Today we’d like to introduce you to Spectrum Ensemble Jaime Esposito
Spectrum Ensemble, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The ensemble was established back in 2019 when I saw a distinct lack of queer representation in classical music. For our first concert, we commissioned queer composers around the US to create original pieces, while also featuring queer composers of the past. Spectrum uses each performance as a platform to celebrate queer music and educate audiences about queer culture and history. Since our first concert we have had many opportunities to share our music. Notable performances include Dallas Pride 2021 and Fort Worth City Hall Pride 2024. Plus, the ensemble tours multiple times a year to perform and present masterclasses at universities around the US and Australia.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been plenty of ups and downs. Our first hurdle was COVID hitting right after we formed the group. Live performances were no longer safe and people were turning to virtual performances. We took it as an opportunity to create a digital portfolio of our music.
Rehearsal schedules always seem to be complex. Although Spectrum was formed in the DFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) area, I frequently call upon queer percussionists from other states to perform with me. Leading up to a recent performance, an out of town percussionist and first-time Ensemble performer missed our first and only live rehearsal due to flight delays. There was a lot of stress and scrambling as we tried to figure out travel logistics and schedule an emergency rehearsal before the show. Although we pulled it off, having snuck in a few rehearsal hours just before going on stage, my duo partner and I were stressed. The performance was spectacular, but the emotions leading up to the performance were not. Being this flexible in chaos is always a struggle.
Another hurdle is finding the motivation to run an ensemble when you have a full time job to maintain. A lot of the time, as queer musicians, we need to create our own opportunities, and finding the time to dedicate to the ensemble is hard. We also face a lot of rejection as so many sent emails go unanswered when looking for opportunities to perform. Knowing the best next step is hard for the ensemble as well. I know that Spectrum should start writing grants for opportunities, but I’m terrible at writing and intimidated by the prospect. We could record a CD so our music is available to stream, we could commission new composers for a concert full of premiers, but I’m only one person and we will have to see what kind of energy I have in the next few months.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Spectrum ensemble specializes in queer music. We stand out by challenging the norms of classical music while striving to normalize queerness and move toward social equity. Our energy is contagious when we perform because Spectrum is an outlet for us to be our most authentic selves, more than we can be in our day to day lives. Especially now.
Currently the ensemble is made up of two percussionists, so during a concert you might hear instruments like a marimba, vibraphone, snare drum, triangle, cowbells, or tom toms. You might even hear body percussion and see a patty cake game paired with spoken word.
Spectrum has had many experiences to be proud of. We were humbled when we were named by ClassicFM as one of the top 11 lgbtq ensembles in the world. We did a partner performance with the Coalition for Aging LGBTQ to raise money for their cause. In 2020 we sold t-shirts and were able to donate over $2,000 to Black Lives Matter. Spectrum is a passion project so most accomplishments big or small I am proud of.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
We have an array of queer t-shirts available for sale on our Etsy website! We try to work with queer artists during pride month to feature a new shirt.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spectrumensemble.org/
- Instagram: @SpectrumEnsemble
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QueerSpectrumEnsemble
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@spectrumensemble4970
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpectrumEnsembleShop?ref=profile_header
Image Credits
Sonia Lazo
Rar Farmer
