Summit High School Student Is Finalist in Statewide Music Contest

A Summit High School student has been selected as one of three finalists in the 2012 New Jersey Music Educators Association’s Young Composers Competition.
“I think it’s amazing that I’m a finalist and that they love my piece,” said SHS junior Jordyn Gallinek, whose composition for large ensemble, “Haunted House,” is in the running for the top choice, which will be announced on February 25 at the NJMEA’s annual conference being held in East Brunswick.

Jordyn will be in attendance at the event along with members of the Summit Public Schools music faculty.

Jordyn’s musical talent became obvious in fourth grade at Lincoln-Hubbard School, when she began playing the flute as part of the district’s music program. She continued with the flute through seventh grade and then became interested in the bassoon and, encouraged by her teachers, moved to that instrument, which is now her specialty. She also plays guitar and is experimenting with tenor sax.

Jordyn  began composing music in eighth grade after completing an assignment from music teacher Alex Bocchino in which the students had to write 10 measures of a piece to be played in class.  “That’s when I fell in love with composition,” she said.
After writing “Haunted House” with Sibelius music software, she took the composition to Steve Rapp, director of the SHS band and Jordyn’s primary music instructor. He shared it with assistant band director Alex Bocchino, and both teachers encouraged her to enter the piece in the competition. Sibelius allows a composer to transpose the music to be compatible with various instruments.

Both of the teachers have nothing but praise for her. “Jordyn is undoubtedly one of the most talented and dedicated students I have had the pleasure of teaching,” said Mr. Bocchino.  She has a true love for music which is evident in all of her work.” Said Mr. Rapp, “She is a fabulous bassoonist, having now made All-State two years in a row. She is one of the most passionate and dedicated band members I've ever had the pleasure to work with.”
Jordyn explained that “Haunted House” was written for percussion ensemble backed by strings, a saxaphone, and an oboe. The piece begins with a vibraphone replicating the sound of a doorbell and knocking sounds provided by a bass drum.

“The oboe works well for “Haunted House” because it can have a low, almost creepy sound,” she said.
Music takes up a large part of Jordyn’s time; she’s playing, or writing, or working with the SHS Flute Ensemble, which she and her friend, Tian Bao, started at the school. The ensemble is overseen by Mr. Rapp.

In addition, Jordyn is a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony and SHS’s Wind Ensemble. She has also performed with the Region Band, the All State Orchestra, and
“I definitely want to continue writing music and playing my bassoon,” she said. “I may possibly major in music in college and go on to a master’s degree. I can see myself becoming a music teacher or playing in an orchestra, but I’ll definitely continue to write music, perhaps something that will become published.
“Being a finalist in the composers competition is an amazing opportunity for me,” said Jordyn. “I’m grateful that everyone has been so supportive of everything I’m doing. I’ wouldn’t be where I am without my family, my teachers, and my friends.”
“Haunted House” will soon be available on the NJMEA website: NJMEA.org

—By Cathy Fernandez