Incoming Manchester Essex Regional High School freshman Tyler Cummins performed as part of the Golden Key of Vienna Music Festival in Austria. He is seen here at Mozarthaus in Vienna. (Photo Courtesy The Cummins Family)
During the last month of summer vacation, incoming Manchester Essex Regional High School freshman Tyler Cummins participated in a week-long tour as part of the Golden Key of Vienna Music Festival and earned a place on the tour with a second place finish in the junior national division of the Golden Key Piano Composition Competition. He performed “Sonata in F Minor.”
Cummins, 14, an incoming first-year High School student from Manchester-by-the-Sea, plays clarinet in Concert Band and piano in the Jazz Band.
He studies piano with Beverly Soll and has studied composing and music theory with Brian Buch. Cummins has created projects including piano compositions, one four-movement symphony for a full orchestra, and also shorter pieces for two or three instruments.
Cummins has used his talents to support his school and community.
For the past two years he has accompanied the elementary school choir, learning 15 to 20 short piano pieces and attending all rehearsals and performances.
“Tyler has an amazing natural gift for music. That combined with years of hard work makes him a college-level pianist at least,” said music teacher Fiona Dooley. “I’m impressed not only by his technical skill, but also by the maturity of his expressive decisions.”
“It was such a gift to have Tyler accompany all the elementary school performers for all of their concerts,” said Shoshy Starr of Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts. “He shared his talent with all of us and also modeled what is possible for the younger students.”
Cummins composed “Manchester 375,” which was performed as part of Manchester-by-the-Sea’s 375th anniversary. His work also has been used in a Manchester Essex Conservation Trust aerial video of Shingle Hill Place.
He also performs with former MERSD student Leyang Zhang at both Brentwood Rehabilitation Center in Danvers and the Residence at Riverbend Senior Living in Ipswich.
“Tyler’s talent is obvious, but what is more impressive is his work ethic, enthusiasm, and passion for music,” said Joe Janack, Middle High School Band Director/Music Teacher. “He is always honing his craft and his energy is infectious. Tyler has high standards for himself, but also wants to help those around him reach theirs as well.”
Cummins will perform during the third annual Friends of Manchester Essex Performing Arts concert, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. at Masconomo Park. The community is invited to attend. Rain date is Aug. 23.
