Concert of Premieres
Students energized by music of composer
Even with a world-renowned reputation preceding Benjamin Yeo, composer/conductor garners his strongest recommendation by word of mouth.
Yeo, also an instructor at the Anglo-Chinese (Independent) School in Singapore was commissioned to write a piece and conduct the Wilson Junior High School Band by director Mitch Sturman.
“I got an online link from John Edmondson, the composer and was very impressed with Benjamin’s work,” said Sturman.
Sturman requested that Yeo write a work with a Japanese flavor and “Takeda Lullaby” was the result, Yeo explained. He composed the piece based on his knowledge of the skill level of a teenage band. He wanted to write a piece they would enjoy playing, yet encourage them to study their instrument with renewed rigor and continue playing beyond junior high school.
“Whenever I write music I want the audience to enjoy it,” said Yeo. “If the music makes them happy than I’m happy.”
On Wednesday the Wilson band performed Yeo’s piece as well as “The Sounds of Liberty” a concert march by James Swearingen. This was also commissioned by the school but unfortunately Swearingen was unable to attend.
Yeo will ably fill the breech and feels honored to conduct the premiere.
“Who often gets to do a world premiere of such wonderful music?”
As the band ran through the first couple of takes Yeo admonished the players to “play me some music not just the notes.”
“Speak through the music, a little bit of crescendo will give it some shade,” he told them.
Reed player Juliette Garrido remarked it was fun to have a guest conductor.
“I like his music, it sounds mystical,” said Garrido. “I’m looking forward to the concert.”
French horn player Angelica Galaviz admitted she was excited about the concert but was a little nervous.
“I love his music because it has such intensity, you don’t know what comes next after each measure,” said Galaviz.
As rehearsal picked up pace, Yeo complimented the clarinets yet prodded the band to perfection.
“A bit more expression from soft to loud,” said Yeo. “You have to have a balance between melody and counter melody. Before you play the note, you have to picture it.”
Trombonist Joshua Castillo called Yeo a really good composer.
“I like his music because it makes you feel relaxed and just want to play,” said Castillo. “It challenges yourself to be better.”
Sturman noted the rehearsal showed improvement, “It is getting there, they should be fine by the concert.”
This evening, the band performs as part of the annual Concert of Premieres at 7 p.m. in the Jimmie Cannon Theater for the Performing Arts at Southwest High School.
Yeo concluded, the students all tried their best.
“They have a good spirit to improve themselves,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the concert.”