Middle School Sings Original Composition
Middle School students hosted a unique musical event Wednesday, April 22, during the Spring Concert, “Celebration of Composers.”
The Class of 1958 commissioned a choral work by composer Robert I. Hugh in honor of their 50th Reunion. The gift gave middle school students the opportunity debut the song, “And She Sings,” and get personal feedback from Hugh during a recent workshop where the song was also recorded.
“It is quite simply a privilege to be part of a world premiere, and to know that this is a piece that will always be connected (through its written dedication on the actual published music) with our school,” said Marsha Whitman, Middle and Upper School music teacher. “Our children benefit first by the music itself. Their voices are at their best with Rob’s beautiful lines and they are interested in and inspired by his texts. Students increase their choral musicianship by working on such high-level repertoire.”
Hugh, a sought-after composer of children’s choir literature, encouraged students to own the words as they sing them. “And She Sings,” is about a bird sitting on a branch which suddenly gives way. The bird sings realizing that she has wings. Hugh was inspired to write the song, which is written in jazz style for two part treble voices, with a piano or guitar accompaniment, after seeing a picture of robins on a playing field dancing.
“If you own the music and own the lyrics, the song will become real to the audience,” Hugh told fifth-, and sixth-graders during the workshop. “If the branch gives way, I have to believe that this bird can fly.”
Hugh received a B.M. in Education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and an M.A. in music education/composition from the Hartt College of Music. He completed summer studies at the Kodaly Musical Training Institute and the Institute of Choral Music Education. Among his many accolades, Hugh was selected to participate in the Fulbright-Hayes Group Projects abroad. As a songwriter/arranger, Hugh has arranged and recorded more than 200 original songs, composed by children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. He has been commissioned to compose music for choirs of all ages.
“I always love writing premiers to see what happens to the music. You make this creation and zoom, it’s into the world,” said Hugh.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
