A Heartfelt Visit from Alumnus, Composer David Spear

Granada Hills Charter (GHC) recently welcomed composer David Spear for a truly moving and inspirational day with our students. This event was filled with moments of reflection, creativity, and connection as Mr. Spear shared his personal journey and his passion for music.

On November 13, David Spear visited our school to speak with our Chamber Singers. David, who was a choir student at Granada Hills High School under Jean Chamberlain in the 1980s, reached out in August with very kind words about the direction of our choral department. Fittingly, Ms. Chamberlain once took her students to perform at Carnegie Hall—a milestone we are also set to achieve this year, with our trip planned for April 2-6. The LA Times even covered her students' Carnegie trip back then.

Mr. Spear generously gifted our vocal music students his composition, "Brings Life to a Field," for our choir to premiere. He attended its debut during our December Concert on December 5 and 6. This performance was a celebration of music, artistry, and the powerful connections that bring us together.

David's professional resume is quite impressive. He is a composer, conductor, pianist, and educator who began his career orchestrating film scores for Elmer Bernstein. Those films include Airplane, Animal House, Heavy Metal, and Ghostbusters. He went on to compose scores for three Academy Award-nominated films: Ballet Robotique, Rainbow War, and The Courage to Care. He also wrote the music for the Emmy Award-winning National Geographic documentary Surviving Everest.

During his visit, David listened to our Chamber Singers perform his piece and offered insights into its composition. He also discussed career paths, providing students with a rare opportunity to learn from a professional who has excelled in multiple musical pathways.

Beyond his time with the choir, Mr. Spear also met with our AP Music Theory class. He provided invaluable insights into life as a film composer, sharing stories about his career and offering practical advice on composing music for moving images. His experiences and wisdom resonated deeply with our students, offering them a rare glimpse into the world of professional composition and igniting their creative aspirations.

We are incredibly grateful to Mr. Spear for sharing his time, talent, and story with our school community. His visit was an unforgettable experience, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to hear his words and music.