Students of composition classcraft an orchestral rendition of the song "Crazy" by Wooli and Codeko
In an exciting collaboration, UCLA composition students Kian Ravaei and Robby Good have co-orchestrated the strings-heavy EDM track "Crazy," featuring Casey Cook. The orchestral version of the single was released on January 14 by Ophelia Records.
For weeks, Kian and Robby meticulously edited orchestral parts and corresponded with over 200 potential orchestral musicians. Their hard work paid off as they assembled a 48-piece orchestra, consisting of performers from across Los Angeles, including more than two-dozen UCLA students and alumni.
The recording took place at the prestigious EastWest Studios in Los Angeles. Among the talented musicians involved were Neil Cole (oboe), Luke Candias (clarinet), Kristine Llanderal (bass clarinet), Taylor Lee (bassoon), Iona Pay (horn), Duncan Smith (horn), Jessica Lipman (trumpet), Austin Ali (trumpet), Charles Brunson (trombone), Ethan Holmes (trombone), Hannah Stefureak (tuba), Jonathan Schlitt (timpani), Cash Langi (bass drum), Maggie Pan (piano), Christina Perez (harp), Alec Norkey (violin), Arielle Claire Kasyanova (violin), Xenia Deviatkina-Loh (violin), Isabella Mija Reyes (violin), Lorenna Garcia (viola), Leo Santi (viola), Chris Cho (cello), Haley Hedegard (cello), Emma Yim (cello), and Masiel Medina (cello).
Robby Good, a 4th year undergraduate composition and percussion student, conducted the orchestra alongside Kian. Robby is a Jerry Goldsmith Scholar and A. Atwater Kent Fellow, and both he and Kian are supported by the Henry Mancini Award and the Stanley Wilson Memorial Scholarship in Composition and Brass.
Kian, who also received the James Horner Composition Scholarship and the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts Scholarship this year, learned the craft of orchestration at UCLA under the mentorship of Dwayne Milburn, Kay Rhie, and Richard Danielpour.
Both Kian and Robby expressed satisfaction and excitement about the final product and the experience of leading the orchestra. The opportunity to orchestrate "Crazy" came to them through a UCLA alumnus mentor.
This isn't the first time UCLA's music department has made headlines. In December 2021, Opus by Seven Lions featured a string quartet. As the music scene continues to evolve, it's clear that UCLA's composition students are at the forefront of innovation, blending classical and contemporary music in groundbreaking ways.
For those interested in learning more about Kian Ravaei, Robby Good, and their work, we recommend checking UCLA music department releases, artist profiles, or music streaming platforms for updates and upcoming projects.
During their time at UCLA, composition students Kian Ravaei and Robby Good not only focused on education-and-self-development in the realm of music but also ventured into entertainment, co-orchestrating the EDM track "Crazy" with Casey Cook. Amidst their rigorous schedule, they found time to enjoy the art of music, with the orchestral version of the single being released by Ophelia Records.
