COMPOSER OF THE MONTH (November 2025)
Soon Hee Newbold
Soon Hee Newbold (1974-) composes for orchestras at every level, from beginning elementary ensembles to professional symphony orchestras. She is known for blending elements from diverse cultures and musical styles, inspired by her personal experiences and world travels.
Newbold is a popular clinician who travels around the country to work with student ensembles and her music is performed worldwide. As a filmmaker and composer in Hollywood, her music can also be heard in film and other recording projects.
Early Life and Career
- Born in Seoul, Korea. She was adopted and grew up in Maryland with 2 sisters.
- Began studying piano at age 5 and violin at age 7. Started winning competitions and performing as a concert artist at an early age.
- After college, she worked for Disney as a musician and stage manager. She also produced albums and wrote and arranged songs for recording projects.
Honors
- 2024: Inducted into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- 2025: The Youth Orchestra of L.A. premiered her composition, “Han’gul,” as a tribute to conductor Gustavo Dudamel, celebrating his final season with the L.A. Philharmonic. The performance included Korean dancers and drummers.
- She has a 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo, 2nd degree black belt in Hapkido, and black belt in Kigumdo (swords).
- Composed “Ghost Rock” movie soundtrack.
- EKS String Ensemble will perform “A Gypsy Tale” in December.
- A Gypsy Tale ~ Late Elem. Orchestra
- Battle ~ Intermediate Orchestra
- Invicta ~ Newbold plays solo violin
- Gravitas ~ Newbold conducts
- The Iliad ~ Full Orchestra
