Back, again.
It's funny... going back in review and looking at the entries I had forgotten about (most of them short and frantic) that have led up to recent and forthcoming events. One such entry said something about me being consumed by insanity whilst writing my new orchestra piece. After two rehearsals (I have the good fortune of being allowed to conduct the Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic for the premiere) I must say I am very pleased with the way things are going and grow more and more excited every day for the March 4th concert! More details on that as it approaches...
In other news, I recently took half of the first prize for the Harry Archer Memorial Scholarship, which awards $1,000 to a student composer for string quartet composition. This year the Parker Quartet came to CMU to conduct the reading and played beautifully. Our judges were Professor Donald Wilkins (CMU) and Professor John Beall (WVU) along with a vote from the quartet.
At their request, I also have a score in waiting with the American Composers Orchestra for their Penn Presents new music reading and "lab" in Philadelphia in April. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will actually read it.
A few other musical projects on the side include a new work for the Ion Sound Project, a new string quartet and a nonsense opera. We'll see where they all lead. For now, staying focused on what is in front of me!
