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ASO Premieres Stony Point Student’s Work For High School Concerts

January 13, 2010
  • Who: Austin Symphony Orchestra
  • What: AT&T High School Concerts
  • When: January 19-12, 2010
  • Where: Travis, McCallum, Lanier and Stony Point High Schools
  • Contact: Don Hill- Director of Public Relations - 476-6064 x 213

The Austin Symphony Orchestra is proud to announce that it will play the world premiere of a new work during its annual AT&T High School Concerts Tour, January 19-21. This will mark the first time that the ASO has premiered a work by a local high school student. The work will be included in this year’s tour of local high schools, in which the ASO brings the entire orchestra to the students, turning gymnasiums into concert halls.

A Recollection of Memories Passed is the work of Matthew White, a sophomore at Stony Point High School in Round Rock. This is Matthew’s twelfth composition, but his first for symphony orchestra.

Matthew has been playing saxophone since the age of 11 when he was a member of the Hopewell Middle School Band. He currently plays tenor saxophone in the Stony Point Band. His first composition was written for a full concert band while in 8th grade. The piece was performed by the Hopewell Middle School Honor Band and conducted by Matthew at their 2007 winter concert. He has since completed other musical compositions for full band, jazz ensemble and solo piano.

Matthew’s musical influences include the famed composer/conductor John Williams, band director/composer Bruce Bray, and jazz artists Kenny G, Richard Elliot, and Rick Braun. Matthew has aspirations of studying and pursuing a career in composition and jazz saxophone performance after high school.

“Matthew’s composition displays depth and musical insight and we are pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the talent of this young man,” stated ASO Executive Director Anthony Corroa. “The work will be a part of the concert that we will be bringing to the Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center for two performances for Stony Point High School.”

ASO Director of Education Diana Eblen remarked, “It is perfect that a composition written by a high school student will be played for other high school students. Most students think composers are dead or very old. This performance will definitely be a special occasion for Matthew, having his work premiered by a professional orchestra in front of thousands of his peers.”

Stony Point Associate Principal Deborah Brennan praised the selection of one of her students. “Thanks to the Austin Symphony for supporting not only the exposure of students to the arts, but encouraging our creative and talented students in such a public manner!”

The Austin Symphony presents the AT&T High School Concerts Tour every year, traveling to at least five area high schools in the Austin and Round Rock independent School Districts. Part of the James C. Armstrong Youth Education Endowment of the ASO, the AT&T High School Concert Tour transforms area high school gymnasiums into concert halls overflowing with sounds of classical music that are heard in everyday life. Thanks to title sponsor AT&T, the ASO will present a concert centered around available ringtones for cell phones. Other sponsors include Topfer Family Foundation, Supercuts, St. David’s Healthcare Partnership, Applied Materials, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division.

Also featured in these concerts will be performances by the teenage winners of the Austin Symphony Youth Awards. The 2009 recipients of the Austin Symphony Youth Awards are violinist Michelle Suh and pianist Jessica Hwang. Miss Suh is a student at Westlake High School. She is a student of ASO Assistant Concertmaster Jennifer Bourianoff and has been playing for 12 years. Miss Hwang attends Westwood High School, is Irina Chernysheva-Hicks and has been studying for 8 years.

Each concert closes with a surprise spirit-filled finale, an orchestrated version of their high school fight song conducted by their own school’s music director.

The Austin Symphony Orchestra proudly presents its High School Concerts to provide quality educational programming and motivation for the student population of Central Texas. Whether they’re toddlers or graduates, students are constantly exposed to various musical programs featuring musicians of the ASO. This outstanding fusion of music, education, and students’ musical accomplishments will seduce ambitious musicians as well as give outstanding students the chance of a lifetime.

Schedule of 2010 High School Concerts
Raffaele Ponti, Guest Conductor

January 19, 2010 10:30 AM & 11:50 AM Round Rock PAC (Stony Point)
January 20, 2010 1:30 PM Travis High School
January 21, 2010 10:15 AM McCallum High School
January 21, 2010 2:00 PM Lanier High School

FOR MEDIA ACCESS AND PARKING, CONTACT DON HILL AT 476-6064

All artists, programs, and schedules subject to change.