Note-worthy in Plymouth: Matthew Sorensen

When he was young, Plymouth’s Matthew Sorensen dreamed of entering the music industry. But, unlike other children, he did not want to be a pop star or a celebrity. Instead, he aspired to work behind the scenes as a composer.

“When I as a kid. I learned quickly that I didn’t want to be the rock star,” Sorensen said. “I remember telling people that I would rather be Brittany Spears’ songwriter and be behind the curtain.”

Today, Sorensen is living out his childhood dreams as a local composer. As a professional in the music industry, the Plymouth resident specializes in writing and arranging music for a variety of media, including museums across the country.

This year, Sorensen put the finishing touches on a series of five pieces for Pennsylvania’s 150th Civil War Commemoration Road Show. In order to compose the songs for five separate exhibits, Sorensen recruited a large group of musicians to play traditional songs from the 19th century.

While the five songs Sorensen recorded are capable of standing alone as original pieces, he designed them so that they would also blend together gracefully as museum visitors walk from one exhibit to the next.

“Even though they are five separate songs and have their own musical identities, they also create a collective composition,” he said.

Still, Sorensen wanted the music to sound as authentic as possible, so he researched the Civil War and added small touches from the era. For example, he recruited musicians who were knowledgeable on the time period and asked them to play instruments that were actually used during the War.

Then, after recording these musicians in various studios, Sorensen returned home to Plymouth to complete the production process. While the creation of the five musical pieces was far from simple, Sorensen believes it reflects his true character as a professional.

“Any composer can compose action drums for an action movie, but not many composers can take five songs and make them sound harmonious, play them on period instruments and immerse themselves in the artistic world of the Civil War,” he said.

Currently, Sorensen spends a majority of his time working on a sonata for the . His latest work, called “Sonata in Sea,” will be performed at on October 14.

While writing the sonata has been difficult for Sorensen, when his work is complete it will reflect his passion for orchestral pieces.

“Under the orchestra and in the silent hall there is only the dots on the page,” he said. “The music has to stand alone and I like it when the work has to speak for itself.”

In his career, Sorensen has strived to work on a wide range of projects, seeing each opportunity as a chance to gain knowledge and further develop himself as a musician. However, he also believes in sharing his skills and talent with others, having worked as a counselor at Usher’s New Look Foundation in Atlanta for two years.

 At the camp, children from low-income communities are given the chance to excel in a variety of areas, including music. Showing the kids the methods he used to improve his music skills, Sorensen said he enjoys teaching others about the industry.

“It’s a really great experience,” he said. “I have a really big place in my heart for these kids.”