Draft:Russell Sarre

Russell Sarre
Born	December 23, 1963 Perth, Western Australia
Nationality	Australian
Education	Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), Rice University
Occupation(s)	Composer, Music Educator, Director
Known for	Film, Theatre, Music Theatre, Dance, Opera, Concert Stage
Notable work	"Bully" (2017), "The Distinct Smell of Red" (2001)
Website	Pershing Middle School Guitar

Russell Sarre (born December 23, 1963) is an Australian-born composer, music educator, and director. He is known for his contributions to film, theatre, music theatre, dance, opera, and the concert stage.

Early Life and Education

Russell Sarre was born in Perth, Western Australia. His musical journey began in Papua New Guinea, where his mother played guitar and sent him to study organ. Later, he discovered his ear for music and started playing guitar by ear while watching TV commercials. He eventually took formal guitar lessons and studied at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in Perth. Dr. Sarre moved to the United States, where he pursued composition at Rice University, earning a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree.

Career

Dr. Sarre has composed music for various mediums, including film, theatre, and dance. Some of his notable works include the music for the film "Bully" (2017) and "The Distinct Smell of Red" (2001). His music has been performed globally, from The White House to London's West End, and the Shanghai Oriental Arts Center.

In addition to his work as a composer, Dr. Sarre is also an accomplished music educator. He serves as the Director of the Orchestra program at Pershing Middle School in Houston, Texas. Dr. Sarre is featured in the "Guitarists in the Classroom" series, which highlights outstanding guitar teachers in secondary schools.

Teaching Career

Dr. Sarre's teaching career began at a college, but he transitioned to public school teaching, eventually moving into guitar instruction at Pershing Middle School. He has been with Pershing for six years and is known for his high expectations and rigorous teaching methods. Dr. Sarre places strong emphasis on technique, posture, and musical proficiency, structuring his program to foster talent and drive in his students. His students perform at levels comparable to high school students and beyond, benefiting from a structured program that includes beginner, intermediate (concert), and advanced (studio) levels.

Dr. Sarre's approach to teaching emphasizes the importance of developing students' ear and technique. He uses a method called "fretboard fractions" to teach beginners simple songs, fostering a culture of peer learning and respect. He believes in teaching students to read music from the start, rather than relying on rote memorization or playing by ear. Dr. Sarre also highlights the challenges of finding suitable repertoire for young guitarists, often creating his own compositions to address gaps in available pedagogical material.

Dr. Sarre's students have had significant performance opportunities, including participating in a Renaissance Festival, where they competed against established orchestra programs and placed second. He also encourages his students to play for Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs), hospitals, and care homes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Sarre adapted by having his students learn and perform Andrew York's "Snowflight," creating a virtual "guitar orchestra" experience.

Dr. Sarre places a strong emphasis on classroom discipline and engagement. He ensures that his students spend most of their class time playing guitar, which minimizes behavioral issues. Students sign a contract outlining expectations, and Dr. Sarre uses strategies like the "triangle of trust" to build respect and responsibility. He also tunes each student's guitar individually, using this time to reinforce proper technique and build a personal connection with each student.

Personal Life

Russell Sarre currently resides in Houston, Texas, where he continues to contribute to the arts and education sectors. He lived in Germany for 11 years, taught privately, and moved back to Houston due to his wife's career in oil and gas.

Musical Philosophy

Dr. Sarre believes in maintaining high expectations for his students, stating that "nations collapse, civilizations collapse, schools collapse, programs collapse, humans collapse because of a lack of expectation, because of low expectations. But nobody ever collapses because of high expectations." He emphasizes the importance of pushing students to reach beyond their current capabilities to achieve true success.

Selected Works

"Bully" (2017) - Music Department

"The Distinct Smell of Red" (2001) - Composer

Various compositions for theatre, dance, and concert performances

YouTube Channels

Pershing Middle School Guitar

References

IMDb: Russell Sarre

Thunderclap Productions: About

Houston Independent School District: Pershing Orchestra

YouTube: Guitarists in the Classroom-Episode 7