Today we’d like to introduce you to Marden Pond.
Hi Marden, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Salt Lake City. Started playing trumpet in the 5th grade. By 9th grade, I was teaching private trumpet students and started getting paid to play with my own jazz combo. I served as the student conductor of bands and orchestras. I graduated in 1968 as the Music Sterling Scholar from Highland High School. Began studies in music education at BYU where I played with the jazz ensemble, philharmonic orchestra, and symphonic wind ensemble. My studies were interrupted by training in the Air Force and a 2-year mission to Germany.
After returning to continue my university work, I married my sweet wife, Judy (augmented over the years by 8 amazing children and 25 grandchildren). Following our graduation, we moved to Anaheim, California where I worked for the Benge Trumpet Company. After finishing a master’s degree in music composition at Arizona State University, I returned to Southern California where I taught at Saddleback College, Orange Coast College, and Pepperdine University. We moved to Price, Utah where I taught at the College of Eastern Utah. I commenced work on a Doctor of Arts degree in music composition, completing it in 1985.
We returned to Utah where I taught for the Granite School District (while completing my doctoral dissertation at the University of Northern Colorado), and as the director of instrumental music at East High School. After 5 years, we decided to venture to Provo where I have been active as a composer and conductor, also teaching for over 30 years at Utah Valley University, and ten years as an online instructor for BYU-Idaho. During this time I have also been the conductor of the Nachtmusik Chamber Orchestra (a group that performs music from the 18th Century, with musicians dressed in period costume), a performer with the Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble, and a co-director of the CityJazz big band.
My composition activity has included concert works, film scores, studio recording on over 20 albums, chamber music, jazz, electronic music, and much more. My work on the documentary film, “Utah’s Sanctuary: Great Salt Lake,” was awarded with an Emmy Award. I have also received a Pearl Award, multiple awards from ASCAP, the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition, the Utah Composer of the Year Award, the Alfred Lambourne Prize, and several “outstanding teaching” awards. Over the years, I have been commissioned to compose and premiere works for the Heritage of America Symphonic Band, the Utah Statehood Centennial Commission, Utah Premiere Brass, the National Pony Express Association, Utah Valley University, Brigham Young University, Sons and Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, Covenant Media, Sundance Trio, Aspen Winds, Ririe Woodbury Dance Company, and many others.
Although working as a freelance composer, conductor, and producer can be a rather tenuous occupation, combining that with over 50 years of teaching has been a great joy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As an independent musician, making a living has sometimes been a great struggle. The “feast or famine” occupational road can be very challenging. Being a creative artist who often works outside of the established educational institutions and established performing organizations is often a “lonely” existence, but it has given me the opportunity to create works of my own choosing, follow my own creative vision, and find ways to contribute to humanity in ways that would have otherwise been impossible.
Over the years I have dealt with 4 back surgeries. Fortunately, they have enabled me to continue to function in most activities, although as I get older I feel it.
I have been able to teach and create in an eclectic array of fields: music theory, instrumental and choral performance, film scoring, humanities, digital media, and dance.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My main activity (combined with years of satisfying teaching at all levels) has been my work as a composer. I have been called upon to create music in multiple styles (concert and symphonic, chamber music, jazz, electronic music, music for theatrical dance, etc.) My ability to work in many styles and creative/collaborative settings has been a hallmark of my career.
Some compositions and arrangements that I consider important include:
- Multiple albums and performances with concert pianist, David Glen Hatch (including performances at Arlington National Cemetery, in Europe, and other noted venues);
- Mach 3 – a scenic overture commissioned, toured, and recorded by the Heritage of America Symphonic Band;
- 3 commissions for the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition;
- Multiple commissions and collaborations with the Ririe Woodbury Dance Company;
- *”Pioneer Sampler,” a suite of pioneer songs created for orchestra and choir, commissioned by the Utah Statehood Centennial Commission;
- “Sonata for Piano,” commissioned by the Music Teachers National Association, also recorded in Europe by the Master Musicians Collective;
- “Fresh Courage Take,” an oratorio commissioned to honor the sesquicentennial of the Martin & Willie handcart epic;
- “The Little Prince,” ballet score commissioned by Meet the Composer (New York), premiered at Kingsbury Hall by the Children’s Ballet Theatre;
- “Granite” – tone poem for symphonic winds and percussion, commissioned by the BYU Symphonic Band;
- “Tritonia,” commissioned by the Salty Cricket Composers Collective;
- “Windriders,” symphonic overture commissioned by the National Pony Express Association for the sesquicentennial national ride;
- “Seven Ages,” commissioned and premiered by the Aspen Trio;
- “Concerto for Trumpet,” commissioned by the Utah Premiere Brass;
- “Battalion,” concert suite, DVD & CD, commissioned by the Mormon Battalion Association;
- “Playground,” suite performed by the Aspen Winds;
- Multiple solo albums using digital compositional techniques: “Environments,” “Footnotes,” “Voices In the Wind” (commissioned by the Entrada Institute), “Sanctuary” (CD and score to Emmy-winning production), etc.
What might set me apart from others would be the stylistic diversity of my creative work, my ongoing dedication to working with students and educational institutions, and my frequent musical projects dealing with historical events and heroes.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I have always been rather quiet and introverted. My musical efforts seem to bring me out of my shell. As the middle of 5 children, with loving and supportive parents, I enjoyed a stable and loving early family life. The unwavering support of a marvelous wife has enabled me to continue in my field, even in times of financial and professional struggle. Our remarkable children also bring me great joy and personal strength.
I have additional interests in astronomy (and most scientific fields), an intrigue with history, love of the outdoors (especially the mountains), and a fascination with people and their activities and interactions. You might occasionally catch me riding on my recumbent tricycle or swimming laps.
Contact Info:
- Website: mardenpond.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjukN8LIxxNGYUHRsQSRTKg
