Oyster Bay music students get a masterclass moment with Emmy-nominated composer
Music students at Oyster Bay Middle-High School have been rehearsing for months ahead of their spring concert on May 19 – and one of the pieces on the program recently received some rare and special attention: a visit from the composer himself.
Anthony Barfield, an Emmy-nominated composer and producer based in New York City, came to campus to sit in on rehearsals, offer notes, and participate in a Q&A with students. His composition Revolution was nationally commissioned through ASPIRE (Advancement of Secondary and Primary Instrumental Repertoire Excellence), a consortium of schools of which Oyster Bay is a proud member. The piece will debut this spring at each member school's concert.
Mr. Barfield's credentials are impressive. His compositions have been performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia by organizations including the New York Philharmonic and the Toronto Symphony. As a former trombonist, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Kennedy Center. He is also an accomplished producer with credits alongside artists such as Chris Brown and Lil Wayne.
Students came prepared with thoughtful questions, asking Mr. Barfield about his favorite artists, what he's listening to now, and what it was like to study with acclaimed trombonist and teacher Joseph Alessi. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into the career of a working composer – and a meaningful connection to the music they've been working so hard to bring to life. He left them with a piece of advice that was equal parts practical and memorable: Lean into your originality. Keep being dope.
The debut of Revolution is something to look forward to when the ensemble takes the stage on May 19.
