In January 2017, award winning composer Robert J. Bradshaw joined the MHS Orchestra as Composer-in-Residence. Mr. Bradshaw’s extensive body of work includes operas, ballets, symphonies, chamber and solo compositions with a focus on producing socially relevant works.

Mr. Bradshaw collaboration with orchestra students began with a series of visits and culminated with the debut of his compositions for each orchestra at the Spring Concert in May 2018.

In the first series of visits Mr. Bradshaw involved students in some exciting and engaging discussions in each of the orchestra classes. He introduced himself, got to know the students, discussed basic composition techniques, and further explained the exciting project for the spring.  This ongoing experience helped the students expand their understanding of music in many ways.

Students were encouraged to come up with their own musical ideas and submit them to the project.  This included written musical ideas, recorded sounds, notes names written out, pictures drawn conveying musical ideas, poems written, and other various creative contributions. Mr. Bradshaw took elements from all of the submissions to compose brand new pieces of music for each orchestra and one combined finale performed by all the orchestras at the Spring 2018 Concert.

For more information on Mr. Bradshaw and his works please visit www.robertjbradshaw.com