Melrose Orchestra Students to Perform Original Pieces After Working with Composer in Residency
Melrose Public Schools Orchestra Director Luke Miller is pleased to announce that after nearly two years of work with a composer in residency, students will perform four original pieces at the spring concert next month.
The show, which will be held on May 23 at 7 p.m. in the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School auditorium, coincides with the Melrose Symphony Orchestra’s 100th season in 2017-2018.
In January 2017, Melrose Public Schools began working with composer Robert J. Bradshaw to research, write and produce four original compositions.
Throughout the year, Bradshaw visited the Melrose Youth Orchestra (grades two through twelve), Melrose Middle School Orchestra and the Melrose High School Orchestra’s ensemble rehearsals to coach students on how to write their own music.
At the end of the year, interested students submitted their ideas to Bradshaw for the composition project. Some provided melodies, while others submitted poems, drawings and even a calculus equation that was translated into music.
Bradshaw then worked over the summer to compose four original pieces. Every student who turned in a submission had their work featured.
Youth Orchestra: "All Around the World" -- the name of one student's submission.
Middle School Orchestra: "I Decide to Wait" -- a poem submitted by a middle school student. It will be read by a narrator with corresponding music in the background.
High School Orchestra: "The Meres of Ponde Fielde" -- a three-piece movement that explores the history Melrose, with each section about one of the city's ponds.
Combined Piece: "Even the Darkest Night will End (while hope remains)" -- features approximately 200 students of all grades and skill levels. The piece will also include several orchestra alumni.
"This concert is going to have a great collaboration of artists, ranging from the elementary school level all the way to MHS graduates," Miller said. "Mr. Bradshaw created some amazing pieces and it's been incredible to see students' reactions during rehearsal as they recognize their submissions in the compositions."
Melrose Public Schools would like to thank several community organizations for their support throughout this project: Victoria McLaughlin Foundation, Staples Foundation, Melrose Education Foundation, Melrose Orchestrators, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Melrose Cultural Council, Messina Fund for the Arts, Melrose Public Schools and Brad Hutchinson Real Estate.
The concert is free to attend, although a $5 entrance donation is suggested for adults, and $3 for seniors/students.
About Robert J. Bradshaw:
An award winning composer, Bradshaw’s music has been heard around the world and is infused with modern culture and historical significance. His steampunk opera, Deus ex machina, won two gold medals and was named one of the top 10 albums of 2015 by the Global Music Awards. A devoted advocate for the availability of music education for all children, Bradshaw accepts residencies where he helps children compose and perform their own music.
