CAMPBELL, CA - Tony Clements, Director of the Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop, announced the 2013 Composition Contest winners on Monday, March 11, 2013.
John Palmer from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, won the grand prize of US$2000 for his septet “Three Shades of Blue.” This is John’s eighth contest prize. Zachary Smith, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, won the second prize of US$1000 for his “Zombie Apocalypso.” Zach was last year’s grand prizewinner. The US$500 third place prize was awarded to Casey Martin, of Long Beach, California, for “Tales of Brynmor.” Anthony O’Toole of Indiana, Pennsylvania received Honorable Mention recognition for “Theme and Variations on A Mighty Fortress.” Roger May, of Reading, England, also received Honorable Mention recognition for his “The Four Temperaments.”
The contest focused on original 8-10 minute works for college-level brass septet. All qualifying entries were played and evaluated using a blind audition process by representatives of the workshop coaching staff and other California professional brass musicians. Amateur musicians will perform this year’s contest submissions in a workshop format during the July 2013 Brass Chamber Music Workshop at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif.
“We have once again expanded our library with wonderful music,” said Clements. “I am especially excited by the strong response of composers to our call to create new music for brass ensembles. Congratulations to the winners, and many thanks to all the fine composers who submitted works. Please look for a spring announcement of the 2014 contest, which will focus on brass sextets.”
The Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop is held each summer in two one-week sessions. 2013 sessions are scheduled for July 21-July 27 and July 28-August 3. Activities include: daily chamber ensemble rehearsals coached by some of the West Coast’s finest brass musicians; daily performances by participants; brass choir reading sessions; abundant freelance playing time; special-interest sessions on brass-related topics; and spectacular California North Coast scenery.
For further information regarding the Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop or the Composition Contest visit http://www.humboldt.edu/brass/ .
