Houston, Texas, Nov. 26, 2025 – HCU alum Cody Still is creating a name for himself since graduating from HCU with a double degree in music and business in 2009. Now, an established music composer, his latest musical composition is featured in the trailer for the highly anticipated film, “Wicked: For Good,” released in theaters nationwide on Nov. 21.

Still’s music composition, heard between the 0:28 – 0:56 marks of the official “Wicked: For Good” trailer, blends traditional orchestral elements with modern synths, drums, and sound-design textures to create a hybrid sound that feels cinematic while still letting the vocal performance shine. 

The HCU alum, whose compositions have been featured in numerous films over the past decade, counts his recent feature in the “Wicked: For Good” trailer among his top favorite musical projects.

“It’s always an honor when a piece I create is chosen for a final trailer, but being part of “Wicked: For Good,” one of the most anticipated films of the year, makes it even more meaningful,” said Still.

He described composing as a “vulnerable process” that allows him to share something deeply personal and called it “surreal and incredibly rewarding” to have millions of people hear his musical voice.

“I wanted the music to feel intense, emotional and truly epic,” shared Still of his arrangement which supports the powerful vocals in the film’s song, “No Good Deed.”

A graduate of the School of Music and College of Business, Still credits HCU with providing him with a strong foundation not only in musicianship but in the professional discipline required to succeed in the industry.

“My music theory professors, band directors, trumpet professor, and business faculty were all instrumental in shaping my skills and work ethic. The combination of artistic training and business education proved invaluable as I entered such a competitive field,” shared Still.

His advice to HCU students interested in pursuing a career as a music composer is to start with the fundamentals, learn the characteristics of orchestral instruments and develop strong digital productions skills. For those specifically interested in trailers, he notes that it is important to understand trailer structure and be able to create a sound that feels authentic to the world of trailers.

“There is a balance between creating something fresh while also staying within the palette that trailer editors and studios expect,” said Still. “Creative speed, clear communication, and reliability matter just as much as musical skill.”

For more information on the HCU alum’s compilation of works, visit www.codystill.com.

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Houston Christian University

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