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2022 National Band Association Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project –Benjamin Pouncey
BY BENJAMIN POUNCEY
The National Band Association Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project (YCCMP) is an incredibly unique and enriching experience. During this summer’s event, three young composers were paired with three young conductors in the rehearsal and performance of three works for wind band written by the participating composers. Throughout the process, all six participants received valuable instruction from highly esteemed professional mentors who provided guidance during rehearsals, as well as met with participants individually to review rehearsal footage and provide feedback. The event was hosted by the United States Air Force Band at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C. The opportunity to learn from these phenomenal musicians through this collaboration was a once in a lifetime experience that furthered my understanding of conducting gesture, fostered the collaboration of composers with conductors, and emphasized the significance of strong leadership on and off the podium.
From a conducting perspective, emphasis was placed on the importance of utilizing appropriate gestures to best convey the intended sound without the need to provide verbal explanation. This approach both strengthened my conducting vocabulary and accentuated the importance of implementing movement in a manner that most clearly and effectively communicates to the musicians. The power of trust in an ensemble was also discussed. In many cases conversation took place regarding not only the information the group needs to be successful, but perhaps more importantly the information that is superfluous. The art of providing space for the ensemble members to express while also being clear and effective as a conductor was a powerful takeaway from the experience.
Collaborating with a composer on the performance of their music was a valuable learning opportunity. Participants met in their pairings throughout the event to discuss the music in detail as well as make musical adjustments as needed. Conductors experienced the importance of developing detailed musical interpretation in order to ensure clarity and remain efficient in rehearsal. This collaboration also emphasized the responsibility of the conductor to effectively bring the composer’s compositional voice to life. Witnessing this take place in real time was a powerful experience, while also providing a deeper and more meaningful understanding of music through the process.
In addition to the musical responsibilities of a conductor, lessons in leadership were implemented into the experience. Key tenets included how to communicate effectively, how to be a visionary, and how to best serve and show respect for the musicians of an ensemble. Providing the ensemble members with what they need to be successful was part of the valuable lessons gained in servitude leadership, through this opportunity, that will be carried on for a lifetime.
The YCCMP final performance was held Wednesday, June 15th in the United States Air Force Band facility on Bolling Air Force Base.
Benjamin Pouncey, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, is currently pursuing a Masters of Music in wind conducting from Colorado State University and is in the studio of Dr. Rebecca Phillips. Mr. Pouncey most recently served as Director of Bands at Ashley Ridge High School (Summerville, SC). Prior to Ashley Ridge, Mr. Pouncey was co-Director of Bands at DuBose Middle School (Summerville, SC) where the DuBose Symphonic Band was a featured ensemble at the 2018 South Carolina Music Educators’ Conference. Mr. Pouncey earned his Bachelor’s Degree in music education from the University of South Carolina.
2022 NBA Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project, Benjamin Pouncey, cont.
The program featured Witching Hour by Henry Dickson, conducted by Ceon Rumphs, Palette and Spectrum by Trevor Smith, conducted by Ben Pouncey, and Five Frames for Redemption by Michael Standard, conducted by Tyler Ehrlich. Additional featured works included Amazing Grace arranged by William Himes, Meditation by Dwayne Milburn, and Rhosymedre by Ralph Vaughan Williams, arranged for band by Walter Beeler.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to participate in the 2022 NBA Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project and I am incredibly grateful to have received the information and instruction from the renowned professional conductor and composer mentors. Thank you very much to the National Band Association, the United States Air Force Band, and everyone involved in making this experience possible.
