Cichy, Roger
Biography
Born: November 16, 1956
Country: Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A.
Studies: Ohio State University (B.M., M.A.)
Teachers: E. Montgomery, M. Barnes, J. Levey
Website: http://rogercichy.com/
Since the appearance of his first published work in 1985, Roger Cichy (b. 1956-Columbus, Ohio) has been a prolific composer whose works often paint experiences and emotions on a canvas of sound. His compositions seek to express such intangible things as the slow growing momentum of daybreak, the chaotic, out-of-control nature of pandemonium, and the graceful, lyrical movement of a sand dune. Contained in his works are the musical descriptions of the discovery of the Titanic, the emotional atmosphere of honor and pride at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the all-inspiring majesty of Colorado’s Pike Peak.
The composer’s works contain a number of signature elements, among them is his unique use of rhythm and pronounced use of percussion. In many of his works, Cichy employs what he calls “compelling rhythms”, whose repetition drive his melodies forward. His appreciation for percussion’s unlimited sounds and timbres is also notable. Cichy’s work is further defined by his fondness for jazz rhythms, liberal use of strong countermelodies, and thick harmonic texture.
Roger Cichy brings his background as a music educator to his work as a composer. Roger holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Music Education degree from The Ohio State University, but also did extensive study in composition with Edward Montgomery, Marshall Barnes and Joseph Levey at Ohio State. He has directed concert bands and marching bands at the elementary, high school and college levels, serving as Director of Bands at both the University of Rhode Island and Iowa State University.
In addition to his formal classroom training, Cichy also credits other foundational experiences with helping him acquire compositional skills. Among them was his work as a graduate student where he copied music, extracting parts from scores. He also had a number of opportunities to arrange other composers’ work. This type of work helped him further learn the nuances of instrumentation and how desired musical effects are achieved. Roger credits his arrangement, transcription and notation experience with helping him absorb much about other composers’ styles and helped develop his own strong sense of instrumental coloration.
Today, Roger is a freelance composer and arranger, writing for high school, university and professional bands, professional orchestras, and the commercial music industry. His works range from small ensembles literature to compositions and arrangements for marching band, concert band, and symphonic orchestra. He has over 300 compositions and arrangements to his name, including those published by Daehn Publications, C. Alan Publications, and LudwigMasters Publications. Cichy’s music has been recorded by premier ensembles such as the North Texas Wind Symphony, the United States Air Force Academy Band and the University of Georgia Wind Symphony. He has received numerous composition awards from The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) for serious music.
The music of Roger Cichy is continually being performed throughout the United State and abroad including Japan, England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Australia, Russia and Mexico. His works have also been performed at many prestigious conventions including the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinics, CBDNA National and Regional Conventions, ASBDA Conventions, MENC National and Regional Conventions, several All-State Festivals and appear on many contest lists throughout the country. In 2008, Mark Masters released a CD recording of Cichy’s music titled Sounds Sketches and Ideas, which received Grammy listings in three categories.
Cichy is widely sought as a composer for commissions and frequently appears as a composer-in-residence and guest conductor.[1]
Works for Percussion
Protaganom – Percussion Quintet; Percussion (5)
References