South Brunswick High School to Premiere Original Composition Featuring Student Beatboxer​

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - Music history will be made at South Brunswick High School next week with the world premiere of "Spindrift," an innovative original composition featuring a pioneering student performer.

The premiere will take place during the Spring Band Concert on Wednesday, May 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

"Spindrift," composed by SBHS alumnus Brian Colquist (Class of 2024), currently studying Music Education at Rutgers University, was specifically created to showcase the unique talents of graduating senior Lizzy Newell, an accomplished vocal percussionist and beatboxer.

The performance represents a groundbreaking moment in music education. Newell has earned acceptance to the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University as part of the inaugural class of the Hip Hop Production – Beatbox Principle major, positioning them to become the nation's first beatbox major.

SBHS Band Director Joshua Oldham initiated the project, seeking to create a senior showcase that would highlight Newell's exceptional abilities. His collaboration with Colquist developed over the past year, resulting in what district officials describe as a "genre-defying work" that combines traditional wind ensemble composition with contemporary solo performance techniques.

The composition includes improvisational elements built into the solo part, allowing Newell to demonstrate their distinctive vocal percussion skills alongside the South Brunswick Honors Symphonic Winds.

"This work has the potential to become a widely performed and published piece for concert bands nationwide," according to district officials, who note that the premiere reflects South Brunswick's commitment to innovative music education. The district has consistently been recognized as one of the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education.

The performance is free and open to the public.