Percussion Composition Contest Honors Winners

  • Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The Lee Percussion Ensemble
The Lee Percussion Ensemble

The Lee University Percussion Composition Contest honored three emerging composers: Sean Sweeden (first place), Connor Shafran (second place) and Lucas Garner (third place).

Mr. Sweeden, who is from Morrilton, Arkansas, won $1,000 for his composition, titled “The Clearing.”  Mr. Shafran’s composition was called “Film for the Lonely,” and the Richmond, Ky. native won a prize of $500.  Mr. Garner, from Hixson, won $250 for his piece “Lightbringers.” 

“Even the pieces that were not declared as winners were still exceptional in their own right,” said Dr. Andy Harnsberger, coordinator of percussion and assistant professor of music. “Each composition was different and unique, which made the contest extremely difficult to judge.” 

The contest was designed as a tribute to Dr. Brandon Wood, Lee percussion faculty member and alumnus, who died tragically in October of 2012. 

“The goal of the competition was to inspire composers to bring new, exciting music to percussion ensemble,” Dr. Harnsberger said. “We more than achieved that goal with the entries we received. Brandon would have been delighted with the pieces that were submitted.” 

Contestants were each ranked by four judges, and the average score was taken to produce the winners. Dr. Harnsberger, as well as Dr. David R. Holsinger, composer and conductor of the Lee University Wind Ensemble, represented Lee’s School of Music. Both were teachers and faculty peers of Dr. Wood. Professor James Campbell at the University of Kentucky, with whom Dr. Wood studied while getting his doctorate, was also a judge, and Dr. Blake Tyson, percussion composer and professor of percussion at the University of Central Arkansas, also served on the panel. 

Under the direction of Dr. Harnsberger, the Lee Percussion Ensemble will perform the three winning compositions at its fall concert on Nov. 2. 

For more information on the Percussion Composition Contest, or for information on Percussion Ensemble and percussion programs, contact the School of Music at 614-8240 or music@leeuniversity.edu.

Student Scene
UTC Recognized As Military Friendly School
  • 3/28/2024

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been designated a military-friendly and military spouse-friendly school by Military Friendly, a national veterans organization. UTC received ... more

Tyner High Class Of 1964 Planning 60th Reunion
  • 3/26/2024

The Tyner High School Class of 1964 is planning its 60th Reunion. The planning committee includes Margaret Inglis Officer, Jody Weller Brooks, Shirley Smith Richardson, Janice Ray White, Elaine ... more

UTC School Of Education Announces Director Roles For Dr. Kim Wingate And Dr. Allen Pratt
UTC School Of Education Announces Director Roles For Dr. Kim Wingate And Dr. Allen Pratt
  • 3/26/2024

Dr. Kim Wingate, a longtime member of the UTC faculty, has been named director of the University’s School of Education. Dr. Wingate joined the UTC faculty as an assistant professor in the School ... more