Composer Soon Hee Newbold signed autographs for students during her visit to Los Alamos. Courtesy/LAPS

Community members Sue and Paul Bombardt provided funding to bring Soon Hee Newbold to the special event.  Courtesy/LAPS

LAPS News:

Los Alamos Public Schools (LAPS) orchestra students had the opportunity recently to meet Soon Hee Newbold, Korean American composer, conductor, violinist, actor, police officer and martial artist. In addition,  Newbold spent the afternoon working with students at both the middle school and high school.

Valerie Collins, Michelle Rosette and the rest of the LAPS music team worked for over a year to bring  Newbold to Los Alamos. Community members Sue and Paul Bombardt provided funding for this special event.

“It was a great experience for the students to meet a professional composer,” Rosette said. “She spent a great deal of time answering their questions about her life as a musician. We appreciate that she visited Los Alamos and thank the Bombardts for making this possible.”

Elementary students were invited to Duane Smith Auditorium where they had the chance to hear from  Newbold, and ask questions. The Los Alamos High School Symphonic Strings performed two of  Newbold’s more advanced compositions, Lion City and Irish Legend, and also had the opportunity to discuss music with a professional composer.

In preparation for this special event, all LAPS orchestra students have been performing pieces by  Newbold throughout the school year.

Newbold is working on three commissions from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and specializes in writing music representing different cultures. Read more about Newbold at https://www.soonheenewbold.com/.

Elementary orchestra students listen while the Los Alamos High School Symphonic Strings performe two compositions by Soon Hee Newbold. Courtesy/LAPS