Music composition major soars with an immersive heron-inspired score

For his Independent Study, Colin Schrein ’25, who completed his Bachelor of Music degree in music composition at The College of Wooster, parlayed his love for music into an original score titled “Herons Overhead.” The piece alludes to Schrein’s lifelong observation that during crucial moments, he often notices herons flying above him. His 23-minute composition, which he performed at his senior recital, is a multimedia experience featuring three percussionists, a piano, and live dancers intended to immerse the audience both aurally and visually.  

“It can be tricky to explain the technicalities and unorthodox approach I’ve taken to certain instruments and the sounds that are created. I guide the audience through a series of emotions and feelings through ranging beats, melodies, and atmospheric textures. It is a piece to be experienced, not just listened to.” 

—Colin Schrein ’25 

MY I.S. 

SCHREIN: My project is an interdisciplinary musical work that explores sound, physical space, and live dance. I represented heron sightings through a series of harmonic developments, rhythmic motives, and textural colors. Many unorthodox effects and techniques like bowed, scraped, flapped, and reverberant unpitched sounds are featured throughout to create a unique ambiance. Visually, the musicians utilize draped twin-size bed sheets to simulate the flapping of heron wings. Live dancers portray the emotions I felt as I viewed the herons, and move in and around the performers, mixing their choreography with the aural and visual elements of the musicians. Whether the situation is loud and bustling or dead silent, the combination of stimuli work together to create this captured time of herons flying overhead.  

EXCITING ASPECTS 

SCHREIN: My I.S. excites me as I truly set out to explore and search for my compositional voice. Through endless trial and error, experimentation with sounds, and listening to an immense amount of music, I was able to develop a piece that richly reflects who I am. My initial conception of a musical work blossomed into a full-blown collaboration and team effort which was such a uniquely rewarding experience. 

EMPOWERED IN MY FIELD 

SCHREIN: Before creating “Herons Overhead,” I had very little experience working with musicians and no experience with working with dancers. Throughout the past academic year, I developed my communication, planning, and organizational skills as I lead rehearsals, performances, and all the logistics that come along with group collaboration. I learned to consider any idea, big or small, and that ambition, dedication, and hard work really do pay off. 

SUPPORTIVE SCOT COMMUNITY 

SCHREIN: My advisor, Dr. Cara Haxo, provided indispensable guidance and support through the conception, creation, and realization of my I.S. She urged me to shoot high and work through challenging moments. She taught me professional skills as a musician, academic, and person, plus the nuance of navigating a career in music. I sincerely thank Dr. Haxo for all she has done these past four years. I am a better person for it. 

MY TAKEAWAYS 

SCHREIN: I.S. has taught me that there is no straight path to any reward. I’ve learned to dig deep into what matters to me and how to manifest that into my creative endeavors. This has been the most time-consuming and challenging project that I have ever created, but throughout this year, I have learned to love the process of bringing an idea to fruition. 

WHAT’S NEXT 

SCHREIN: I am taking a gap year before pursuing graduate school in music composition. My end goal is to be a professor of music, as I have had such great mentors to look up to during my time at Wooster. This summer I will be working as a line cook and will hopefully squeeze in some time to compose! 

Featured image: Colin Schrein ’25, a music composition major, creates a large composition emulating herons for his Independent Study. 

Posted in Independent Study on June 20, 2025.