News

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

Sweeden, who is from Morrilton, Arkansas, won $1000 for his composition, titled “The Clearing.” Shafran’s composition was called “Film for the Lonely,” and the Richmond, Kentucky native won a prize of $500. Garner, from Hixon, Tennessee, 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,” 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. 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 Wood. Professor James Campbell at the University of Kentucky, with whom 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 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 423-614-8240 or [email protected].