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World-renowned composer works with CSAT band students

WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley

World-renowned composer and music educator is assisting two local school bands with a performance to be held Tuesday evening.  WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley attended a rehearsal at the Charter School for Applied Technologies in north Buffalo.

Middle school students inside the band room of this charter school listened closely to their guest teacher, Composer James Swearingen. Swearingen moved in a spirited fashion as he led students through a music lesson.                     

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
Composer James Swearingen working with CSAT students.

Swearingen, who’s had over 550-published pieces, offered tips to young band members, suggesting not too look at their music.  “Eyes, if you can avoid looking at the music – one – two – ready,” instructed Swearingen.

WBFO News asked Swearingen about working with these charter students.  “What are you doing when you come to schools like this to help out?,” asked Buckley.   

“You used the words ‘to help out’ – that’s my mission – is to help and introduce the students to maybe different concepts. I hear this all the time, the band director say ‘you know I say the same things to my kids, but you say it a little bit different way and all of a sudden they act like it’s more important’. It’s not that I’m saying different things, I’m just saying them in a different way,” explained Swearingen. "The message that I tried to present to the students at the very beginning was you’re not a group of individuals, you’re an individual group when you play in the band and that’s a whole different mindset because that’s about individual sacrifice for the betterment of the person sitting beside you and trying to do things in a very like manner."  

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
CSAT band room door with Composer James Swearingen inside.
Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
Composer James Swearingen works CSAT.

Swearingen was invited to appear at the school by his former student Adam Brignone, who now serves at the school's middle school band director. Brignone calls Swearingen's teaching is very genuine. 

“He’s very honest,” stated Brignone. “And when he would come to watch me teach, as a college student, it was the same thing, very much to the point. If I deserved criticism, he gave me criticism, if I deserved praise, he gave me praise,” recalled Brignone.   

“I remind the band director – I can be demanding,” said Swearingen.

Applied Technologies 5th grade band, middle school and high school bands and the Kenmore East High School Band will appear Tuesday evening at a special concert that Swearingen will lead.

Credit WBFO News photo by Eileen Buckley
CSAT band listens to Composer James Swearingen instructions.

Ilauna Saffold is a 6th grader at the charter school who plays percussion.

“What did you learn?” asked Buckley. “To watch the conductor and count.”  Having to play different types of instruments.

Swearingen's world-famous for his pieces written for elementary, middle high school and collegiate bands and he's in high demand around the globe as a composer and educator. He's traveled to Norway and will head to Singapore next month, but for some local students have his attention.  

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