East Hartford High School Junior Andre Maize was selected to be a part of the first ever Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Composition and Songwriting Gallery. The gallery took place during the 77th annual CMEA In-Service Conference and All State Music Festival on April 4-6, 2024 at the CT Convention Center in Hartford.
Andre plays trumpet in the East Hartford High School Wind Ensemble, Concert Band and Jazz Band. To be considered for the Composition and Songwriting Gallery, he submitted two original scores and recordings of those pieces. The two compositions he submitted were "An Arabian Tale" written for Concert Band, which will be premiered at the East Hartford All-Town Band Festival, and an orchestral piece titled "Jayda's Theme.”
He was one of 53 student composers from districts across the state to be selected. Their pieces were shared on scannable QR code posters at the conference. They also attended a reception with their fellow student composers and special guest composer Josh A. Idio who shared his composition expertise.
“Having my pieces featured in the composer’s gallery served as a reminder that the music I write is truly worthy of being heard by others. As a composer, that assurance means so much considering the level of self-critique that goes into every work, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity not only to have two of my pieces featured but also to receive advice directly from a professional composer,” said Andre.
You can hear Andre’s compositions by clicking the following links: An Arabian Tale and Jayda’s Theme.