20. Composer Chat w/Cait Nishimura & Salvador Jacobo

Cait Nishimura & Salvador Jacobo - two young composers (both in their 20’s) who have already written several very popular pieces of band music. In particular, Cait’s “Chasing Sunlight” and Sal’s “Vuelo” have been programmed by many band directors in Minnesota in the past two years. We wanted to know what it’s like to be a young composer from a demographic that is typically underrepresented in band music, and why their music has become especially popular in Minnesota. Additionally, we talk about the challenges of composing during a pandemic and what lies ahead. In many ways, this is also a continuation of Episode 18, “Quality Music of Diversity,” with Brian Lukkasson and Nora Tycast.
CAIT NISHIMURA (b.1991) is a Canadian composer, songwriter, and music educator based in Toronto. Known for writing melody-driven, programmatic music, Cait has quickly established herself as a prominent voice in the concert band community. With influences from minimalism and pop music, her work is full of simple yet lush harmonies, and themes that linger in listeners’ minds. A lifelong nature-lover, she draws inspiration from the beauty of the natural world and aims to transport listeners to the landscapes she writes about. Her music has been presented at The Midwest Clinic, MusicFest Canada, and numerous other conferences and festivals across North America. In 2019, the Ontario Band Association commissioned her work Intrinsic Light in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Ontario Music Educators Association. Her best-selling piece Chasing Sunlight was the winner of the 2017 Canadian Band Association’s composition competition.  All of Cait’s concert works are self-published under Cait Nishimura Music ( https://caitnishimura.com/ )  and are distributed by Murphy Music Press, LLC.
SALVADOR ALAN JACOBO (b. 1997) is a Mexican-American composer. Salvador has composed music for an array of musical settings from wind ensembles to brass ensembles to marching bands and everything in between. His compositions have acquired attention from notable composers such as John Mackey. His compositions have also been played by prestigious ensembles such as the Dallas Winds (Brass and Percussion). Salvador has also been the guest conductor for various bands such as the Portales Junior High Band, the Portales High School Band, and the 30th Biennial Eastern New Mexico University Alumni Band. Salvador is also a brother of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity (Theta Zeta chapter). Sal’s music is available on his website, https://www.musicjacobo.com/
Show timings:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:15) Why the Minnesota connection? Our great Minnesota band community
(9:55) Compositional style and inspiration
(16:35) Why diversity and representation matter / who inspired you?
(25:40) COVID-19 - how does a pandemic affect composer? (Motivation, new projects, etc.)
(34:00) Challenges to a young composer
(42:37) Final thoughts - overcoming stereotypes associated with ‘composers’
If you enjoyed this episode or any other episode, please consider leaving a review on any of the platforms that you listen to the show on Stitcher, Apple Podcast, Anchor, Breaker, Spotify, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, and Pocket Casts.
Your reviews, with or without written feedback, help get the word out about the show.
Thank you!  Jerry Luckhardt and Bradley Mariska
https://www.facebook.com/Band-in-Minnesota