“The professors here have been so intentional and have poured into me. I’ve learned so much and grown as a composer.”
Through a fellowship at OKC’s music production company Onyx Lane, OU sophomore Andrew Jacob helped record a score for the 2021 fantasy movie, Iké Boys. During his fellowship, Jacob learned the ropes of audio engineering and professional studio recording.
Q: What lead you to OU and music composition?
Jacob: In the middle of my high school career, I realized that I had a passion for music and that I wanted to continue it for the rest of my life. The Music Composition program at OU has been awesome. I’ve made a ton of companions in my music classes, and I’ve grown as a composer. I’ve had a great time in the music program and would highly suggest to anyone to be a part of it.
Q: How did you find the fellowship at Onyx Lane?
Jacob: For my first semester at OU, I took a music orientation class. Dr. Christian Giacona and Dr. Patrick Conlon spoke in one of our classes about their music production company, Onyx Lane. Once I heard their story and how they started the company, I decided to talk to them about possible internships. That’s when they told me about the fellowship!
Q: How have your OU professors supported you in your academic and professional work?
Jacob: My professors were very supportive of this fellowship and had intentional conversations with me about the studio process and what the role of a composer looks like. I am excited to take my upper-division classes, which focus more on studio recording and Musical Instrumental Digital Interface (MIDI).
Q: What did an ordinary day look like during your fellowship?
Jacob: The first few days of my fellowship, I attended workshops to learn more about audio engineering, professional studio recording, orchestration, building a reputation, and professionalism. After that, we spent time in the studio to apply what we learned. I learned about audio engineering and the equipment needed for different sounding instruments and ensemble sizes. We professionally recorded a guitar and violin duet and a cello solo. In January, I helped assist in the recording of a score for the movie Iké Boys. It was a great way to get connected to the composer and the musicians who played for the film!
Q: Do you have any pieces you’ve made during your time at OU?
Jacob: I just had a composition recital where I performed a piece that I composed along with the other composition students in my studio. I gathered four amazing saxophone musicians to perform it for me. We also have a composition recital each semester, which is exciting because I have a lot more opportunities for my pieces to be performed and heard.
Watch Jacob’s "Theseus for Sax Quartet," a piece that takes listeners on the adventures of the Greek hero, Theseus.
The performance took place on October 21, 2021, at OU’s Catlett Music Center.
