There’s a Lot to Love about the Sound of O Pioneer

  What is the true pioneer spirit? Does it reside in historical context, surrounded by a resume of encroaching on the rights and ownership of lands and peoples, or is it able to be placed in a modern context which is both personally and publicly aware? This is the core concept of O Pioneer, an hour-plus length documentary which mixes different media styles to pose such a question. Combining present-day filmed footage with animation and historical footage, this Coat of Arms production presents an optimistic view of the present while vulnerably facing transgressions of the past. One of the most powerful assets in this presentation is the musical score supplied by composer Ho-Ling Tang. The general tone of this documentary film is personal and intimate, a quality ever present in Ho-Ling’s use of traditional instrumentation and a streamlined approach to melody and arrangement. Watching O Pioneer feels like a solitary experience by design. It is deeply contemplative and highly effective in this approach. 

  The filmmakers have chosen three West Virginia residents as their examples of a modern pioneer. In comparing this trio to those of past eras, they attempt to modernize the definition of what it means to be a pioneer. Traditional images of overtaking the land, possessions, and even cultures of indigenous peoples are compared with Tim, Nellie, and James (respectively a blacksmith, seamstress, and chaplain) who exemplify the resolve and commitment of those who wish to positively impact others around them unselfishly. The sincerity of each is communicated through the score as well as the footage and interviews. Ho-Ling remarks, “Music always allows access to emotions and character. I could have composed something grand and lavish with an orchestra but, this really wouldn’t match their personalities or the tone of the film. Each instrument choice was solitary; a single ukulele, a single cello, a single violin, one guitar, one banjo, etc. because it conveyed intimacy and an uncluttered sincerity. Choosing the right sound palette greatly influences the emotional tone of a project and I made these choices after much consideration. For the score of O Pioneer, I wanted the viewer to feel like they were in the room with each of these people and feeling the energy of their words and stories.” The use of plucked instruments like the acoustic guitar and banjo can be heard prominently throughout the score and intuitively represents Appalachia. The composer took the inventive and intriguing approach of using scissors for the theme of Nellie the seamstress. This kind of “out of the box” thinking by Ms. Tang is just one example of the creativity which has led to her work on such acclaimed productions as the Oscar Award–Nominated film House of Gucci and HBO’s Primetime Emmy Award–Winning The Gilded Age.

While history is already determined, the ability of society to recognize progress and step through that education is limitless. O Pioneer empowers many generations to consider positive options to redefine their actions and the intentions that direct them. This is not the result of mere facts, there must be an emotionally motivating component as well. O Pioneer doesn’t deny the past, but it also doesn’t use it as a hammer. It’s likely that this film has been so warmly embraced due to its clear intention to spark meaningful thought and discussion. One of the most useful assets in this regard is the production’s score which utilizes a style and instrumentation to communicate that even something traditional can find new purpose for the betterment of all.

Writer : Winston Scott

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