Local middle school band participating in national music project with renowned composer

BLACKFOOT – Band students from Mountain View Middle School are making music on a national scale through a collaboration with renowned composer JaRod Hall on a musical composition called “Tock.”

Beyond the Notes — whose mission is to “create and provide profound learning and social experiences through music” — selected the band class to participate in the prestigious ComMission Possible Project. In this project, students nationwide help composers by submitting ideas and feedback to inspire new compositions.

Hall is an accomplished composer, educator, and conductor renowned for engaging and dynamic wind band compositions. He came across this piece and chose it for his repertoire. His works are widely performed by schools and professional ensembles.

Band director Cameron Baker said he saw an application for the project on Facebook last spring and decided to enter his class of 30, featuring three different ensembles (7th grade band, 8th grade band, and percussion ensemble).

Baker, a Blackfoot native in his second year of teaching at MVMS who once attended the school, said, “Being in a rural community shouldn’t put a cap on the opportunities that music can afford us. It doesn’t cost anything to be considered — just the time to fill out the application.”

Each student crafted an introduction based on their instrument, adding a personal touch to the project. The ComMission Possible Project allowed students to contribute to the creative process of composing a new piece, while giving them a unique opportunity to express themselves through music in ways they may not have thought possible.

A standout moment came when Kennedy Rinehart, a seventh-grade flute player, had her idea selected among the top 15 submissions nationwide. Though her concept wasn’t ultimately chosen as the final inspiration for “Tock,” Baker expressed immense pride in her achievement, recognizing it as a remarkable honor.

Baker explained that the name “Tock” symbolizes the sound of a clock, which represents the passage of time, life experiences, and the journey of music itself.

The composition “Tock” has now been completed and will be premiered by Mountain View Middle School at the Mountain West Regional Premiere during their final concert in May.

“This project has allowed them to contribute to creating a new piece of music that will one day be performed worldwide, while exposing them to the complexities of bringing a composition to life,” says Baker. “For students from a small rural community in southeastern Idaho, that experience is truly special.”

“The kids are absolutely thrilled to be a part of something this big,” Baker added. “It’s inspiring to see them so excited about holding a piece of music in their hands that they helped create in some way.”

Baker is hopeful the school’s involvement in this program will open the door for future opportunities, adding, “We’re already looking forward to participating in more ComMission Possible projects in the years to come, and who knows? Maybe someday, Mountain View Middle School will have the honor of hosting a composer and giving a world premiere performance.”

“I’m incredibly proud of my students and their dedication over the past few months. This program has allowed my students to experience something they may never have imagined. They’ve been part of something much larger than themselves, and it’s a memory they’ll carry with them for a lifetime,” he said.

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