Post Falls resident releases CD to benefit mission fund

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By Kara Houser, Staff Writer
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July 19, 2010 — Garrett Rook was 5 years old when he decided he wanted to play the violin, but he started taking piano lessons from his grandmother instead, as part of his home-school routine.

Pictured, Garrett Rook. Contributed Photo.

It took a few years for Rook to learn to enjoy practicing, but once he discovered he could play and make his own music, he never looked back. After taking lessons from his grandmother, he studied under a number of professional pianists. He had no formal training in composition, but one teacher in Boise encouraged him in that area.

"I had all these tunes and melodies in my head that I wanted to write," said Rook.

Now 19, and a member of the Post Falls First Ward, Coeur d'Alene Stake, Rook just released his first CD which is comprised of 11of his own compositions. The CD is titled "Memories" and his favorite song also bears the same name.

"I composed that one with my grandmother in mind," he said. "It first started out as just a piano piece and I really liked the tune so then I did the words."

Rook's grandmother died in October of 2000 of kidney complications. His choir teacher at Post Falls High School heard the song he would dedicate to his grandmother's memory and offered to help incorporate it into a choir piece, which was later performed at Rook's 2009 graduation. Finally, the piece was re-worked into a duet with Chelsea Rouse, a friend from his ward.

Rook's music covers a wide range of feelings. "Rainstorm" begins light and quiet and then progresses into dark booming chords in the bass clef, mimicking thunder. Rook says he heard this piece in a dream and wrote it out as soon as he woke up. On the other end of the spectrum, "The Ride" is his most energetic piece and was written to feel like you are galloping on a horse. He wrote it at first to try and impersonate a piece of music he had heard, but when he listened to them both again, they were nothing alike.

Looking into the near future, Rook is focused on his recent mission call to the Buenos Aires Argentina West Mission.

"It's pretty populated there so I'm sure I'll be able to play piano, but it will be a little weird not to have one at my disposal," he said.

The sale proceeds from the CD are going directly to his mission fund. He leaves October 6.

Samples of Garrett's music CD can be heard at his web site, www.garrettrook.com. Contributed Art.

After his mission, Rook plans to attend the University of Idaho and study music, with an emphasis in composition.

"The music business is a big pond to be swimming in, but I love it," he said.

He plans to write and perform his own music, and thinks writing for films would be interesting. One of his favorite composers is Thomas Newman, who has written music for "Meet Joe Black," "Finding Nemo," and "Wall-E."

"He is very original and all over the place," Rook said. "I like that he doesn't have one specific style."

He also enjoys the work of Jim Brickman, a pianist qho started out much the same as himself.

"I don't know him but I kind of feel like I do because I can relate," Rook said.

Rook appreciates the relaxing nature of Brickman's music, something that he finds important. "I listen to music to relax and I can just go off into my own world," he said.

Rook has gotten good response and feedback from those who have listened to his CD, including employees with the Brass Plates LDS bookstore in Spokane who described his work as "very energetic, with Jon Schmidt stylings." The CD is played regularly in the store.

Rook is modest in his assessment of the CD.

"Hopefully people will want to listen to it and can relate to the sounds and feelings," he said.

To hear selections from the CD or purchase a copy, visit his website at www.garrettrook.com or you can purchase the CD at The Brass Plates LDS Bookstore in Spokane.

Comments

7/19/2010 6:35:52 PM | Jenna said:

If you like Jim Brickman, then you would LOVE David Lanz! He is from Seattle and among other things he has even composed piano solos for PBS specials and a song they use in part of the Grand Coulee Dam laser light show. He performs all over the country and has a unique style that isn't always predictable, like Brickman's. (Jim Brickman basically composes within the "white keys": C, F and G; But David uses all 12, of course!) You can hear some samples of his work of over 25 years at www.davidlanz.com

7/20/2010 6:49:26 AM | Naomi said:

Garrett, We are very proud of your accomplishments. Everyone that listens to your music loves it. You are an amazing young man! The Lord will bless you even more throughout your life. Thanks to the Brass Plates for taking his CDs and selling them in the store, and also thanks to the Sentinel for writing an excellent article.

7/21/2010 6:31:18 PM | Veronica said:

You are AWESOME! I love your music. It is so nice to listen to. I hope that you have fun on your mission and that you cant amaze the people of Argentina with your wonderful talent! Thanks for sharing the talent too!

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