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.
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
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.
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 forWESTERN AUSTRALIA Lyrics
Copyright 2005 Rod Christian
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.
Rod with the Iona Presentation College Senior Chorale
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.
Status & visibility
VisibilityPublicPublishAugust 8, 2020 12:22 amPost FormatAsideGalleryImageLinkQuoteStandardStatusStick to the top of the blog46 Revisions
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.
UNAUTHORISED PERFORMANCES of CRAZY ROCK ‘N’ ROLLare 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 storywhich follows a young Italian kid – VINNIE RUSSO – as he struggles to escape from hisfather’s expectations of him. Instead all Vinnie wants is to take his place in thelate 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.
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.
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.
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
My name is ROD CHRISTIAN and I ran a very successful choir, the Rejoyce Choir with Perry Joyce for three years at U.W.A. I have an extensive musical background including music teaching in high schools directing bands, ensembles and choirs for over thirty years. My new choir venture is titled Simply All The Best (SATB). I have named the choir this as we will only perform classic songs from the best of the repertoire of pop jazz and musical theatre. Some of these are my personal compositions and arrangements. The repertoire will include songs from my musical theatre repertoire to be performed in concert. Choristers will need to have had some musical knowledge and should have some basic knowledge of reading choir music. Selection will be done at an informal audition. Glenda will be the administrator and will handle all queries enrolments, fees, music books and notices to go to the choir. she can be reached at glam2704@yahoo.com At this stage we will be rehearsing in the Post Newspaper building in Onslow Road Shenton Park on a Thursday evening starting at 7 pm until 9:00pm and following school terms, with breaks for the holidays. A normal term will be 10 weeks in duration at a cost of $15 per person per week. This is to be paid by the term in advance. This fee covers all music and coffee, tea and refreshments during the break. This will be an exciting choir and an opportunity to meet like minded people who love music, singing and belonging to a community choir. The Subiaco Post which is run by my brother Bret will provide all the advertising and articles for choir events. I will be calling for auditions in January so please register your interest by emailing Glenda for more details.glam2704@yahoo.com
So if you are a soprano, alto, tenor or bass we need you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Rod Christian (Director) and Glenda Prideaux (Administrator)
Yvonne Antoine at work in Print Hall WA Newspaper House. circa 1936
Yvonne at age 98.Photo taken in 2016
This is a fascinating story about my parents, Ron and Yvonne Christian (nee Antoine) set during World War 2. They met in 1935 while both working at The West Australian Newspaper and the rest, as they say, is history.
I took mum (100 years old March 2018) to see the Print Hall and she showed me exactly where the pay window was and can remember everything very well. I decided five years ago to write my next big musical based on their story, which from that point in 1935 is so interesting.
I have been interviewing my mother in short sessions for the past 7 years, from 2012-2017. She is still very alert now at 102 years of age in 2020, and her memory is still okay. The musical “MATES” is now completed after eight years work. 18 original songs are featured in this musical set during WWII, 1939-1945.
Yvonne Antoine in the VAD Uniform 1941
Captain Ron Christian WX3093 M.C.and Bar 2/16 Battalion
Military Cross Citation
Mum was a pay clerk at the West Australian Newspaper office at 125 St Georges Terrace. Dad was lining up for his pay in Print Hall (which has recently been restored to its original condition).
I took mum (who turned100 years old March 2018) to see the Print Hall and she showed me exactly where the pay window was and can remember everything very well. I decided seven years ago to write my next big musical based on their story, which from that point in 1935 is so interesting.
Mum joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment (Dalkeith) in about 1935/1937.
Dad proposed to Mum at the Embassy Ballroom in William Street Perth in 1939 just as WW2 was declared.This is a scene from the musical where the action is down at the Embassy Ballroom in William St Perth WA.
This is the song “Saturday Night.” The Embassy Ballroom is packed with people who are out for a good time trying to forget about the impending war ahead. Ron, Yvonne and Bret Langridge are there along with their friends enjoying the music and dancing. There are three girls out front of a big dance band and they are singing the song.
Dad’s best mate, Bret Langridge, was also keen on mum.
Dad and Bret joined the 2/16th Battalion when war broke out and went to train at Northam Army Barracks. They were subsequently sent to Syria in the Middle East in 1941.
In 1941 Mum was was one of those from her VAD detachment who volunteered for service in the Middle East. She was attached to the 7th AGH and travelled on the Queen Mary. She was later also attached to the 6th AGH.
Dad heard she was there and came down from the battlefields to the makeshift hospital where mum was stationed. They spent their “day off” together in Palestine. Bret Langridge was also there.
It was then they began planning a wedding, and Dad was keen to have it at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Dad’s Battalion was then brought home by Curtin to defend Australia. He went to Queensland where he trained with the 2/16 Batallion for New Guinea.
Mum stayed in the Middle East until February 1943 when her detachment returned to Perth. Dad returned briefly from New Guinea where he had been an integral part of the Kokoda Campaign as a Captain of the 7th Division 2/16 Battalion. He won his first Military Cross for bravery at Isurava/Abuwari when he helped plan the attack on Shaggy Ridge north of Kokoda and defeated a Japanese advancing party “with only the remnants of his platoon.”
“BRIGADE HILL on Kokoda” c. Rod Christian 2017.
This is the music that accompanies the scene in the musical.
Bret Langridge was killed at Kokoda – he and Dad had been close friends. They both became Captains and both contributed a lot to the successes of the campaign.
Bret had intimated to mum that if anything ever happened to Dad, he would look after Mum.
The irony is that Bret was killed in new Guinea and dad never got over it.
”
WHY SO YOUNG” copyright Rod Christian 2016
This is a song featured in my new WW2 musical, “MATES!” based on my parents’ life experiences during WW2. The song is about a father longing for his son, Bret Langridge to return from war. He has been called to duty on the Kokoda Track in New Guinea in the 2/16th Battalion. The father is writing a letter to Bret asking the question “Why So Young”- my only son! Bret is sitting on his stretcher bed and replies to his father’s letter. Bret’s sister Joan also joins in the song. The trio captures a moment in the musical where we question whether Bret will indeed make it home.
This is a video extract of the song which featured in a recent showcase of MATES.
Bret is killed in action on Kokoda the very next day! The REQUIEM scene in the musical is where he is formally buried in Port Moresby New Guinea.
I have set “THE ODE” by Laurence Binyon to a SATB chorale.
This is from Scene 12 in Act 2. Vocalist Perry Joyce.
When the Kokoda Campaign had finished, he returned home briefly to Perth where he married mum at Star Of The Sea Church in Cottesloe on 26 February 1943. See AWM website reference here: AWM website.
This is the wedding song my father sings to my mother at the wedding ceremony. It is titled “Another Chapter, Another Page.” The artists on the recording are West Australian vocalists Louise Anton Miller and Perry Joyce.
She had brought Egyptian lace home from the Middle East, and her boss at WAN got last-minute permission from the Minister for the Army to be married out of uniform. This story was carried by the West Australian Newspaper and she had many offers from dressmakers to make her wedding dress in time for her wedding.
After the gruelling Kokoda Campaign, the Battalion was sent to Borneo to further stop the Japanese at Balikpapan, and Dad won his second Militay Cross for bravery.
Mum went back to work and transferred to the commercial staff as Secretary to the CO of Hollywood Hospital.
This is a very telling story about my parents’ early lives together. Recently the family came across some actual footage of the events at Kokoda on an ATN Channel 7 film made back in the 50s. Dad is actually interviewed on this programme which I have restored to DVD. It is a fascinating account from various people who served in the Middle East and in New Guinea. Please view this here. We Were Anzacs 1956.
Please also see photos taken by Yvonne Antoine in the Middle East on the AWM website.
I am working on a piece called the Karri Valley/Margaret River Suite which I started way back in 1990. This was inspired by a number of visits to these places including wineries such as Voyage (see picture),and my impressions musically of certain landmarks (Karri Forest Pemberton WA).The second movement of six movements is scored for piano, strings and oboe. The genre is contemporary Jazz and the influences are from my rock/jazz days as a performer on guitar, bass, piano/keyboards and percussion. The medium I use for the sequenced backing is Logic Pro X as well as live performers, namely Roger Garrood, Paul Millard and Mike Collinson to name a few. Featured is the Second Movement titled “Tranquillo” which reflects the tranquility and beauty of the Karri Valley near Pemberton Western Australia.
[mp3j track=”KV.mp3″ title=”Click to play track here:”]
I compose music from a variety of genres including pop, r&b, rock, jazz, contemporary, dance, classical, film, documentaries and commercials. There are two main sites where you can log in.
Press play to hear my latest additions at Soundcloud
Search Reverbnation artist – Rod Christian. I publish songs under my own label Rodmusic Publishing. Contact me direct through this website or on Facebook.
I am currently writing/producing/ recording/ maketing my songs and pitching them to major movie and advertising clients all over the world.
At present two of my songs, “Just In Time” and “Tranquillo”, an instrumental composition for oboe, piano and strings are being considered for an advertising campaign and a major motion picture in the US.”Just In Time” has just been selected by WOA records on thier No 1 hits CD Volume 4 which will be distributed to radio networks and played all over the world.
These compositions can be heard on my reverbnation website here. reverbnation website
