Tony Clements, Director of the Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop, announced the 2008 Composition Contest winners on Monday 25th February.

John W. N. Palmer from Kingston, Ontario, Canada won the first place prize of US$1000 with his septet titled Celtic Suite. Brian Sadler, from Tempe, Arizona took second place, winning US$500 for At the Movies. The US$250 third place prize was awarded to Krishan Oberoi, of San Diego, CA, for Sonatina for Brass Septet. Jukka Viitasaari of Tampere, Finland received Honorable Mention recognition for The Escape Artist.

The contest focused on original works for brass septet written for college-level players. Compositions were requested to have multiple movements totaling 13 to 15 minutes duration.  All qualifying contest entries were played and evaluated by the workshop coaching staff. The coaching staff consists of professional brass musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. The winners’ works will be performed during the July 2008 Brass Chamber Music Workshop at Humboldt State University in Arcata, Calif. Amateur musicians will perform the music in a workshop format. All submitted contest compositions will become part of the workshop’s extensive brass chamber music library.

“We have added some wonderful music to our library and I am anxious for all workshop participants to have an opportunity to play it,” said Clements. “I am especially excited by the level of international participation in the contest.  Congratulations to the winners, and many thanks to all the fine composers who submitted works.”

The Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop is held each summer in two one-week sessions. 2008 sessions are scheduled for July 20-25 and July 27-August 1. 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 competition please visit the website.

Link:
Humboldt Brass Chamber Music Workshop