Shelbie Rassler: Conducting “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” –
A Journey of Inspiration and Innovation
On November 17, a new kind of superhero will take the stage at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, NY. Shelbie Rassler, a young, trailblazing female conductor at the age of 26, will step up to the podium for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Live in Concert. As the lights dim and her baton rises, Rassler will lead the orchestra through Daniel Pemberton’s electrifying score, blending the grandeur of symphonic music with the raw energy of hip-hop beats, complete with a live DJ scratching on turntables. With every precise, powerful motion, Rassler will invite audiences into the Spider-Verse, making this movie-turned-concert a breathtaking fusion of animation and sound.
But Rassler’s journey to this moment hasn’t come without its challenges. Growing up, there were few conductors who looked like her; the podium was a space often reserved for men. “I didn’t know if this was an opportunity open to women,” she reflects. Despite her doubts, Rassler pursued her dream with a fierce passion, carving out her own path to the podium. Earning her Bachelor’s in Music Composition from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and her Master’s from Juilliard under the guidance of Pulitzer Prize-winner John Corigliano, Rassler built a foundation in both technical skill and fearless creativity.
Now, as she stands before each audience, she makes it a point to look out, scanning the crowd for the young children watching her every move. “I want them to see me up here,” she says, “to know that anything is possible, that boundaries are meant to be pushed and perceptions changed.” Each note she conducts isn’t just part of a concert; it’s a reminder to the young dreamers in the audience that they, too, can aspire to roles once thought out of reach.
Conducting this Spider-Man concert is both a creative milestone and an opportunity to inspire. “Conducting means guiding both the orchestra and the audience on a journey together,” Rassler explains. “I want everyone to feel connected to the performance, immersed in each beat and crescendo.” Her preparation for the tour has been rigorous, ensuring each moment aligns perfectly with the action on screen. The symphonic sweeps and hip-hop rhythms create an atmosphere so immersive that, for just a moment, the theater transforms, and audiences feel as though they’re right beside Spider-Man, swinging through the cityscape.
This performance is a celebration not only of Spider-Man but of music’s power to unite. The orchestra is a diverse blend of musicians, each bringing their own unique perspective to the score. “Working with such a range of artists feels like painting with a full palette,” she says. “Every note is enriched by their experiences, and together we create a sound that’s vibrant, alive.” From rehearsals filled with camaraderie to the final crescendo on stage, Rassler builds a shared musical experience that flows from the orchestra to the audience and back, bridging stories and lives with every sound.
On November 17, audiences will see not only Spider-Man’s story unfold but also Rassler’s—a young conductor defying conventions and inspiring a new generation to dream beyond boundaries. Watching her lead the orchestra in perfect sync with the DJ and animated scenes, young girls and boys in the crowd will see that the impossible is within reach, whether it’s a movie that’s been transformed into a concert, or a young woman commanding the stage with all the confidence of a superhero herself.
As she raises her baton for that final bow, she’s inviting audiences to feel the magic of live music and imagination intertwined, to witness not just a performance but a vision—a world where dreams come alive and new possibilities rise with each powerful note.
Article written by: T.K. Millo
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse presented by Broadway Utica
November 17, 2024 at 4:00pm
The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theatre
For tickets visit: Ticketmaster.com
