Student Recital Series
Sara M. Snell Music Theater
2023 – 2024 Season
Saturday,April 20th 3:45 PM
Fai Yam Melody Cheng, Composition
Puppet (2023)
Brandon McLaughlin, Clarinet
Fai Yam Melody Cheng (b. 2001)
Andrew Sennoga-Kimuli, Double Bass
Rain and Storm in Harmony (2024)
I. Rain
II. Storm
World Premiere
Bailey Yerdon, Marimba
Aidan Sherwood, Marimba
Wyatt Calcote, Vibraphone
Angel Ren, Vibraphone
Fai Yam Melody Cheng (b. 2001)
Saxophone Quartet (2024)
I. Grand Overture
II. Groove Reverie
III. Modal Serenade
IV. CelebrationAllegro
V. Melancholy
Fai Yam Melody Cheng (b. 2001)
Foolish Me (2024)
Eric Waters, Soprano Saxophone
Sara Ward,Alto Saxophone
Kevin Malone, Tenor Saxophone
Nicholas Derderian, Baritone Saxophone
Fai Yam Melody Cheng (b. 2001)
World Premiere
Molly Collins, Trumpet
Kayla Sumberg, Tenor Saxophone
Luke-Coyne Connolly, Piano
Jordon Gyarmathy, Bass
Kameron Balcom, Drums
Nostalgia (2023)
World Premiere
Fai Yam Melody Cheng (b. 2001)
Maia Regan, Aidan Sperduti, Violin I
Paolina Iori, John DiSpaltro, Violin II
Lola Gehman, Kenneth Gonzalez, Viola
Miranda Paulino, Mirabel Sasiela, Cello
Andrew Sennoga-Kimuli, Double bass
Ricky Chui, Harp
Emma Fusco, Sara Mcintype, Flute
Annelise Herschbein, Oboe
Libby Sheldon, Clarinet
Jalen Johnson, Bassoon
Michael Shipps, Ryan Eckl, French Horn
Virginia Bednarski, Trumpet
Victor Mainetti, Trombone
Aidan Sherwood, Percussion
Maze (2022)
World Premiere
Fixed Media
Fai Yam Melody Cheng (b. 2001)
Fai Yam Melody Cheng is from the studio of Dr. Ivette Herryman Rodriguez
Program Note
Puppet
"Puppet" is a composition that highlights the enchanting synergy between two of my most favourited instruments: the clarinet and the double bass. In the beginning, the clarinet introduces the opening theme, accompanied by the rich resonance of the double bass. The intertwining melodies evoke a sense of fantasy, as if one is entering a dreamworld where reality is suspended, and imagination takes flight. It's as though the music itself breathes life into a puppet, granting it the ability to embark on a grand adventure beyond the confines of the ordinary.As the composition unfolds, the puppet's journey unfolds alongside it. With each note, the puppet dances through landscapes of sound, exploring uncharted territories and encountering fantastical beings. Yet, beneath the surface of this dreamlike reverie lies a subtle tension a reminder that this world is but a fleeting illusion. Ultimately, as the dream draws to a close, the puppet finds itself back in its familiar state, unable to move without the guiding hand of its creator. Yet, the memory of its extraordinary escapade lingers, leaving a bittersweet longing for the boundless freedom of the dreamworld.
Rain and Strom in Harmony
I. Rain
II. Storm
In this composition, I wanted to capture the soothing yet powerful essence of rain through the enchanting timbres of vibraphones. Instead of using the familiar marimba, I opted for two vibraphones to infuse the music with a unique texture and color. The first movement, aptly titled "Rain," through the resonant tones of the vibraphones, I aim to bring out the feeling of peacefulness and contemplation that accompanies a rainy day. The melodies cascade like raindrops, creating a mesmerizing soundscape. In contrast to the tranquil beauty of the first movement, "Storm" delves into the raw power and intensity of a tempestuous weather phenomenon. Inspired by the tumultuous nature of storms, particularly remind me of Hong Kong's rainy climate. The vibraphones and marimba intertwine in a dynamic display of energy, evoking the fierce winds and crashing thunder of a raging storm.
Saxophone Quartet
I. Grand Overture
II. Groove Reverie
III. Modal Serenade
IV. CelebrationAllegro
V. Melancholy
In this piece, the journey starts with the soprano saxophone leading the way, like a guide into an adventure.As the music plays, you'll feel excitement building up, like you're entering a world full of energy and wonder. Each instrument adds to the excitement, making the music louder and more intense until it reaches a really exciting part, like the most thrilling moment in a story. It's a bit like a rollercoaster ride for your ears, leaving you feeling amazed and thrilled by the end.
Next up, it's the turn of the baritone saxophone to shine. The music has a really groovy rhythm. In the music, you can feel the passion and intensity growing stronger, creating a atmosphere that you can't help but get lost in.
In the third movement, it's time for something a bit quieter and more thoughtful. In this part of the music, it's like the instruments are having a gentle conversation, speaking softly to each other. The mood is calm and peaceful, with soothing melodies that make you feel relaxed. The music has a special harmony that feels like layers of soft colors blending together. It's like being transported to a quiet, serene place where you can just take a moment to think and reflect on things.
In the fourth movement, the ensemble comes together in a joyful celebration of unity and harmony. In this part of the music, it's like everyone in the band is joining together to have a big party. The melodies are dancing around each other, playing together. You can feel the energy in the air as the music gets louder and more exciting. With each instrument playing its part, the music becomes even more amazing, creating a feeling of togetherness and joy.
In the final movement, in this part of the music, it feels like the air is filled with a feeling of sadness. The melodies are soft and gentle. You can hear different instruments taking turns telling their own stories, each one adding a special feeling to the music. It's like they're all sharing their emotions with each other, creating a beautiful and touching sound.As you listen, you might find yourself thinking about the ups and downs of life and feeling a little bit sad but also hopeful. Even though things might seem tough sometimes, the music reminds us that there's always a little bit of light shining through, and that we're never alone as long as we have music and each other.
Foolish Me
I began my jazz journey two years ago, and one of the first tunes that really spoke to me was "Misty." Its melody became a favorite of mine, so I decided to create something new inspired by it. "Foolish Me" is my own take on "Misty." I wrote a brand-new melody and
arranged it in a different way, while keeping the essence of the original song. In "Foolish Me," I wanted to capture the same emotional depth that drew me to "Misty" in the first place. While the melody might be new, the feelings and themes behind it are familiar. It's like taking a journey through a landscape you know well but seeing it from a different angle.
Nostalgia
"Nostalgia" is a composition that uses modal. I was inspired by the rich tapestry of Chinese traditional music. Through the instrumentation, the piece seeks to evoke a sense of longing and reflection, tapping into the emotional depths of memory and nostalgia. In "Nostalgia," the distinctive modal scales of Chinese music provide the foundation for a melodic journey that traverses both time and emotion.
"Nostalgia" is like taking a trip back in time through the enchanting sounds of Chinese traditional music. Imagine starting your journey with the soft and serene melodies of the DiZi flute, gently played by the flutes. It's like setting the scene for what's to come.As the music unfolds, the harp steps in, creating beautiful and haunting tones that remind you of the ancient GuQin instrument. Towards the end of the piece, the strings take center stage, their gentle plucking and resonant chords echoing the expressive tones of the GuZheng zither.
Maze
Picture yourself in a maze – not the kind with walls and dead ends, but a maze of sound and imagination. That's what "Maze" is all about. It's a musical journey I created using different synthesizers.
Each synth adds its own unique flavor to the music, like different paths in the maze. Some sounds might be smooth and flowing, while others are sharp and electrifying. Together, they create a landscape of sound that's both intriguing and exciting.
As you listen to "Maze," imagine yourself wandering through this sonic labyrinth. There are twists and turns, surprises around every corner. But amidst the complexity, there's also a sense of adventure and discovery.
