Xavier Hersom

03/20/2025

Hello everyone! I am still short on my fundraising efforts to offset the cost of hiring musicians to perform my original music for my senior music composition recital. For my last fundraiser, I will be giving signed copies of my published international award-winning piece “Chasing Dreams” to the first 20 people who donate $40 or more, and they will receive a special recognition at my senior recital at Shepherd University’s Frank Center on Sunday, April 6th at 5pm (for those who are local because I cannot provide shipping). You can use the Venmo link below to make your donation or I will also accept cash in person. Your contribution to support the arts will be greatly appreciated!!!

Also, please come to my recital--it will be free and open to the public!

Please share!

https://venmo.com/u/Xavier-Hersom

03/03/2025

Save the dates!

Invisible Orchestra Senior Recital Preview
Saturday, March 8th 5pm-6pm
Camp Hill -Wesley United Methodist Church
Free Entry

Xavier Hersom's Senior Recital
Sunday, April 6th 5pm-6pm
Shepherd University's Frank Center
Free Entry

I had an excellent practice/recording session with my performers for my senior composition recital today and I wanted to give you all a preview of one of my pieces that will be performed by Matthew Gattuso: "Unheard: Lament for Solo Viola."

My music addresses critical social issues. Please come to my performances to hear more!

About the piece:
The viola is an undervalued instrument that has the incredible ability to portray deep emotional music. I composed the lament “Unheard" for solo viola to address those whose culture, stories, history, and music remain unheard within society. This solo explores the diversity of tone and color capable of the viola.

The viola is an undervalued instrument that has the incredible ability to portray deep emotional music. I composed the lament “Unheard" for solo viola to add...

01/15/2025

"Colors" is still a work in progress, but I am excited to be finishing this piano character piece soon!

There is little to no music that specifically represents the LGBTQ+ community. When a person comes out as LGBTQ+, most experience a range of emotions. I challenged myself to encompass this in my chara

12/15/2024

I don’t usually post personal stuff on my professional page but I wanted to share some very exciting news! My partner Austin just proposed to me and became my fiancé!!! I am looking forward to what the future holds for us. 🥰

11/24/2024

I just learned that I won Third Prize in the International Youth Music Competitions (IYMC) (Open 27+ category) for my organ composition “Ordination”! The sheet music will be available on Amazon soon. 😊
Listen to it here:
https://youtu.be/36wXzyqLbeg

11/20/2024

Thank you so much Matthew Jagela for your wonderful performance of my organ piece “Ordination” at Shepherd University’s Composition Concert!

10/30/2024

The sheet music will be available on Amazon soon!

This organ piece was written for Marti Steiner Unger who was ordained to Episcopal priesthood on July 27th, 2024. Marti was the first woman priest to be ordained at Mt. Zion Episcopal Church in Hedgesville, West Virginia—one of the oldest Episcopal Churches in the state. The current building was constructed in 1818, but the original meetinghouse dated back to 1740 and was attended by George Washington.

Program Note:This organ piece was written for Marti Steiner Unger who was ordained to Episcopal priesthood on July 27th, 2024. Marti was the first woman prie...

10/24/2024

You are invited to my first "Invisible Orchestra" fundraisers to be held on Sunday, November 17 from 3pm-4:30pm at Trinity Episcopal Church in Shepherdstown, WV. As a music composition major at Shepherd University, it is my responsibility to acquire musicians to perform my original music for my senior recital, and professional musicians are expensive, so I need your help. You will enjoy recordings of my music, program notes for each piece, and have the opportunity to donate. This concert is free to attend! Please come, bring a friend, and share!