Oakmont grad's compositions get the Thayer treatment
By Nora Cardec Journal Correspondent

After seeing his name on screen after movies like "The Bourne Identity" and "Spiderman II," Oakmont Regional High School graduate Timothy J. Rodier, got his biggest thrill this month less than 30 miles from his childhood home.

The Thayer Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Toshimasa Francis Wada, featured two of Rodier's original compositions during the Holiday Pops concert at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.

Although Rodier, 29, who grew up in Ashburnham, already has credits as music copyist and orchestrator for films such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles" and "Hack," he called the performance in Worcester his highlight as composer.

"It was a thrill to hear my composition performed for the first time by a large orchestra," said Rodier.

The first of Rodier's compositions played was "Connor's Song."

He was introduced as the writer of the piece and as a special guest at the concert along with his nephew, Connor - the inspiration for his composition.

Three years ago, after the birth of his first nephew, Rodier began to compose a piano melody. Encouraged by a friend, Rodier expanded his idea into a full song.

With a studio orchestra, Rodier had the piece recorded and gave it to his sister, Kimberly, and her husband, Andre Mignault, as a present.

"The performance by the Thayer Symphony Orchestra is the first public performance," Rodier said of his piece.

He and his family, along with the audience, were also treated to another of Rodier's compositions, a choir piece he wrote while attending Oakmont Regional High School.

Thayer Symphony Orchestra and an 80- voice choir performed "A Christmas Motet."

"I decided to feature the work of this fine, young man, who I understand was a model student," said Wada. "I'm thrilled to include the work of such a young, talented man who grew up in this area. I'm always looking to add a new dimension to the Holiday Pops concert. I'm always looking for someone new every year and I receive work from composers all over the country."

Wada said he admires Rodier for his determination in pursuing film composition, which he considers a very difficult career path.

Wada and Rodier met for the first time during rehearsals just days before the performance.

Wada said he chose "Connor's Song" for its beautiful sounds, fresh rhythm and contemporary style.

He received Rodier's piece more than a year ago through a former member of Thayer Symphony Orchestra who asked him to critique the work.

"I can read a score and be able to hear the sound before you start playing it with the orchestra," said Wada. "It is outstanding and a great piece to share in this holiday time."

Rodier said his family is "tickled pink" that Wada included two of his compositions for this year's holiday concerts.

Rodier made a special three-day trip from his home in California last week just to hear his pieces played by the Thayer Symphony Orchestra.

Rodier was raised in Ashburnham. He started piano lessons at age nine. Throughout high school he studied trombone and jazz piano. He performed in numerous venues in North Central Massachusetts and was accompanist for the Leominster Montachusett Chorale.

He moved to California five years ago to pursue his career. Rodier has a degree in film scoring and composition from Berklee College of Music.

Both Rodier's pieces will be featured at the Holiday Pops Concert on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 and at 8 p.m. at the Stratos G. Dukakis Performing Arts Center, Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School on Route 2A in Fitchburg.

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Nora Cardec is a correspondent for The Community Journal and can be reached at: ncardec@yahoo.com or (978) 827-3386. Ext. 10.