Gregory Smith
The Student Composer Project was conceived by Brevard Symphony Orchestra conductor and music director, Christopher Confessore. The result was The Space Coast Suite named for the area in Florida. Music teachers and fifth grade students from four Brevard County grade schools developed melodic ideas to present to Greg, who then visited and worked closely with the students to further refine their musical ideas.
Once back in his home studio in Los Angeles, Greg arranged and orchestrated the melodic material into a suite consisting of four movements, each based on a melody from each of the four schools. Greg later returned to Florida for six concerts which showcased the suite and also included his educational concert work, The Melodic Life. The concerts played to six thousand fifth graders. The student composers were recognized at these concerts and were also present at the rehearsal where they stood onstage, side by side with Greg during the work’s rehearsal.
The success of this project can be measured by the enthusiasm and joy that flowed throughout the entire process. Audiences, parents, teachers, student composers and orchestra members alike all shared in the gratification from this very successful venture.
For more specific details on how the Student Composer Project can be mounted, please contact:
The Space Coast Suite (complete)