Young composer an inspiration

PALMER — For the first time in Colony High School’s history, the symphonic band performed a student’s composition under his direction during this year’s Spring, Still Winter Fling concert.

Mat-Su Career and Technical High School’s Sterling Maffe, 15, composed “Alien Armada” as part of a 14-track album he composed.

For years Maffe said he played piano and listened to music with a tuned ear. But didn’t begin composing until one day when he realized that he had no songs in his iTunes library that started with the letter “X.”

So he decided he would write one.

More than that, Maffe made it his goal to write a 14-track, sci-fi-themed album before he turned 15. He achieved that goal the day before his birthday.

His composition got noticed after he showed it to Colony High band director, Jamin Burton.

“Amazing. That is the one word that sums up Sterling — amazing,” Burton said.

The music was presented to students in the band, who immediately jumped on board, eager to perform Maffe’s work during the spring concert. The 15-year-old also worked with students to perform his piece as he intended it.

“It was the first time we had ever tried doing this,” Burton said. “It was a great educational experience for me, him and the students. It is not very often in high school that you get to work with the composer.”

Maffe conducted his piece March 8 during the concert and took a well-deserved bow.

After having such a successful experience working with the CHS band this year, Maffe said he looks forward to the future.

“I have nothing set yet with Colony, but I hope I can work with them again soon. Right now I am expanding my work to other bands,” he said.

Maffe wrote seven pieces specifically for the Mat-Su College band’s May concert, all based on the “Book of Revelation.”

This Valley prodigy is working very hard to have his music heard and one day hopes to continue his education in the music field of film scores, he said.

Casey Branch is a senior at Colony High School.