Music major James Tseung loves composition but never imagined he would compose music for a 50-foot bell tower in Canada.
Hailing from the city of Hong Kong, James Tseung came to TWU upon the recommendation of a cousin who had studied here. James was drawn to the opportunity to expand his horizons and to study at a place where faith is part of the educational experience.
'Simple answer—I love music.'
James first discovered his interest in music while studying in middle school. By the time he arrived in high school and was thinking ahead towards graduation, James saw clearly where his passion lies. “Music is the only way [for me] to express myself,” he said. “I just can’t imagine what I could be doing other than music.”
From that realization, it was natural for James to focus on a field of study. In fact, when asked how he chose his major, James replied right away, “Simple answer—I love music.”
When asked what instruments he plays, however, the answer was less simple. “That’s a tricky question,” he replied.
As it turns out, James’ specialty is percussion instruments, including drums and the vibraphone. Piano and guitar are two more instruments within James’ core expertise. The multi-skilled musician has also dabbled in a variety of additional instruments, including trumpet and flute, and he is familiar with the world of digitally created sounds and software tools.
Being a Music major at TWU: James’ highlights
In addition to his instrumental specialties, James has his favourite genres of music too.
“I love jazz,” he said. “Jazz is my main genre of music.”
In fact, among his favourite experiences at TWU has been writing pieces for the Jazz Combo. A piece he wrote called “Encounter” was performed by the Jazz Combo last spring.
“It is always exciting to hear how your piece sounds when played by real musicians...I learned how to write a good piece so that [musicians] can have fun, but the piece is not so challenging that it is unplayable—and also, it sounds good.”
“It is always exciting to hear how your piece sounds when played by real musicians,” said the young composer. Being at TWU has provided James with access to musicians and opportunities to experiment with his craft. Through testing out his pieces with other musicians on campus, he has learned what to pay attention to when writing music, how to compose better, and how to communicate with musicians.
“I learned how to write a good piece so that [musicians] can have fun, but the piece is not so challenging that it is unplayable—and also, it sounds good.”
Composing an original soundtrack for a Theatre production
In addition to writing pieces for the Jazz Combo, James also composes music for the Theatre department.
In 2020, when the Theatre department decided to produce a hybrid of film and stage performance for their production of Without Rule of Law, James composed the original soundtrack for the play, with the help of fellow Music major Anthony Nootebos. The team used the software Logic Pro to weave together digital sounds with live instrumental recordings.
“It was a fun experience,” James reflected. He and Anthony composed music for the entire production, which had a running time of about two hours. Having to produce such a volume of work within a one semester challenged their creativity and sharpened their composition skills. This year, James is again part of a Theatre production, playing percussion as a member of Bright Star’s live band.
An opportunity beyond imagination
Finally, the multi-talented musician has one more exciting and very special project on the go: composing for and playing music on a 15-bell chime housed within TWU’s iconic bell tower.
“I couldn’t imagine I could do something huge like that. Playing such a huge instrument—it’s pretty cool,” he said.
Professor Jon Thompson recommended James to this project, which is supported by a bursary provided by Heather Alloway. TWU Library staff member Shawn Brouwer has been working alongside James over the duration of the semester to provide guidance.
“I couldn’t imagine I could do something huge like that. Playing such a huge instrument—it’s pretty cool.”
Thus far the project includes creating an arrangement of a tune for Easter; James has chosen the classic hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” In addition, James is composing a new four-note change sequence for the chime. Lastly, he will be creating a completely original piece, which is currently still in the works. Throughout the semester he will be journaling the process of his work for the benefit of future chimers.
To complete the project, James has been playing the chime on a weekly basis, to become more familiar with the instrument. The chime is controlled through a keyboard inside a room on the first floor of the Alloway Library.
A new song arrangement for Easter
Shawn Brouwer, who has been looking after the chime for many years now, comments, “I’ve enjoyed learning the special terms related to campanology (the art of bell-ringing). It’s a really wonderful and underappreciated instrument but I’m glad to keep it ringing by doing simple things like supporting talented students like James.”
Shawn also knows the family that Norma Marion Alloway Library’s name honours.
“I’ve been able to work with Heather Alloway, daughter of the library’s namesake. She has been very supportive and over the past few years has provided a bursary to fund students to work with the chime as well as a major maintenance project,” Shawn explained. Heather’s goal is to create a corps of people who understand the chime and keep it a living part of campus so that they continue to ring out.
The work of upkeeping the chime is an art in itself. Shawn does the programming behind the magic of the chime using a 14-button control panel. “I’ve created playlists using tunes in the chime’s repertoire to sound three times a day, with some additional tunes for special days,” he said.
James’ arrangement of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” is anticipated for debut during Easter this year.
As the school year wraps up, James has dreams beyond TWU. When he graduates, he intends to continue in his area of passion. “I’m hoping to do something in music after graduation, [perhaps] getting gigs as a drummer or percussionist. Maybe composing for films or short videos,” he muses, “and to keep working on my own projects. That would be my most ideal scenario.”
Upcoming Event at TWU: Chime Concert for Maundy Thursday presents new music
On Thursday, April 14, 2022 the Alloway Chime at Trinity Western University will ring out a concert of tunes to mark Holy Week. The concert will premier three new works for the chime arranged and composed by Alloway Chime bursary student James Tseung as well as recent works by other TWU students and familiar hymn tunes.
Starting at 2 p.m. and repeated at 8 p.m. on April 14, the concert will include two of Tseung’s own original compositions for the chime—"Modal Change in A” and “Afterward”—as well as his arrangement of “When I survey the Wondrous Cross” (Rockingham). The brief concert will also include compositions by other TWU students and music to mark the season.
About TWU's Music program
TWU's Music program provides Christ-centred mentorship and exciting peer collaborations, along with abundant opportunities to hone your musical and leadership skills. Mentorship from professors will take your passion for music and help you develop your ability to impact culture as a performer, educator, creator, or scholar. Discover the TWU Music program.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is Canada’s premier global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has four campuses and locations: Langley, Richmond-Lansdowne, Richmond-Minoru, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.