTURE

ACT 1

SCENE 1:      JOHNNY ANGEL’S ROCK ‘N ROLL CLUB

#1 – Cruisin’ – Phil and the Band

SCENE 2:      THE RUSSO HOME

#2 – Good Italian Girl – Vincenzo and Rosa

#3 – Holding Onto a Dream – Vinnie and Rosa

SCENE 3:      THE DYNAMNITE SHACK

#4 – Listen To Your Heart – Phil and Maria

SCENE 4:      BIANCA AND GINO’S WEDDING

#5 – Rejoice – Vincenzo and Ensemble

#6 – When a Boy Meets a Girl – Pamela and Vinnie

#7 – Someone in the Crowd – Vinnie and Pamela

SCENE 5:      JOHNNY ANGEL’S

#8 – Bet Your Heart on Me – Johnny Tornado and the Hurricanes

SCENE 6:      THE RUSSO HOME

SCENE 7:      JOHNNY ANGEL’S

#9 –     Boys Were Made to Hug and Kiss – Pamela, Maria and Giovanna

#10 –   Can You Really Dig? – Johnny, Vinnie, Phil and the Band

#11-     Get Back! – Vincenzo, Johnny, Vinnie and Ensemble

INTERVAL

ACT 2

SCENE 1:      JOHNNY ANGEL’S

#12 – What’s He Gonna Do? – Johnny, Rosa, Vincenzo and Ensemble

SCENE 2:      A PARK

#13 – Don’t Cry For Me – Vinnie and Maria

SCENE 3:      PAMELA’S BEDROOM

#14 – If That Boy Only Knew – Pamela, Maria and Giovanna

#15 – It Takes A Woman – Rosa and Maria

SCENE 4:      THE DYNAMITE SHACK

#16 – Don’t Break My Heart – Phil

SCENE 5:      THE RUSSO HOME

#17 – I Had A Dream – Vincenzo

#18 – This Crazy Rock ‘N Roll – Johnny, Vincenzo and Rosa

SCENE 6:      JOHNNY ANGEL’S

#19 – Cruisin’ – Vinnie, Phil and Ensemble

#20 – No More Good Italian Girl – Giovanna and Neville.

#21 – Goodbye Caruso, Hello Elvis – Vincenzo, Vinnie and Ensemble

#22 – Celebrate – Vincenzo, Rosa, Cast and Ensemble

#23 – Cruisin’ – Ensemble

Bookings/Inquiries: David Spicer Productions:

https://www.davidspicer.com.au/shows/cruisin-musical

ULURU SUITE for Orchestra and Chorus

I Rod Christian, composer of the composition ULURU SUITE for ORCHESTRA and CHORUS, acknowledge the Anangu people, Traditional Custodians of this sacred land titled Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, their language Pitjantatjara and their culture and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. 

 

In this composition, ULURU SUITE for Orchestra and Chorus, I have tried to encompass the early beginnings of ULURU through to the present day, the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the bird and animal life there, the spiritual connections, the sometimes relentless harshness of the heat, the storms and remoteness of the area.

Above all, I have paid tribute to the beauty and the spirit of this sacred place where the Indigenous Anangu people traversed the song lines of their land and settled here some 20,000 years or more ago. The choral section relates this story and talks about the language, the legends and the meanings of the Anangu language.The orchestral prelude depicts the beginnings of time when Uluru was first formed, the sunrise, the bird life and the call of the spirits.

First conceived from early December 2014 as a choral work for SSA voices and piano.

In December 2016 I composed the Prelude to the choral work for full orchestra and the choral section. I used Logic X and East West Symphonic Orchestra and featured is Chelsea J Gibson on vocals. Joining her is Justin Freind Tenor and Perry Joyce, Bass. 
In 2018 I completed the Second Movement to this work. This is an Andante piece and represents Kata Tjuta, the National Park where Uluru is situated.

In 2019 I began work on the Finale which sums up the beauty and at the same time the harshness of this beautiful landscape, sacred to the Indigenous Anangu people of this area. 

I am currently working with the Australian Government, Uluru Lands Council and the  Elders of the Anangu  to obtain permission to perform this work in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RODMUSIC PUBLISHING

NEW SONGS

SIGNS featuring James Flynn Vocals

LYRICS

SIGNS copyright Rod Christian 2000

Featuring James Flynn

  • Verse 1:

Just when I thought we’d got it together

Just when it seemed we’d sorted it out

I didn’t stop to listen to reason we could have made a new start

Verse 2:

Just when I thought we’d reached an understanding

Just when I hoped that things would be fine

You couldn’t say just what you were feeling

I didn’t read the signs.

CHORUS:

What was going on in my mind?

I didn’t read between the lines

And I just can’t bear the thought

Of losing you

Baby, I still feel for you

Didn’t read the signs.

Verse 3:

Just when I thought that we’d both see reason

Just when I hoped we’d talked it all through

I didn’t stop to try to understand your feelings I didn’t listen to you

Verse 4:

Just when I thought we’d made a commitment

Just when we planned our life from now on

I didn’t listen to what you were saying

I didn’t read the signs

CHORUS

Interlude 

Verse 5:

Just when I thought we’d got it together just when I hoped that this wouldn’t end

You’ll go your way and I’ll go mine please keep in touch can we still be friends?

Now the thought of you just makes me want to hold you

It seems so cruel that our love simply fell apart

We’ve been together so long

But I didn’t stop to listen

I’m truly sorry and it’s breaking my heart…….

Didn’t read the signs

Didn’t read the signs

ANOTHER CHAPTER,ANOTHER PAGE

Copyright Rod Christian 2017

This is a duet. It is written as a wedding song.

Wedding Song ANOTHER CHAPTER ANOTHER PAGE

LYRICS:

                BOY

THIS IS OUR MOMENT

THIS IS OUR SONG

THIS IS OUR STORY

THIS IS WHERE WE BELONG

IT’S ANOTHER CHAPTER

OUR VERY SPECIAL PAGE

IN OUR EVERLASTING STORY

WE’RE ACTORS ON A STAGE

                    GIRL

YOU ARE MY STORY

YOU ARE MY BOOK

THIS THE FINAL CHAPTER

JUST ONE LOOK

THIS OUR PRECIOUS MOMENT

I JUST WANT TO SAY

OUR LIVES HAVE JUST BEGUN

ON THIS OUR SPECIAL DAY.

CHORUS: BOY/GIRL

ANOTHER SEASON

ANOTHER YEAR GOES BY

BUT TIME STANDS STILL

WHEN I LOOK INTO YOUR EYES

THIS MAGIC MOMENT

OUR LIVES HAVE JUST BEGUN

ANOTHER CHAPTER

TODAY WE ARE ONE

                     BOY                                               

THIS IS WHAT I DREAMED OF

TO HEAR YOU SAY “I DO!”

THIS IS WHAT I’VE LONGED FOR

TO SPEND MY LIFE WITH YOU

                       BOY/GIRL

THIS ANOTHER CHAPTER

THIS ANOTHER PAGE

IN OUR EVERLASTING STORY

ON THIS OUR WEDDING DAY.

CHORUS:

ANOTHER SEASON

ANOTHER YEAR GOES BY

BUT TIME STANDS STILL

WHEN I LOOK INTO YOUR EYES

THIS MAGIC MOMENT

OUR LIVES HAVE JUST BEGUN

ANOTHER CHAPTER

TODAY WE ARE ONE

 WE ARE ONE

ANOTHER CHAPTER

WE ARE ONE

 


This is my new publishing company where clients can access my original compositions in sheet music form online. They can also listen to and purchase my original music composed for theatre, television, film or documentaries, advertising jingles, original contemporary music tracks and virtual soundtracks for a variety of soundtracks and projects. A wide variety of choral music and songs for schools will be a feature of this site. I also can represent client’s music and publish  and promote their works if necessary.

Rodmusic Publishing will handle and distribute sheet music and production music through Rodmusic Productions. Here you will be able to access my catalogue of original songs and arrangements for a variety of musical genres. These will include choral music for different voice combinations, all of my sheet music from my stage musicals, band arrangements of my songs and various ensemble music that I have composed. You can also access large orchestral works such as Uluru Suite and other film scores and incidental music I have arranged and recorded.

Keep a lookout here for entries to my catalogue on this page. Prices and availability will be regularly updated.

CHORAL MUSIC

These are samples of my choral publications and some links to the videos or sound files.

Song for WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA Song SAMPLE Pages 1-2

This song is very popular in schools and colleges and is performed at assemblies and particularly during WA Week in the first week of June.

Mt Pleasant Primary School Choir performs Song for Western Australia under the Direction of Ms Jenny Coleman.

https://youtu.be/ZtfapBv1s2o

Rod Christian directs his Virtual Choir during Covid 19 Pandemic in June 2020.

https://youtu.be/T6jgtdkHBzw

Courtney Murphy sings Song for Western Australia in a promo video here:

https://youtu.be/PqclrmWPevU

LYRICS:

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Lyrics

Copyright 2007 Rod Christian.docx

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Copyright 2005 Rod Christian

The lyrics here are from the song Song for Western Australia

Uluru Suite for Orchestra and Chorus

This new work was started on 12 December 2016 and completed on 8 September 2020. I have re-written movement 1 to include full orchestra and SSATB Chorus. The second and third movements feature an SSA Chorus but the third movement or Finale introduces the SSATB Chorus in the finale section. This work depicts Uluru from its early beginnings. The Anangu people unique to this vast area in Central Australia summon the spirits along the Songlines many thousands of years ago. We then hear the orchestra change key to reveal the spectacular sunrise over Uluru, the often harsh conditions during the day, the bird life, the thunder, lighting and rain, the creatures and legends but, above all the tranquility and peaceful ness of this Sacred place in Australia.

The Second movement pays tribute to Kata Tjuta, the area in which Uluru is situated, the tranquillity and beauty, the sunsets and bird life.

The Third and final movement sums up the sentiment expressed in the opening movement and ends with the words sung by full choir, “Uluru, Tjukuritja – the Ancestral beings, Crossing the landscape to follow their dreams. Uluru.”

The vocal performance features Chelsea J Gibson, Soprano and Alto parts, Perry Joyce Tenor/ Baritone/ Bass and Justin Freind, Tenor.A All orchestra parts were performed by Rod Christian using East West Symphonic Orchestra on Logic X Pro.

CD cover. Artwork by Sandy Prideaux

You can also purchase a copy of this work by filling in the contact form on this website.

OH SUSANNAH!

OH SUSANNAH, a traditional song composed by Stephen Foster in 1840 is a song that lends itself to choral part singing. I arranged this in a jazz style as I have a real interest in unusual chords and the jazz genre.
The setting is for five parts, Soprano 1 & 2 with splits; Alto 1 and Alto 2. There is also an SATB setting of the song. The two arrangements are available here.
Review: This stunning treatment of the 1848 Stephen Foster classic was crafted by one of Western Australia’s most talented composers and arrangers of choral music. Featuring tight jazz influenced chords and interesting harmonies, Christian achieves an uplifting, reflective, almost spiritual sound. The arrangement contains an optional piano part and is available for treble SSAA or mixed SATB choirs.

Click here to hear OH SUSANNA performed by the Iona Presentation College Chorale.

Rod with the Iona Presentation College Senior Chorale

Audio File OH SUSANNAH! SSAA

OH SUSANNAH Audio recording

Sheet Music sample pages 1 -2.

Contact me on the contact page to find out how to order your music or to discuss any music questions.

AUSTRALIAN ANTHEM FOR UNITY

Australian Anthem for Unity is a special song – one that represents our unique culture with all of our diverse backgrounds.In writing Anthem for Unity, I set out to show that we are all members of society. We need to strive as one voice to live in peace and harmony. The song asks for reconciliation amongst the turmoil we are experiencing in today’s world.

Versatility is an important feature of this anthem. It is available in either S.A.T.B format or S.S.A.A.format. This should cater for the vast majority of school and community choral groups.

There is also Piano/Guitar vocal sheet music available for the song.The chord symbols chords are visible above the piano line.

This version of the song was recorded in 2001 by Nicole Wheatley and the Born to Sing SATB Choir. The solo vocal line can also be shared with a male vocalist. The backing track and arrangement with the drums bass keyboards guitar and strings are available on request.

Listen to and view the Rejoyce Choir singing Australian Anthem for Unity in SATB style under the direction of Perry Joyce and accompanied by Rod Christian at UWA Perth 2012

Links to Youtube here:

https://youtu.be/ub_ELa73rcw

THANK GOD ITS FRIDAY

This is a very popular song composed in 2016 and featuring the Haze Showband from Perth Western Australia. Rod sings the lead vocal backed up by drummer Nigel Ridgway, Sax/Trumpet?Guitar and vocals, Bazz Clarke and Robbie Jones, Lead Guitar and vocals.

The song is available on Spotify and SoundCloud

Check out the video here:

https://youtu.be/0ijO1xw41wg

LYRICS:

Song for WESTERN AUSTRALIA Virtual Choir Perth WA.

Courtney Murphy

This is my Virtual Choir singing “Song For Western Australia” composed by Rod Christian Copyright 2005. The song depicts the beauty of Western Australia, the locations around the State and captures the spirit of WA.
My feelings for Western Australia are summed up in these lyrics: “Let us join together, with friends and family. To celebrate this great Sate, and live in harmony.”
Courtney Murphy recorded this song for me in 2012 and it was very well received. Since Covid 19 has virtually ended overseas and interstate travel, I decided to record my virtual choir sing the song in four part harmony SATB.
The result is astonishing and the video will premiere on Monday 1st June 2020 at 6:00 am which is WA Day. Please click the link here to access the video and share with fellow West Australians. The link will also be on facebook and Twitter.
Thank you for watching.

 

 

 

 

ANZAC DAY 2020 Virtual Choir Tribute

This is the page where you can access the Virtual Choir link to my Anzac Day Tribute 2020

This is a tribute to my parents on Anzac Day 2020. I formed a “Virtual Choir” to perform two of the songs from MATES and then collated each person’s contribution on video to present this tribute which is released here on Anzac Day 2020. I would like to thank all who contributed to this project.

Access the video here:

https://youtu.be/nVKjg040shs

This goes live on Anzac Day, Saturday 25 April 2020

I would like to thank all of the singers and artists who took part, contributing all their videos and singing their hearts out. The result is overwhelming. These people are all listed below.

VIRTUAL CHOIR ANZAC DAY TRIBUTE 2020

SOPRANOS

Gloria McQuillan   Heather Ryan    Amber Reid   Chelsea Gibson    Mim Meakin                       Shirley Lizza   Briony Barratt    Elizabeth Boothman   Jenny Vivian   Sue Lake   Bev Thornton  Susan Yong   Katherine Freind  Katrina de Felice

ALTOS

Katie McMahon Melissa Gall   Deb Rimmer   Hayley Martin   Sarah White   

TENORS 

Perry Joyce    Glenda Prideaux   Luke Joslin   Justin Freind   Pat O’Connell  Trevor Gibson   Josh White  Greg Spehr Jacynth Cox Trevor Gibson

BASSES      

Hugh Robertson   Ed Hartley   Kevin Holloway   John Ariaans   Ray Parr                                  Greg Rimmer   Kim Shearman   Peter Hurst    

TRUMPET  The Last Post and Reveille   

Betty Young

THE HAZE SHOWBAND

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The Haze Showband 2021
The Haze Showband
The Haze Showband

The Haze Showband (formerly Purple Haze) is a West Australian Perth-based band with years of experience and with a professional music background. The band is very popular with our new mix of Rock’n Roll, Latin, Swing, Jazz and Country songs. The collective experience of all of the members includes Blue Brass, Rock’n Roll Show, Motivation, Tony Tyler and the Purple Haze, Flashback Rock ‘n Roll Showband to name a few. Tight harmonies and an extensive repertoire are features of this exciting band. The band leader is Nigel Ridgway (Vocals and Drums), Greg (Bazz) Clarke, (Vocals, Sax and Trumpet), George Janicki (Lead guitar and vocals), and Rod Christian (Vocals, Bass, Guitar and Keyboards). The Haze regularly performs at various locations in and around Perth and is highly sought after in the rock n roll dance scene. A few videos are attached here for you to experience audience participation and the sound of the band in action.

The Haze Showband in Action 2020

More photos and videos here:

An original song written by Rod and performed by the Haze

Bookings Nige 0419921131 or Rod 0411441044 or use the contact form on this page.