PUTNEY — Three student composers from The Grammar School traveled to St. Michael's College in Colchester on Dec. 6 to hear their original musical compositions played live by professional musicians in the Vermont Midi Project's Opus 21 Concert. The selected pieces are Summer's Dance by eighth-grader Jamie Lumley, a second time winner; Chaos by sixth-grader Russell Boswell; and My Friend The Wind by fifth-grader Isaac Freitas-Eagan.
In his notes for the program, Isaac wrote, “I really liked watching my piece come together. I thought it was really cool to be able to connect with a music mentor through the internet, and I was excited when my piece was selected.”
Jamie Lumley's notes say, “As well as writing music, I also love to play piano and sing. Music has always been one of my interests and I love to be able to have my thoughts written out on paper and expressed to others.”
When describing his piece, Chaos, Russell Boswell said, “The song's name is not so much based on the attitude of the composition as it is about me…sometimes. The ending holds a surprise.”
In addition to the evening concert, each composer had dedicated rehearsal time with the performers during the afternoon and the opportunity to attend workshops and discussion groups.
Other Opus 21 entries were composed by five TGS fifth-graders: Roselle Lovell-Smith and William Parkman; Ethan Foster and Robin McOwen; and Tyler Silbey.
Under the direction of Alli Lubin, head of the music program and technology administrator, these young composers join the list of 15 former TGS Opus selected composers: Jacob Knapp, Miles Hume, Colin Clark, Brooke Mooney, Katelyn Donovan, Julian Stolper, Tim Quimby, Nathaniel Todd Long, Antonia Dufort, Michaela Shea-Gander, Lucie Foster, Ona Hauert, Claire Thomas, Jamie Lumley, and Libby Green.
“The live performance experience is such a reward,” writes Sandi MacLeod, VT Midi Project coordinator. “When music comes from living, breathing musicians, there is an energy and vibrance that the computer can't imitate.”
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, The Grammar School in Putney educates children in preschool through eighth grade. More information about the Opus 21 program can be found on the web at www.vtmidi.org/opus21.htm