The Bridgewater-Raritan High School Wind Ensemble on Monday, March 10, took part in a residency experience with Bruce Yurko, the composer of one of the pieces the ensemble is performing, entitled “Danza No. 2”.
Mr. Yurko is an esteemed conductor and music educator with a distinguished career in the world of music. As the founder and conductor of the Monmouth Civic Chorus, Mr. Yurko has led the group to national recognition, performing at prestigious venues and working with a variety of professional ensembles.
His passion for music education extends beyond his conducting roles, as he has mentored countless young musicians, helping to shape their careers and inspire them in their pursuit of music. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the most prominent ensembles, including the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the American Symphony Orchestra.
His extensive experience in conducting, combined with his deep understanding of music theory and history, has made him a respected figure in the music community.
Mr. Yurko’s recent visit to the Bridgewater-Raritan Wind Ensemble provided the students with a unique opportunity to learn from his wealth of experience, fostering a deeper understanding of both the technical and emotional aspects of musical performance. His insights and guidance left a lasting impact on the ensemble, inspiring them to elevate their musical expression and take their performances to new heights.
During his visit to the BRHS Wind Ensemble, Mr. Bruce Yurko shared the poignant story behind his composition Danza No. 2 (2003), which was commissioned by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) High School Honors Band, under the direction of Jack Stamp. The piece was written in memory of Matthew Hornick, a talented member of the IUP Wind Ensemble, who tragically lost his life in a car accident.
Mr. Yurko explained how the composition was deeply personal, as it was created not only as a memorial but also as a tribute to Hornick’s life and the impact he had on those around him. The piece was meant to be somewhat of a typical eulogy, remembering the vibrancy and vitality that Hornick contributed to the ensembles he was in, as a clarinetist, and remembering the high standards everyone held themselves to in his presence.
During his visit to the Bridgewater-Raritan’s Wind Ensemble, Mr. Yurko provided invaluable guidance on achieving rhythmic accuracy and refining key aspects of the music. He emphasized the importance of precision in timing, encouraging the ensemble to focus on the subtleties of each rhythm to ensure a cohesive performance. Mr. Yurko also highlighted the dynamic contrasts and articulations throughout Danza No. 2, stressing that these elements are crucial for capturing the vibrant energy of the piece.
His expert advice on maintaining the relentless drive of the music while balancing the interplay between winds and percussion helped the ensemble understand how to shape the performance for maximum emotional impact. Through his clear and constructive direction, Mr. Yurko guided the students toward a deeper understanding of the music, ensuring they were equipped to bring the piece to life with both technical skill and emotional depth.
Alice Wang, a junior flutist, shared her thoughts on the experience.
“Working with Dr. Yurko was incredibly insightful. His attention to detail, especially regarding rhythmic accuracy, helped me understand how every note and rest plays a crucial role in the overall energy of the piece. His guidance on how to interpret the dynamic contrasts and the emotional depth behind Danza No. 2 really made me approach the music differently. I felt more connected to the piece, knowing the story behind it and how we were bringing that emotion to life,” she said.
The Wind Ensemble played this piece for the Central Jersey Musical Educators Association (CJMEA) Band Festival on Tuesday, March 18, using the commentary provided by Mr. Yurko, which was implemented during in-school rehearsals.
