Band students from Snyder Middle School in Bensalem met with the composer of one of their spring concert pieces on March 20.
“A Builder’s Dream” composer Adrian B. Sims worked through the piece with the students, 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.
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 offered a short melodic introduction, and then kept prompting, “What comes next?”
Sims 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.”
“It was really cool to hear our ideas come alive – and then we got to play it!” said one student.
As expected, the Snyder band students did a great job of representing both their ensemble and their school. “They are great kids, and they were really engaged,” reflected Sims afterward.
This composer visit was made possible through the generosity and support of Coles Music Service.
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