RI Philharmonic Music School’s Youth Wind Ensemble performs at E.P.’s Weaver Library, Aug. 21

“My piece called The Neighbor’s Death celebrates the life of my late neighbor Eileen Periera (of East Providence), who I used to call Tee-Tee. She was family to me and even now thinking back I only remember good times—how she would have dinner at our kitchen table nightly; how I would visit her throughout the day; and how she and my aunt would always tune into Judge Judy together at the same time every day. You couldn’t have met a more gentle person. So this piece is a tribute to my neighbor, friend and family member.

The concert includes selections from Les Miserables, marches by John Philip Sousa,

The Star Spangled Banner,  American Riversongs and more. RIPYSWE is conducted by 

David Neves, Ph.D., and John F. Knasas, Jr.

About Teddy Mason

When Edward “Teddy” Mason debuted his original music composition a Boy and his Sister, it marked the culmination of perseverance at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School in East Providence. With an interest in music, at age 9, he started teaching himself to play the trumpet on a low-quality instrument. He was also writing his own warm ups and little pieces. As a Riverside Middle School Viking and East Providence High School Townie, he kept practicing and performing with the trumpet and continued to write his own pieces—now for small ensembles.

Impressed with his trumpet playing, he was encouraged to apply to the Music School for private lessons. He was accepted into the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, and began studying trumpet under then Orchestra member trumpeter Gene Crisafulli and composition with film composer Roger Cichy. Currently, he is a music student at Rhode Island College with a double major in music education and composition. His original compositions have been performed in concert by the East Providence High School, RI Philharmonic Youth Winds Ensemble and Rhode Island College Orchestra.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Wind Ensembles (RIPYSWE) consists of select members of the RI Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles (RIPYWE). During the school year, RIPYWE provides a quality wind ensemble rehearsal and performance experience for talented young musicians from southern New England. RIPYWE Symphonic Winds is designed for advanced middle- and high-school students, and Wind Ensemble is for intermediate to advanced middle- and high-school students.

For more information or to schedule an audition, visit musicschool.riphil.org or contact Youth Ensembles Manager Chelsea Anderson at 401-248-7038 or canderson@riphil.org.