“I am so proud to see Connor’s talent and skills recognized at the state level,” said CPP Music teacher Mr. Brian Ellison. Connor Flynn, a CPPHS junior, has had a song selected for the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Electronic Music Showcase. This program is held each year at the NYSSMA Winter Conference and features original electronic music compositions composed by New York State students. The showcase compositions are selected from a large pool of works submitted by students of all ages from NYSSMA participating schools. All submitted compositions are evaluated by a panel of adjudicators and the most outstanding are selected for performance at the showcase. Connor’s song made that prestigious list and he is the first student at CPPHS to achieve this honor. The song was not a specific assignment in Mr. Ellison’s electronic music production class; Connor created it outside of class at home.
Electronic music is created using electronic musical instruments, digital instruments, or circuitry-based technology. While the creation of electronic music has been around for many years, it wasn’t until recently that it started to become an area of study in public schools. Music technology in general has seen an increased interest in classes now being offered at the middle school and high school levels. Mr. Ellison said, “Our music technology program began in 2013 after a visit to see music technology education pioneer, author and recipient of the 2012 TIME Music Technology Teacher of the Year, Barb Freedman.” The music technology program at Greenwich High School in Connecticut has gained national recognition for providing unique musical opportunities for students. In general, statistics nationally show that only about 20% of the student population are involved in traditional music offerings such as band, chorus, and orchestra. “Our district has always shown amazing support for music education and the fact that they trust my vision of providing these new musical opportunities means so much,” Mr. Ellison said.
Connor said, “The song, one of several I created, was produced entirely on a computer using audio production software.” Connor has had an avid interest in music, specifically electronic music, from an early age. “I play the drums, which I’ve found has helped me create rhythms for my songs,” he said. Although he enjoys making electronic instrumental music, Connor said, “My favorite genre is Christian rap and that is what I am most known for.”
Connor started producing beats and songs using Apple’s Garageband software at home, but has since upgraded to Logic and has a set of studio monitors. At school, students are able to use a full suite of sophisticated and advanced software and audio production equipment. Mr. Ellison said, “We are so fortunate to be able to provide our students with this creative space to learn and explore their interests in music and audio production.”
“I’ve pursued some opportunities outside of school to learn more about music production and producing live events,” Connor said. “At Victory Highway Wesleyan Church I run the broadcast and front of house audio and work directly with the Worship Arts and Community Groups Director. I have learned a lot from that experience,” he said.
The song Connor submitted to NYSSMA took him two years to complete. “It was something I had been working on for a long time, and actually it was not my first choice to submit,” said Connor. He indicated he was surprised but happy that it has achieved such recognition. As to when we can hear it, Mr. Ellison said once the process at the state level is completed it will be featured on the NYSSMA website (link below).
At CPPHS, Connor is a member of The Jesus Club and he also provides audio production support in the CPPHS Theater for Drama Club productions and other events. He plans to attend college and possibly pursue a career in live event and concert production.
To learn more about the NYSSMA Electronic Music Showcase visit this link:
Although the song that was submitted cannot be shared yet, here is an example of Connor’s music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93FdYAgTVe0