In July 2022, we filmed the U.S. Guitar Orchestra for the upcoming documentary, ORACLE: the life and music of Michael Hedges.
Ever since we saw this 2013 video of a guitar orchestra performing Michael’s music, we knew something like that needed to be included in Oracle. It’s incredibly moving seeing a virtual army of young people performing the music of a man who revolutionized the guitar. The fact that they’re playing classical guitars also lends a warm quality to the music, and is reminiscent of where Michael studied classical guitar at Peabody Conservatory of Music.
When we found out the the Aaron Shearer Foundation was presenting a tour of the United States Guitar Orchestra, starting in New York City and ending in Europe, we reached out, and they met us with open arms. They were still building their program, and offered to add Michael’s tune “Because It’s There,” arranged by Alan Hirsh, to the program so that it could be included in the film.
We traveled to NYC and spent 2 days filming rehearsals, interviews with the conductor, Kami Rowan and two people who attended Peabody Conservatory with Michael in the 1970s: Alan Hirsh (who arranged “Because It’s There” for guitar orchestra) and Thomas Kikta, director of the Aaron Shearer Foundation. We also captured interviews with several students who were a part of the orchestra about their experience with Michael’s music. It was fascinating seeing all the parts come together – more than 30 young musicians bringing their talent to perform the compositions of Michael and other artists.
On the last day of the shoot, we captured the orchestra’s performance at the Kaufman Music Center with a 4-camera crew, to create a cinematic experience and bring the concert to life. We’ll save that footage for the film and our upcoming crowdfunding campaign, but here’s a short behind-the-scenes clip from rehearsal, and a few behind-the scenes photos to give you a peek.
Oracle documentary (behind-the-scenes): video & photos from July 2022 shoot in NYC:
(BTS shot on iPhone by Jake White, Mischa Hedges & Brendan Hedges)
VIDEO: July 2022 – Mischa Hedges films the U.S. Guitar Orchestra, led by Kami Rowan, as they rehearse “Because It’s There” in New York City
Conductor Kami Rowan rehearses with U.S. Guitar Orchestra
Brendan and Mischa interview students from the U.S. Guitar Orchestra
Interviewing Alan Hirsh and Thomas Kikta
Mischa and Brendan take a break from filming for lunch in Central Park
Brendan Hedges (co-director) and Ling Mai (Dir. Photography) capture b-roll before the show
Dir. of Photography Ling Mai preps his onstage camera
Mischa and Brendan dialing in the camera angles during tech check
U.S. Guitar Orchestra performing “Because It’s There” by Michael Hedges
Brendan Hedges (co-director) and Ling Mai (Dir. Photography) capture b-roll before the show
The U.S. Guitar Orchestra Program
Become a Sponsor
This film will be funded in part by Michael’s fans, angel donors, business sponsors and grant funding.
Sponsorship packages range from $1,000-$75,000 and include various benefits. They are tax-deductible through our fiscal sponsor, the Stropes Foundation.
Review our available sponsorship packages and let us know if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of the film.
Or by check
Write a check to “Stropes Foundation, Inc” with “Oracle Documentary” in the memo and mail to:
Stropes Foundation, Inc.
1132 Lake Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
