Since joining the Circle as a Fourth Former, Alexander Newman ’25 has contributed tremendously to the Groton Music Department by stepping into roles such as Head Music Prefect, Principal Clarinet in Groton Chamber Orchestra, Maqupellas Head, and many others. Seeking to share his passion with the community, his enthusiasm has inspired many others to get involved in music as well.
What does the clarinet mean to you?
The clarinet is my voice. The violin could be someone else’s voice, or their actual voice could be their voice, but for me, it’s the clarinet. It allows me to do what I love and distinguish myself.
Do you have any special memories of playing the clarinet at Groton?
When I was on the Japan GEO, I was invited to be a soloist with the jazz band Soul Sauce. I came on stage for the last piece, which had a really long solo. It was me and the drums. I remember this one night when we were in this massive auditorium at a jazz festival; I played my solo and ended with this really high note. It was an amazing experience for me because I was so consumed by the moment, and I think the audience really felt it.
Playing in the Chamber Orchestra and in Select Chamber Music has been awesome. Working with our faculty here at Groton has also been extremely meaningful to me as it helped me grow on this path.
What have you been up to recently?
This year, I’ve arranged three pieces for my friends’ chapel talks, as well as arranged “Rey’s Theme” [from John Williams’ score to Star Wars: The Force Awakens] for orchestra, which will be performed at the Parents Weekend concert. I have also been arranging for and directing the Maqupellas, which the other heads and I are stepping up to bring into the light. I’m really excited about my winter FSA with Arman Khanna ‘25 and Eric Liang ‘26 because we’re trying to put on a concert celebrating student composers, which could be very meaningful for the student body. To that effect, last year, I composed a sonata for Viola and Piano for Liv Ding ‘26, which will be played in that recital.
What advice would you give to budding Groton students interested in pursuing the clarinet?
I would say this to any musician who’s looking to get started or hone in on the skills they already have: first of all, it’s so worth it; second of all, it’s a lot more achievable than you think. Finding time in the practice room may seem hard at Groton, especially when we have so much homework, but if you make a routine of it, it’s something you will be able to do. It’s a really great way to explore both your own voice and also connect with other people.
How do you feel when you play the clarinet?
I feel so many different emotions. There’s this uniqueness to every piece and every performance. Sometimes, I’m caught up in the music; other times, I feel nervous, excited, or aware of the audience—but, in general, I try to focus on my own playing.
What do you bring to Groton’s music program?
The most important qualities I bring to Groton are sheer determination and will to make things happen and get students active in the community, as well as a lot of passion in order to spread the thing I love to the people I care about. One of the things I’m really excited about this year in Chapel, Open Mic, and performances is bringing the excitement that I feel toward my craft to the whole student body and community.
