Today we’d like to introduce you to Warren Shaw.
Hi Warren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, my passion for composing music started in high school with my best friend Willie Hollins. We wanted to play some more “trendy” music with our high school band. So we watched the HBCU football game halftime shows on BET and picked a tune that thought the band would like as well as the crowd. So in preparation for the Cherry Blossom Parade, we put together a handwritten arrangement of “Get Ready” as performed by the Jackson State University “Sonic Boom of the South”. I had no formal training in music composition, just going by what we could pick out playing our trumpet, trombone and tuba. The song was a hit in the parade, and that started my passion for composing music.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am basically a self-taught composer, with some workshops along the way from the legends like Lindsey Sarjeant of the Florida A&M University “Marching 100”. The struggle was learning how to write for other instruments that I wasn’t familiar with, like French horn, as well as how to orchestrate the music to make it sound the best for the ensemble.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m currently serving as one of the assistant directors for the Clark Atlanta University “Mighty Marching Panthers” band program. My main focus is arranging music for the marching, pep and concert bands. I also assist with setting up logistics for the band program.
I think I’m proudest of my longevity. I have served on the band staff since 1998. I have had many accolades and praise, but I try and stay humble as I am part of a team.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see a resurgence of students participating in band as more and more students graduate with degrees in music and music education. The more we pour into our performing arts programs, the more vital they become.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.warrendshaw.com
- Instagram: @thepmapsientist
- Other: www.caubands.net
