Rhoads Memorial Award, and twice recipient of the Andres Segovia Award for classical guitar
performance. He has utilized the electric guitar as a solo instrument, and refined it for music
from classical to blues,and contemporary compositions.
Hailing from one of Southern California’s cultural stomping grounds, and spiritual hotspots,
Alexander Sack plays it like he sees it. The son of an opera singer had grown up in the richly
integrated city of Arleta, where he picked up lots of sounds and styles. But when he told
mom he wanted to play guitar at age 9, He pictured guys with lots of hair, wailing on electric
guitars, and She pictured Andres Segovia in a tuxedo. The result is music which is diverse in
language, feeling, and spirit, and still clearly American.”I want my music to be snapshots of
my life.”
“I like to put my self somewhere and take in the place. I absorb the world around me and
compose. The music I bring to a concert is the result of the places I have been when I
composed it, practiced it, and performed it. I like it best when they are maybe a little bit
unusual, and diverse. There are many stories to tell.”
Pieces like BLVD Music reflect time spent out on the side walks of the city. I had a chance to
use people as test subjects. I wanted to see what makes people stop, because they didn’t
come to my concert, they’re just passing by. Ultimately the three pieces (BLVD Music I, II, III)
echo the sounds, the spirit, and the stories of the city streets. Another fun piece from these
“sessions” is a blue tango, which I wrote and dedicated to Michael Chapdelaine.” Pieces like
Rumba Poisonita, Drama Fo’ Yo Mama, and Last Beginning are some examples of music which
can easily be grouped as Cal Arts Music.”My upcoming project is composing, and arranging
music for BBQ.
I’ve got several pieces I’m enjoying.”Recent projects have also included performances with
dancer Debra Noble in a piece by choreographer Colin Connor, Obselete Graces, with music
composed by Alexander for solo electric guitar. “It was wonderful working with Colin and
being choreographed into the piece while I’m performing counterpoint, a terrific challenge.”
“Working with dance is one of my favorite uses of my music.” Earlier in 2004 Alexander was
the guitarist for the Cal Arts production of the play Good Fooling. “I love working with theatre.”
“My mother was a 6th generation American, and my father was an immigrant from Europe.”
“I figure I’m bound to catch something of the spirit of this of this place.” “When I say American,
I don’t just mean as a citizen of the U.S., but also the influences that transcend politics, like
music, food, values, landscapes, natural, and unnatural surroundings. It’s the spirit of the land.”
Alexander studied guitar, and later composition, under Cesar Mateus from the age 11. He
studied music at Los Angeles Valley College and California State University Northridge, receiving
his Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance.
He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts, where he
pursued composing for the solo guitar. “I also took classes in reality 101. ” This referring to
the pre-university years as a guitarist in L.A., where he started original projects, joined projects,
played in working bands, and learned how to survive as a guitarist. “I got to pour my heart
into the instrument, and live it!”
Visit Alexander Sacks website
Published in Artists
