Military Appreciation Month: Civil Affairs Officer & Major Obadiah Baker ’06

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Military Branch: United States Army Reserves

 

“My military experience while studying at NEC molded me into the disciplined and structured leader I am today, and my experience at NEC influenced my creative process, mainly my adherence to deadlines and sense of urgency.”

 

Why did you choose NEC?

The opportunity to study with the Jazz Studies faculty, as well as the chance to live in Boston drew me to NEC.

 

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at NEC?

I studied composition with Michael Gandolfi and found that I really enjoyed it.

 

Share a story about one of your favorite faculty or studio instructor.

I remember when the NEC Symphony played one of my pieces, and on the day of the orchestral reading, one of the violists forgot their part. I had to run back to my dorm and print off the part, and missed the orchestra reading through my music. However, the players and the conductor were amazed and impressed by my piece, and word spread quickly throughout the school. When I finally got the recording from the production engineers, I immediately brought it to my lesson and reviewed it with Mr. Gandolfi. He thought the recording was a stellar execution of my music, and told me that I was "a true composer" because if I were to die today, musicians could still play my music as intended. My time studying composition with Michael Gandolfi impacted my creative process the most. I carried his words and praise throughout my creative journey, across the battlefield of Afghanistan, and now as a double degree EdD doctoral student at Drexel University and Masters of Music Composition (Low-Residency Program) at the Peabody Institute of the John Hopkins University.

 

What have you been up to since graduating from NEC? What projects have you been working on?

I founded Tender Heart Crusades, a 501c3 nonprofit that services at-risk youth through education and community service. I am also an award-winning independent filmmaker. My latest film, The Shadow Between Us (2022), had its world premiere at the Toronto Black Film Festival and is scheduled for its Virginia Premiere at the Richmond International Film and Music Festival).

I am currently a doctoral student at Drexel University, where I study Leadership and Management with a concentration in Creativity and Innovation. My dissertation will study the effects of arts-based antiracism social-emotional learning on empathy development. I am also a Fulbright Scholar and will conduct a 2023 research abroad in Israel to inform my dissertation topic, working with Hebrew University and the faculty at Tel Aviv University in Israel. My Fulbright research will study the cross-cultural replication and power of shadow dance as a conflict resolution and global peace intervention technique, focusing on the interplay of Israeli Gaga and American shadow dance on Israeli Jewish students' awareness of race and identity.

I also recently composed an orchestral piece called "Winter," commemorating the COVID-19 global pandemic, as well as completed my first string quartet at the Peabody Institute, where I study with Sky Macklay.

 

How have your NEC experiences shaped your artistic approach?

I joined the military after my sophomore year. Upon returning from basic and advanced individual training, I cross-registered into Northeastern University's ROTC program where I was commissioned as a Military Intelligence 2nd Lieutenant. My military experience while studying at NEC molded me into the disciplined and structured leader I am today, and my experience at NEC influenced my creative process, mainly my adherence to deadlines and sense of urgency. I also take a phenomenological approach to compositional writing, drawing from experience as a researcher. In other words, I attempt to capture the lived experiences of humanity, society, and the environment in my music and films. Therefore, as a film producer and composer, I take a documentary approach--drawing inspiration from historical data and narrative--to writing for orchestra and chamber music and filmmaking, which is evident in my many themes.

 

Do you have any advice for young musicians/current NEC students?

  • Think outside the box
  • Diversify your income
  • Never stop learning
  • Apply creative leadership to solve problems and change the world

 

Share any other stories about what has inspired you at NEC and beyond.

My study of gospel music, especially the melismatic lines and passionate Spirit-filled worship services, growing up in the Black Church, and playing at several congregations throughout Boston influenced my music and compositional writing today.
 

Learn more about Obadiah:

Current Job Title & Employer: Northrop Grumman and Manager, General Manufacturing II
Graduation Year: 2006
Degree: Bachelor’s of Music
Major: Jazz Studies
Instrument: Piano

Website: tenderheartcrusades.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/maj-obadiah-baker-mba-cssbb-csm-ab691982