With family and friends cheering, former Clarkston High School graduate Jim Territo took a bow on stage at the renowned Carnegie Hall on May 29.
Territo’s piece, titled ?1 Chronicles, 13:8,? was performed by the Ninth Annual National Wind Ensemble conducted by H. Robert Reynolds.
‘It’s probably the biggest honor I’ve ever received in my life and just a great experience to be part of the history of that hall,? said Territo, director of the St. Daniel’s Church Choir.
‘I was fortunate to have family and friends there and spend the weekend together. It was such a cool experience.?
In addition to having nearly 20 family members in the audience, five ladies, including his mother, from the church choir attended the concert.
‘Jim was sitting next to me. I got the chills. It was wonderful and so special,? said a beaming Beverly Territo. ‘After the concert, I was kind of stunned and it just started to sink in. Carnegie Hall is such a wonderful performance place and my son got to take a bow on stage.
‘It was very exciting. I was crying. Actually, I was crying all the way to New York thinking about his life and all he’s done.?
?1 Chronicles, 13:8? was commissioned by the Miami University Wind Ensemble for performance at the Michigan Music Educators? Conference in 2004.
According to Territo, the scripture verse represented a brief period of peace in Israel during David’s reign, providing inspiration for the peace.
In addition to his duties at St. Daniel’s, Territo currently is director of the elementary and high school bands and teacher of music theory and composition at Detroit Country Day. He also continues to compose music for bands, orchestras, ensembles and soloists.
Territo highlighted his time under former CHS band director Cliff Chapman as influential in his career.
In 1996, Chapman was one of the first people to play one of the then 17-year-old junior’s compositions.
‘It was real affirming as a student to have your band director perform one of your pieces,? said Territo, calling the experience a major confidence builder.
After graduating from CHS in 1997, Territo earned degrees in music education and music composition at the University of Michigan where he is currently pursuing his master’s degree in music education.
Territo is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Territo of Clarkston.