This February, the Brigham Young University Philharmonic Orchestra performed the beloved 'How to Train Your Dragon' soundtrack live in concert. The movie played in the background, while the orchestra performed the Academy Award-nominated score.
The stellar and sold-out performance did not come together overnight. Dozens of students in BYU’s School of Music spent weeks practicing and rehearsing to perform the spectacular.
BYU’s Philharmonic Orchestra is composed of 95 students. The talented group is made up of students who auditioned and were selected for the ensemble and its various musical feats.
To prepare for the performance, students spent hours in the rehearsal room. Not wasting a second, students were continuously occupied with setting up instruments, adhering to the director or practicing music.
The room was filled with drums, trumpets, trombones, clarinets, shakers and xylophones. Many students played string instruments including cellos, violins and violas.
At the center of the orchestra, Nathan Haines conducted the performance. The many different instruments joined together in harmony to perform the score. Soundtrack classics such as “This is Berk” and “Training Out There” immersed listeners in the fantasy world.
Madeline Wiseman, who played first bassoon for the “How to Train Your Dragon” concert, highlighted the group's expertise.
“To be able to play music at this level is a real privilege because of the talented students here,” Wiseman said.
Since the event revolved around the orchestra playing along to the film, it was essential to ensure the sound and visuals were in sync. In rehearsals, tech professionals adjusted components such as sound, microphones and synthesizers.
“We also have a synthesizer that will be filling in for the choir and bagpipes. We have to make sure it does not overpower the orchestra,” Wiseman said. “There are a lot of moving parts to make sure that everything happens.”
From practicing music to perfecting the tech, performing a movie score is a major feat. The concert came together thanks to skilled musicians, directors and a technology crew.
“I would hope that audiences would go away with a greater appreciation for movie soundtracks and a greater understanding of the effort that goes into putting together a movie,” Wiseman said.
For BYU Philharmonic Orchestra members, the experience has been intellectually enriching.
“I have learned a lot about technicality,” Wiseman said. “I try really hard to play precisely and play in an impactful way.”
Leading up to the performance, Wiseman hoped that the orchestra’s hard work would resonate with audiences.
“A lot of people grew up watching this movie as kids, and this is a really cool opportunity to hear it in person,” Wiseman said. “We just hope that we are able to have an emotional impact and change people.”
Future BYU Philharmonic Orchestra performances are sure to be just as spectacular. To learn more about upcoming shows, visit: pam.byu.edu. To see future BRAVO! performances, visit https://onstage.byu.edu/bravo.