Max Letellier is a sophomore at New Berlin Eisenhower High School. He began taking lessons on piano when he was five, and violin when he was ten. In addition, he plays clarinet in his high school band. This is his third year in MYSO, where he is currently a violinist in the Metropolitan Orchestra.
Max wrote his first composition in sixth grade, when he had to write a short piece for music class. He enjoyed it, and has continued to compose since then. This year his piece, Before Dawn, received an honorable mention for the band/orchestra category of the WSMA Student Composition Project, and two of his other pieces scored third and first place in their categories.
When he is not composing, playing, or listening to music, Max enjoys cross country skiing, reading, and participating in academic competitions, such as Science Bowl.
Max is excited for this opportunity to have such a high level ensemble play one of his compositions, and would like to thank Rick Walters and Mr. Duffy for helping to guide him through the composition process.
Before Dawn is a contemplative piece inspired by the music of Debussy. It begins quietly, representing the still hours of early morning before sunrise. The first melody is introduced by a solo flute and celesta. As this theme is developed, the piece builds in excitement, representing the anticipation of approaching dawn. It reaches its climax with a triumphant melody played by the trumpets, accompanied by wavelike arpeggios in the strings and woodwinds. This represents the sunrise, and the fast arpeggios imitate the chirping of birds. Finally, the excitement subsides as a new day begins.