ISM 2020 Showcase

ISM 2020 Showcase

During the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, ISM had decided to put on a variety show to keep involvement while also adhering to the national safety guidelines of distancing and masking.

As the rehearsal accompanist, the original idea was to have me play the piano conductor score and put on a small show. However, I believed that we could do more and have a fuller sound by having drums and guitar. I had also learned bass during the production so that I could switch off with the guitarist. This was my first hand at reorchestration, converting a piano score into a rhythm for the drummer and chords for the guitarist. I also played a second keyboard with electric piano and organ sounds to create a fuller timbre.

Each song was a unique combination of instruments and challenge in itself, and this production was my first step towards becoming a music director outside of playing the notes within the score.

Jon Brown on drums, Me on two keys and bass, shared by Me and Keaton Yarber on guitar

Photography by Emma Mize