Composer-In-Residence Project
During this weeklong project, internationally renowned British composer Paul Lewis graciously donated his time to work with our students in the classroom, conduct our Symphonic Orchestra students at a concert, present an illustrated lecture, and perform a cabaret with his wife Sharon Elizabeth.
How it began
During the Spring 2013 semester, the MBHS Symphonic Orchestra performed Suite Navarraise at the Montgomery County Public Schools District II High School Orchestra Festival. See the link below for a full performance at our 2013 Spring Concert.
Immediately following our performance, MCPS Instrumental Music Coordinator Mr. Rick Penix approached Ms. Roberts and suggested that she should contact the composer. Ms. Roberts received a warm response from Mr. Lewis, and at the end of the school year, he agreed to meet the students via Skype and speak directly with them from his home in the United Kingdom.
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Mr. Penix nominated Ms. Roberts for a Wolf Trap Grant for High School Performing Arts Teachers in April 2013. Ms. Roberts immediately knew that she wanted to work with Mr. Lewis in commissioning a new work for the MBHS Symphonic Orchestra. Mr. Lewis agreed to the commission, and he later agreed to fly to the United States with his wife to conduct at the world premiere of its performance. See the link below for a feature from MCPSTV.