Each week, the OUMS newsletter features an interview with someone who positively contributes to the Oxford music scene. This week, we sat down with first year muso and conductor of OUBB, Morris Harper, to ask about their musical activities.
Morris Harper
Conductor
Tell us a bit about yourself!
Hi, I'm Morris and I am a first year music student at Oriel! I play the tuba first and foremost (though I have been known to dabble in percussion), and I am incredibly lucky to be conducting the wonderful Oxford University Brass Band this year!
What are you working on at the moment?
Outside of studying hard (of course), I am currently working on a composition commission from my old school to celebrate their 450th anniversary this year! I'm very much enjoying rising to the challenge of writing for a mixed ensemble of young musicians.
What has your favourite musical experience been at Oxford so far?
Definitely travelling up to Newcastle with OUBB in Michaelmas to perform as part of the annual Brass in Concert event in the Glasshouse! It was a fantastic opportunity and an excellent venue to get squared away.
Where can you see yourself going in the future?
I'd love to continue with music in the future, especially with conducting and composition, both within the brass band world and beyond. I'd love to get into film composition one day, so that's the aim for now!
Give us a music recommendation!
I'm really enjoying the brass band test piece Music of the Spheres by Philip Sparke at the moment, which evokes the mystery and wonder of deep space. There's an excellent recording on Spotify by Brass Band Willebroek!