Snyder Middle School band students had the opportunity for the composer of one of their spring concert pieces to come in and work with them on Monday. Composer Adrian B. Sims cliniced his piece A Builder’s Dream with the students. Sims worked through the piece with them, giving feedback and clarity on his intentions behind certain sections. He described his inspiration for the piece and how the different themes work together to convey those images.
To switch gears and give them a break after playing, the students participated in a Q&A session to learn about Sims. One student said, “He’s a regular person. We found out he likes to play Halo and prefers dogs over cats.”
After the Q&A session, Sims called on the students to be composers themselves. He started by asking them for a theme for a piece of music. He then offered a short melodic introduction and kept prompting, “What comes next?” Sims skillfully guided the students through how he would compose a piece of music using different musical elements, paying attention to the use of tempo, articulation and dynamics, all while checking in with the students to make sure they agreed on what he was suggesting.
With his guidance, the students proudly put together and played through the first half of their hatchling composition Adrenaline Rush. One student said, “It was really cool to hear our ideas come alive, and then we got to play it!”
Afterward, Sims said, “They are great kids and they were really engaged.”
This composer visit was made possible through the generosity and support of Coles Music Service.
The Snyder Middle School Band and Choir concert is scheduled for Monday, March 27, at 7 p.m. at Bensalem High School, 4319 Hulmeville Road. There is no charge for admission and all are welcome to attend.
