Thanks to Skype, the BMHS band met the man who composed the piece they performed
Ironically, there was no escaping the nervousness of members of the Bunker Hill Middle School band’s performance of “Escape!”, especially when they were performing the piece for its composer Terry White. BHMS band teacher, Gene Tecce, and his students facetimed with the New England-based White via Skype on May 8, performed and had a spirited exchange.
“Let’s be honest, all musicians get nervous before they perform,” Tecce said, though his students expressed extra nerves because they “didn’t want to disappoint the composer.”
To the contrary, White was extremely impressed with students’ poise and presentation and with their follow-up questions.
“Your articulations were great and very consistent,” he told the students, while also complimenting them for the quality of their harmony and intonation. “Make sure you play the music and not the notes. Play the composer’s intent.”
“Try to picture extracting yourself from a maze with someone closely in pursuit, darting here, there and everywhere as quickly as you can to find a way out,” read the description of White’s “Escape!” “’Fleet afoot’ would be an appropriate way to describe how the music in this piece should be approached, played lightly and with a sense of direction leading to the next phrase or rhythmic pattern. This tuneful and rhythmic offering provides some delightful twists and turns along the way.”
The students engaged White in conversation, inquiring about his favorite genres of music and where he finds his inspiration when he composes.
“We really appreciate your piece,” Tecce told White on behalf of his students, “and have enjoyed working on it. You are so gracious to spend this time with us.”
The BHMS band performed “Escape!” on May 18 in Kutztown, PA, as part of the Music in the Park competition at Dorney Park.
