Wilson Works with Major Film Composers in New York

October 5, 2015

Months of hard work and dedication to his craft led OBU senior Michael Wilson nearly 1,500 miles from his hometown of Yukon, Oklahoma, to New York City this summer, where he took part in the New York University/American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers Foundation Film Scoring Workshop.

The workshop, in memory of Buddy Baker, was intended for participants ranging from high school students to professionals and anyone in between. Attendees were selected through a rigorous application process which involved submission of arrangements and original pieces. In Manhattan, the workshop participants were surrounded by industry professionals who led sessions addressing the orchestrating, conducting, editing and creative processes of both classic Hollywood film scoring and modern film scoring. They attended critique lessons as well as lectures from professionals in the field.

Wilson, a senior music composition major, chose to study under the classic Hollywood track during his time at the NYU/ASCAP workshop. From here, he chose a movie clip from a selection of rough cuts featuring several movie genres.

“I chose the closing scene from the 2006 film ‘Accepted,’” Wilson said. “In the scene, the ragtag protagonists succeed in getting their university certified as an institution of higher learning. The challenge I found in scoring this particular clip was writing music that communicated the triumphant nature of the scene without being over-the-top. There seemed to be a fine line between creating a score that was either cheesy or inadequate.”

Wilson worked diligently at his project, and his efforts culminated in a full day recording session featuring top-tier studio musicians from New York. Previous workshops have included players from the New York Philharmonic and The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

“A few of my mentors included Sean Callery, composer for the television series, ‘24,’ ‘Bones,’ and ‘Homeland;’ Mark Snow, composer of the theme for ‘The X-Files’ as well as ‘Smallville;’ and Ira Newborn, of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘Sixteen Candles,’ and ‘The Naked Gun’ fame.”

Wilson agrees that NYU/ASCAP workshop made true on the promise to “immerse participants” in film scoring.

“The workshop definitely provided a first-hand look into the business and process of putting together a film score,” Wilson said. “It was a priceless experience being able to engage with those in the industry and to gain insight into their workflow.”

Wilson has had several of his works performed on OBU’s campus during recitals or student events. Last winter, his composition “The Greatest Generation,” was performed by a full orchestra during the 41st annual Concerto-Aria Concert. His work appeared in the 40th Concerto-Aria Concert as well.

“The wonderful professors in OBU’s Division of Music have been a tremendous blessing and a vital part in providing me with the skills and knowledge I needed to succeed at the workshop this past summer,” Wilson said.