I am Sam Weller, 17 years of age and in my final year at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts. I began playing the saxophone at a young age and have now achieved my AMusA diploma with Honours in Classical Saxophone. At the age of 15 I was awarded second place in the Australasian Saxophone and Clarinet Conference (under 19’s division). Throughout my schooling life I have been a part of two international tours (USA and China) and a long-term member of the NSW State Wind Ensembles and Jazz Orchestras. I am also an aspiring conductor, beginning in year nine, and that same year I was the youngest person to conduct a symphony orchestra in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in an exchange performance between Australia and China. Throughout my time at school, I have directed performances of major works including Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and The Firebird with the school orchestra. I have written many small works for chamber ensembles but only two works for full orchestra. I am delighted to have my composition picked for the Fanfare Competition and recorded by the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Composition Inspiration
I composed the work with American composers of the 20th century in mind, particularly that of wind band writing. This is particularly evident in that if the wind and percussion writing. Although I have fused these contemporary notions with Wagnarian brass writing and String parts reminiscent of Stravinsky’s compositions. In doing so I have created an eclectic sound palette that I hope is full of energy and engages the audience as a fanfare should do.
Sam Weller was the winner of the 2015 ATYP Sound Design Scholarship.