“Loving the process in itself makes it always rewarding.”
COMPOSER OF THE MONTH (February 2026)
Nova Pon
- Nova Pon (b. 1983) is a Canadian composer based in Calgary, Alberta.
- She writes music for many types of ensembles, from soloists and chamber groups to full orchestras.
- Played piano and synthesizer from a young age and composed her first piece at age 10. She started playing the flute at age 11.
- She always loved chamber music.
- Known for her inventive combinations of instruments.
- A signature of her style is the use of unusual playing techniques or everyday objects to create unique sounds.
- Nova draws her inspiration from art, literature, nature, and common human experiences.
Inspiration and Suggestions for Students
- “Always follow your curiosity, seeking what is important to you – in music, in art, in life: it is the same path.”
- “There is so much that is beautiful and interesting in life – keeping your sense of wonder can sustain you for a lifetime.”
Words of Note
- Chamber music: music for a small group of instruments where each person plays their own part, originally meant to be played in a small room (chamber).
- Flutter tonguing: a technique where a wind player makes their tongue vibrate, like rolling an “R” while blowing air. This creates a shaky, buzzing, or rough sound instead of a clear tone.
- Pitch bending: when a wind or string player slowly changes the pitch of a note higher or lower while playing it, to create notes “between” the notes or a sliding sound.
Can you hear the song “The Itsy Bitty Spider” woven into the piece? When you hear it, write down the timing and check your answer with your teacher.
Can you hear the bird song in this piece?
- based on the song of the Pacific Wren (listen)
- played slower, faster, and as fast as possible
- notice flutter tonguing and pitch bending
More great music to check out!
Ancient Songs – for soprano, tenor, and chamber ensemble
Singsong – for saxophone, RCM Prep
Here Comes the Parade – for saxophone, RCM 1
Tangos – for saxophone, RCM 3
