Happy Birthday

In 1993 I resolved to attempt a work for orchestra.  At 25 years of age I felt it was time to tackle the mighty task of orchestration, a mighty task, at least, for one learning music on one’s own.

Instead of scoring one of my own compositions, I decided to arrange Amazing Grace--one of the most brilliant jewels in music's treasure chest!  And, like a jeweler, my job was not to create the priceless gem, but merely to "set" it, to present it in an appropriate and attractive way while at the same time gaining valuable experience in my creative discipline.

It is always interesting when I delve into my old scores in search of something to resurrect through MIDI sequencing.  So much of what I have composed lies on dusty shelves and, admittedly, I will probably never get around to sequencing most of them.  However, working as always, without an instrument and on paper means that when I do produce a MIDI performance of a piece, it is a rather thrilling experience to hear it through the magic of sample technology!

My take on this arrangement is one of general satisfaction.  My original intention was to make it easy on myself by keeping it short and setting it for a small orchestra.  Upon listening to this render, I feel good enough about the project, especially as a first attempt at orchestration.  Note that my first thought was to arrange the melody proper as it exists, that is without introduction or coda.  However, after some consideration, I decided to compose the little intro and outgo that you hear, a somewhat masculine utterance against the inherently feminine melodic line.

Arranged in 1993

Amazing Grace

Welcome to this showcase for my original music.  Here you find a regularly updated collection of my compositions for various ensembles.

BIOGRAPHY

Born Sean Damon Rohde in 1968, I began my study of music at twelve years of age.  Like so many others, I learned my favorite songs by ear.  But almost immediately I realized an intense desire to create.  From that point to this, I have played only my own music.  

My creation and performance of pieces in the rock idiom continued until I was eighteen, when I made the greatest discovery of my life--Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and the mighty tradition of the European Masters!  I had found the path through the rest of my days!  

In 1986, using my name Sean Damon, I began my music career as an unguided novice.  In fact, I have learned music almost entirely by my own efforts.  A few rock guitar lessons, one classical guitar lesson, a community college class on the appreciation of classical music, and a choir class at the same school comprise the totality of my formal training in this art!  As a result of this fact, however, I have struggled through these years with the social and political dynamics inherent in choosing this woefully difficult unpaved course.  Not difficult because I have learned what I know from independent study of books and scores, but rather from the exclusion I have suffered as a result of so learning.  In this field, it seems not about what you do or have done, but rather how, where, and by whom you learned to do it that is most important.  For me, the problem is not how the craft is learned.  Instead, it is finding a way past the iron gates of prejudicial resistance that is most challenging.  Nevertheless, in defiance of that injustice, I continue to write for dear life.  For, dear life equals time.  And time converts to creation.  In lieu of a professional career, I suppose I'd rather try to compose works of value while in total solitude without recognition or honors than have professional success while not creating anything worthwhile.  After all, it is the art that matters.  Our creations are what we leave to posterity.

Above all, though, I hold Mother Nature most dear.  In her embrace I find my classroom, my playground, and my church.  From her I have learned to appreciate the beautiful subtleties of existence.  With her I have experienced some of my greatest pleasures.  By her I find the spiritual reassurance to continue through hardship and maintain a productive life.  

Amid ugliness of the human world, I find paradise in my thoughts.  Whatever becomes of humanity, I shall continue to do my part to promote beauty.  

Artists keep the sanity of humankind.