Weston native Shelbie Rassler is set to return to her hometown on September 6th as the conductor of the orchestra for the highly anticipated “Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse” extravaganza at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. This spectacle will feature the movie showcased on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing the film’s iconic score and soundtrack live.
Rassler has soared to national and global acclaim through her extraordinary musical compositions and impactful social media initiatives. Her journey from crafting musical instruments at the tender age of eight in her Weston home to commanding orchestras at prestigious venues worldwide is inspiring.
Rassler’s musical journey began early. At Falcon Cove Middle School, she was the youngest member of the Falcon Cove Jazz Band and later won the “Falcon Cove’s Got Talent” competition. By the time she reached Cypress Bay High School, her talents blossomed. As part of the school’s Wind Ensemble and Marching Band, Rassler played first chair saxophone and became the Drum Major during her junior and senior years. A highlight of her high school career was composing a piece for the Wind Ensemble, which was performed and recorded during their end-of-year concert helping her to secure college auditions. Shelbie was the recipient of the Weston Music Society Scholarship, as well as, the Music Composition winner of the National League of Pen Woman in her senior year of high school.
Rassler’s education continued at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Composition in 2020. Here, she studied under renowned composer Jonathan Bailey Holland. She then attended The Julliard School, where she completed her Master’s in Music Composition in 2022, learning from Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano.
Rassler first captivated the world with her production of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now,” a project that earned her a CBS Sunday Morning Award and featured her in discussions with Bacharach on CNN’s “The Fourth in America” Primetime Special. This viral video was a heartfelt response to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, showcasing her ability to blend music with a strong social message.
Her compositions have been performed in iconic venues such as The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and His Majesty’s Theatre in the West End, affirming her status as a respected figure in the classical music world. As an arranger for Concertize and Candlelight Concerts, Rassler brings classical music to millions in over a hundred cities worldwide. Her versatility is evident in her work with the Club Quarantine Concert Series, where she orchestrates music for some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B.
Rassler’s collaborations span an array of distinguished artists and ensembles, including Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill, and the New World Symphony Orchestra. Her contributions to the musical community have been recognized with the Robert Sherman Music Education and Community Outreach Award, highlighting her dedication to using her talent for the greater good.
As a composer, Rassler has worked on the music teams for various Netflix shows and penned scores for commercials and documentaries. Her original musical, “Voices,” co-written with Harley Seger, was a New York Musical Festival Finalist, and she is currently orchestrating two new musicals. Her film score for “Titan,” now streaming on Amazon Prime, was selected for the CMF Cannes Film Festival, and her work on “Wright of Passage” premiered at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Rassler’s upcoming performance promises to be a spectacular event. Her return to South Florida is more than a homecoming; it’s a celebration of her achievements. Her story is a shining example for young musicians everywhere, illustrating the heights that can be reached with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
