The Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Summer Wind Ensemble (RIPYSWE) of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra & Music School performs in a free concert at East Providence’s Weaver Public Library on Aug. 21 (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. The concert will feature an original composition by East Providence’s Teddy Mason, who is a rising sophomore at Rhode Island College. Mason is a former longtime student of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School and a 2018 graduate of East Providence High School.

“My piece called ‘The Neighbor's Death’ celebrates the life of my late neighbor, Eileen Periera [of East Providence], who I used to call Tee-Tee. She was family to me and even now thinking back I only remember good times – how she would have dinner at our kitchen table nightly; how I would visit her throughout the day; and how she and my aunt would always tune into Judge Judy together at the same time every day,” Mason said. “You couldn't have met a more gentle person. So this piece is a tribute to my neighbor, friend and family member.

The concert includes selections from Les Miserables, marches by John Philip Sousa, The Star Spangled Banner, American Riversongs and more. RIPYSWE is conducted by David Neves, Ph.D., and John F. Knasas Jr.

When Edward “Teddy” Mason debuted his original music composition a Boy and his Sister, it marked the culmination of perseverance at the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School in East Providence. With an interest in music, at age 9, he started teaching himself to play the trumpet on a low-quality instrument. He was also writing his own warm ups and little pieces. As a Riverside Middle School Viking and East Providence High School Townie, he kept practicing and performing with the trumpet and continued to write his own pieces – now for small ensembles.

Impressed with his trumpet playing, he was encouraged to apply to the Music School for private lessons. He was accepted into the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, and began studying trumpet under then Orchestra member trumpeter Gene Crisafulli and composition with film composer Roger Cichy. Currently, he is a music student at Rhode Island College with a double major in music education and composition. His original compositions have been performed in concert by the East Providence High School, RI Philharmonic Youth Winds Ensemble and Rhode Island College Orchestra.