By Andrew Fasano
Staff Writer
Senior percussionist Nick Sievers played to his own beat as he wrote and created his own classical music composition called “Contemplation” while struggling with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a rare neurological disease.
Sievers was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome at the end of the summer in 2016 due to hours of practicing his instruments.
T.O.S. occurs when blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and first rib are compressed, which can cause pain in other parts of the body. T.O.S. is commonly caused by repetitive injuries or extensive use of a certain body part. The pain is the most intense in Sievers’ elbow and fingers, making it difficult to move and perform daily routines, Sievers said.
Mira Costa Symphony Orchestra Website.
“One of the most evident symptoms was entering fight-or-flight mode,” Sievers said. “The littlest mental stimulation and any form of screaming or even too much light or sound would make me go crazy and physically cause me nerve pain.”
Due to Sievers’ symptoms and sensitivity, he was home schooled for the first semester of his senior year. During this time, it was difficult for him to have human interactions since he could hardly leave his house, causing him to be isolated while recovering.
Video: Mira Costa High School’s Symphony Orchestra performs its “Les Mis” in concert on May 10, 2016 in the Mira Costa auditorium. The Orchestra will perform in a very similar set-up on June 4th, 2017 when they have its Pops Concert.
“The most difficult thing during this time period was adjusting to being alone,” Sievers said. “Not being able to interact with people or use certain technology would drive me crazy, but it was helpful to have writing music to keep me occupied.”
T.O.S. prevented him from participating in any physical activities or rigorous mental work due to the extreme pain, leaving him with time to create a classical composition called “Contemplation,” Sievers said.
“I have always been obsessed with all types of music and especially classical music,” Sievers said. “It became a huge passion of mine once I started high school, and it was one of the only things I could do, so I spent a lot of time working on my music.”
“Contemplation” took a total of four months to write, compile and produce. The composition includes a variety of instruments, focusing on the violin, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet and trumpet.
“The four-month time period it took to compose was worth the wait,” Sievers said. “Toward the end of it, I was only able to be at one rehearsal, but hearing something played that not only is something I wrote, but something that reflects on an experience I endured, is just fantastic.”
Photos: Nick Sievers on his path to recovery.
Although Sievers has been playing music for a majority of his life, he has only started composing classical music in the past few years. Sievers is a member of the Mira Costa band and plays a number of instruments, including the drums and piano. Sievers says a lot of his motivation comes from the Costa orchestra teacher, Peter Park.
“There are great classical composers, which mean everything to me, mainly since I love their music,” Sievers said. “However, Mr. Park has mentored me and he has taught me to be the best I can be. He was the one to encourage me to do this challenge, making him my biggest inspiration.”
After completing “Contemplation,” Sievers showed the music to Park, who included it as one of the pieces the Costa Orchestra will play in its upcoming concert in June in the auditorium. Having his music played by others has motivated him to keep making more music and encouraged him to share his work, Sievers said.
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“The best part about Nick’s composition is that it is sincere and introspective about a highly challenging and uncertain part of his life,” Park said. “Choosing to perform a piece that reflects upon such a unique and personal intersection of emotional and intellectual contemplation was an opportunity that I wanted to embrace, not only for Nick, but also for the benefit of the entire orchestra.”
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