By Hanna McGuire
Sports Editor
Choir performances, music theory class, drama productions and Angel City Choral events are in perfect harmony because of the music guiding them.
The man behind the keyboard is Costa’s Mark McCormick. Not only does McCormick work as a staff accompanist, but he also has a handful of other jobs all tied to his love of music.
He started off his musical career working for Hans Zimmer, an Academy Award-winning composer.
“My job for Hans was to splice the sounds of the instruments that he had previously recorded and program them into a note on the piano so Hans could use it to compose his pieces,” McCormick said. “I was truly living like ‘the Devil Wears Prada’ but in the music business.”
After coming to Costa in 2007, McCormick expanded his involvement in the performing arts as a music theory teacher, professional pianist, organist for his church, private piano teacher, conductor of the spring musicals and score reader at the Hollywood Bowl.
McCormick has used his knowledge of digital sampling at Costa to improve the technology by creating a music lab three years ago, which he now uses to teach music theory.
“I wanted my passion to be brought to Costa, and this music room lets that happen,” McCormick said. “Music theory is perfect for the people who just want to know more about music because it is exploratory, especially regarding recreational music.”
McCormick’s class has given Costa students a chance to perfect their musical talents and find what they are passionate about. It has also allowed students to excel in their performances outside of high school.
“My college auditions went well because of the help Mr. McCormick gave me and everything that I learned in his music theory class,” senior Julian Trivers said.
Along with his music theory class, McCormick also works as the staff accompanist for Michael Hayden, the choir teacher and all of the choirs at Costa.
“The students learn things unconsciously by the way I play piano,” McCormick said. “I love being able to teach without saying a word, and having the kids learn though the language of music. My desire to see everyone in the room improve really drives me.”
According to Hayden, with McCormick’s assitance in Hayden’s classes, they are able to offer their individual talents to a greater number of students and, therefore, are able to give each choir student more individual attention.
“Having Mr. McCormick in class enables me to do the job for which I was trained: to teach students how to sing,” Hayden said.
Outside the halls of Costa, McCormick is the principal pianist for the Angel City Choral which is a 100 voice adult pop gospel group that is planning to travel to South Africa this summer to perform. McCormick is also an organist for the First Lutheran Church.
“Playing the organ is very different from playing the piano. A piano’s pedals are used to sustain the sound while those of the organ are used to play an additional keyboard,” McCormick said.
Along with playing a principal pianist and organist, McCormick conducts the spring musicals, teaches private lessons and works every summer at the Hollywood Bowl.
“When a contemporary orchestra is having a concert I will be called to be a score reader,” McCormick said. “A score reader is someone who reads the music score to inform the cameramen which instruments are about to play so theat they can direct their camera in the correct direction.”
Although every job offers its own unique advantages, McCormick said he prefers working with students the best.
“I couldn’t imagine my job without students,” McCormick said. “Giving back and being able to watch everyone benefit from my playing the piano gives me the most satisfaction.”
Through McCormick’s music theory class, not only has he supplied students with a music lab, but he has opened their eyes to music and life by giving them the perfect place to learn.
“Music theory and my choir classes are so much fun,” senior Stephanie Moy said. “Mr. McCormick is really relatable, and he tries to get to know us as students and young adults.”
McCormick has spread his passion for music throughout Costa. His connection to his students has enabled him to establish a legacy of musical excellence.
“I tell my kids to find something that they love and give back with it, just like I have,” McCormick said.
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