As the school year comes to a close, one Essex High School senior musician is leaving a lasting impact on the band program through his leadership, composition work, and dedication to music.
Over the past four years, Holden Friesel has grown from a student who joined band for a fine arts credit into an accomplished composer and musician whose work has been recognized both inside and outside of EHS.
A unique part of Friesel’s experience is that band was never originally part of his plan.
“I didn’t even intend on signing up for band when I was in 9th grade,” Friesel said.
His final concert as a senior was especially meaningful. While he expected the performance itself to be emotional, one moment stood out above the rest: a signed and framed score gifted to him by Mrs. Trutor and the Symphonic Band. Friesel described it as “the perfect finale” to his high school band experience.
What started as a way to complete a required fine arts credit quickly became one of the most important parts of his high school experience.
Over time, his interests expanded beyond performing into composing original music. Inspired heavily by film scores and concert music, Friesel began writing pieces that blended cinematic emotion with traditional concert structure.
“Listening to music that I love inspires me to write music that gives me a similar feeling,” he said.
Hearing Friesel’s compositions performed live became one of the most rewarding parts of his musical journey, although it also came with nerves and uncertainty.
“It’s always so magical when a group of people are willing to breathe life into the notes you wrote,” he said, describing the experience of hearing his music played by an ensemble for the first time.
Like many composers, Friesel also faced challenges with writer’s block and finding inspiration. One strategy that helped him was improvising melodies vocally before writing them down on piano. His willingness to experiment and push himself helped him grow both as a composer and as a performer.
Beyond Friesel’s own accomplishments, he also became an important leader within the music program. He emphasized the value of school ensembles in developing musicianship, teamwork, and leadership skills.
“There are no better leadership opportunities for young musicians than what can be found in a school band,” he said.
Friesel also encouraged younger musicians to branch out and try unfamiliar musical experiences.
“Do what you love and what you hate,” he advised, encouraging students to join new ensembles and challenge themselves musically outside of their comfort zones.
After graduation, Friesel plans to attend the Crane School of Music in New York, where he will major in Music Education and Music Composition. His long-term goals include continuing to compose while helping future students develop their own musical abilities.
For Friesel, music has become more than just performance.
“Music is a way I can connect with myself and the world,” he said.
As his senior year comes to an end, his influence on the music program will continue through the students he inspired, the leadership he demonstrated, and the music he created during his time at Essex High School.
