Composer Henry Mancini embodied the truly diverse musician,
composing such staples as the jazzy Pink Panther theme and scores
for classic films such as “Breakfast at
Tiffany’s.” For four weeks this summer, Mancini lends
his name to the Henry Mancini Institute, which helps young
musicians become just as musically-diverse.
Hosted at UCLA, the sixth annual HMI takes music students from
all over the world and exposes them to the music industry in a
practical way. Founded by composer Jack Elliott and supported by
Mancini’s wife, the program ends Aug. 14 and Aug. 15 with
jazz chamber ensembles at Schoenberg Hall and performers Patti
Austin and Roy Hargrove at Royce Hall on the evening of Aug.
17.
Unlike other conservatories, the HMI combines film, jazz and
classical music to create a varied repertoire.
“We try to broaden their horizons,” said Patrick
Williams, the Institute’s Artistic Director and a composer
for television and film. “We have the whole spectrum here in
a month. Hopefully when they come away from their month here, at
best they’re maybe changed in the way they think about music.
At worst, they had a great time.”
The program has brought some of the biggest names in the music
industry out to teach master classes, conduct their own pieces and
just hang out. David Raksin conducted his legendary score to the
classic film, “Laura,” with the HMI Orchestra. Flutist
James Galway and film composer Dave Grusin (“The
Graduate,” “The Firm”) gave talks and told
stories about what it’s like in the professional music
world.
“When you’re getting information first-hand,
it’s not like you’re in a music business class and
hearing from someone reading a book,” said Brett Hembd, a
third-year UCLA and HMI student. “These are the guys with
some pretty amazing accomplishments.”
For composer Mark Snow, known for writing music for TV’s
“The X-Files,” coming to HMI is getting back in touch
with the audience. Snow works from his home studio and replaces
acoustic instruments with his electronic samplers. To conduct his
newest piece for oboe and orchestra, “Post Modern
Prometheus,” derived from his “X-Files” work, was
a joy as Snow worked with live players and received kudos
first-hand, instead of from a distant TV audience.
“I have missed conducting and interacting with the
players,” Snow said. “This feels so great being up
there again conducting. I’m looking forward to more
situations like this.”
Recognizing the fact that many professional gigs require
knowledge of how to play film music or improvise with a jazz combo,
jazz artists, such as Alan Pasqua who has performed with Bob Dylan,
teach students how to play more pop-based repertoire. In addition,
practical seminars explore topics on various aspects of the music
industry, such as unions, contractors and film studios.
The variety in the HMI experience is mirrored in its diverse
students who come from 15 different countries, including China,
Australia and Hungary. Auditions are held in big cities around the
country and tape auditions are accepted for international students.
After acceptance, students receive full scholarships to attend,
including food, housing, transportation and lessons.
Nihan Yesil, who came from Turkey after studying composition in
Istanbul, finds the HMI as an ideal place for her musical
interests, which includes work by jazz pianist Bill Evans and
Russian composer Igor Stravinsky.
“I can’t classify my music,” Yesil said.
“I can’t say if it’s classical or jazz.
It’s mixed and sometimes it’s Turkish. I can develop
myself and do something new here.”