MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT: HUGH BALDWIN

Posted on September 8, 2022

Portland Youth Wind Ensemble (PYWE) tenor saxist Hugh Baldwin says his greatest musical achievement is “still no doubt landing a seat in PYWE”, stating that it “felt like a huge leap in his musical journey!”

Around the same time Hugh was accepted into PYWE, he made All-State in 8th grade. He says following getting into PYWE, this is his biggest musical success.

“It is just such a privilege to be able to play in such a renowned organization,” he said. “I will never forget this remarkable opportunity I have been given for the past two years.”

Hugh’s journey with music started when he was very young. He recalls his dad introducing him to the world of classic rock and since he “didn’t have control over the car stereo”, his love of music formed! It wasn’t until his older brother started playing the clarinet in sixth grade, however, that Hugh developed an interest in playing an instrument. As the younger brother by 3 years Hugh says he spent that time listening to his brother play and watching concerts. So, when he entered the sixth grade himself, it was an easy choice to join the school band!

“I started with and played the clarinet for just over two years, but I soon found many of my fellow musicians switching to different instruments. Namely, larger instruments; two of my friends switched to bass clarinet. I wanted something unique and that had low register capability, and I quickly found that in the tenor sax. I’ve stuck with it ever since!”

Though Hugh had known about PYP since his childhood, due to his dad’s boss’s son playing cello in the Philharmonic Orchestra, it had faded from memory until a friend in Middle School reintroduced him to the organization. With little encouragement needed and after consulting his band teacher, Hugh auditioned in Season 97 and was accepted into the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble.

“I could not be more thankful,” Hugh said of his getting into PYWE. “Without a doubt, PYP has taught me that there is always more room to improve. I came into PYP after having participated in the OMEA All-State middle school band, thinking I was one of the best saxophonists in my age group, and that I had little left to learn. Obviously in hindsight, I was completely wrong. I had, and still have much to learn on my instrument. And more importantly I will never reach a point where I cannot continue to learn and improve—there’s always more you can add or revise to your technique. What I love most about playing with PYP is simply the opportunity to play in a full and complete ensemble. I remember coming into last year’s Summer Social event and being mesmerized by the beautiful collection of sounds around me that I hadn’t heard in over a year.”

Hugh has played many challenging pieces over his time with PYP, but he says one of the most arduous and time-consuming pieces he had to learn was Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre.

“The piece required much technique at a relatively fast tempo, so I had to find time after school to practice—even if it just meant 15 minutes,” he recalled “Though I was unable to make the final concert, I did enjoy the challenge that it presented, primarily in breathing and when to take breaths in a piece with few rests.”

Hugh’s passion for music is certainly high on his list in terms of favored activities; however, his interests also include running, reading, and writing!

“Ever since I joined the cross country team my freshman year, I’ve found it to be the highlight of my day,” Hugh said. “Similar to how music allows one to express their emotions, running allows me to escape from all the stresses of the world. As for my other interests, I’ve always enjoyed reading articles about various subjects and current events (including sports), but more recently I’ve found that writing my own stories is just as fun, if not more! After spending the last year on the school newspaper, I’ve found that journalism allows you to become a mini expert in any foreign topic or subject you want (after some research), and it also provides a platform for sharing your favorite subjects. How cool is that?!”

Hugh will be performing with the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble in Season 99 and we can’t wait to see what this year will bring in terms of new successes and interests! Thank you for being a dedicated member of PYP, Hugh! We are lucky to have you.