Research Symposium
25th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 1, 2025
Harrison Rook Nourishing Creativity
BIO
Harrison Rook is a jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer from Orlando FL. Rook had always loved the instrumental music of video games he played as a child, and also has great affinity towards the music of jazz. Throughout his career he wishes to uses those passions and influences to create a unique musical synthesis and to forge his own special compositional voice.
A Jazz Reimagining of Super Mario Galaxy
Authors: Harrison Rook, Dr. David DetweilerStudent Major: Jazz Saxophone Performance (BM) and Commercial Music (BA)
Mentor: Dr. David Detweiler
Mentor's Department: College of Music Mentor's College: Florida State University Co-Presenters:
Abstract
In this presentation, Harrison Rook showcases a jazz album project currently in development that reimagines the spectacular music of Super Mario Galaxy as jazz combo arrangements. Rook, studying both the music of the game and the methods of jazz arranging, wishes to create a fresh take of this recognizable music that all types of listeners can enjoy. The presentation will include a background discussing the importance of Super Mario Galaxy and its music, which will be followed by a video showcasing one of the tracks already completed.
Keywords: Jazz, Music, Arranging, Video Games