Little Brothers, Sisters create movie music

Prescott’s Arizona Philharmonic recently hosted an outreach event in collaboration with Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Henry and Maria Flurry facilitated this music composition workshop. The goal was to create music for a scene in an action movie that would stir the listener’s emotions. The results of the workshop’s efforts are posted at www.AZPhil.org. 

There were 13 workshop participants including Bigs, Littles and parents. The workshop began with listening to a theme song of “Game of Thrones” to identify different musical elements. Then, Henry and Maria worked with everyone to write a song for a made-up movie.

Henry composed in real time as Maria elicited input from all of the participants about what they wanted to hear in their own piece.

“Most folks think that music for the orchestra can come only from famous or historical people,” said Henry Flurry. “I’m a big advocate for encouraging students to explore composing at whatever level they can.”

They decided what kind of movie the music would be good for and made up a plot line and movie title. They each made movie posters to take home and everyone went home with donated supplies from The Art Store, a partner of The Frame and I.

Maria said, “I want people to understand their own creative power. When students compose music, we see that happening.”

Arizona Philharmonic is Prescott’s professional orchestra. Its mission is to serve local concert productions and to actively support art for all. Arizona Philharmonic is a collaborative effort of multiple Yavapai County-based performing organizations that include Yavapai College, Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, Master Chorale, Prescott Chorale and Chaparral Arts.

Henry and Maria Flurry are longtime Prescott residents and music. educators. Henry is a composer and piano teacher. Maria is principal timpanist in Arizona Philharmonic and Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Together they perform as the duo Sticks and Tones (www.SticksAndTones.com) who may be seen at library summer reading programs or family-friendly concerts.