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SFA Composition Student Receives Top Award
Sylvia Bierschenk - March 5, 2008
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Aden Ramsey, junior composition major at Stephen F. Austin State University, was recently honored by the Texas chapter of the National Association of Composers/USA at the state conference in San Marcos. The Lufkin native's "An Echoe's Inevitability" was named the Best Undergraduate Composition.
"I predict this will the first in a string of awards for Aden," said Stephen Lias, SFA associate professor and director of SFA's composition studio.
The competition was the world premiere for Ramsey's six-and-a-half-minute piece for alto saxophone and piano, explained Ramsey. "The musicians played it beautifully. I couldn't have asked for more."
The national association exists as a support organization aimed primarily at young and emerging composers, explained Lias. "The earlier a composer can begin getting exposure for his works on regional and national concerts the better. We are extremely fortunate to have an exceptional studio of talented composers at SFA right now."
Other SFA student works presented include "As the Mind Wanders" by Russell Cannon, Garland freshman; and "Private Eye" by Garry Wickliffe, Lufkin graduate student. "Alone" by SFA alumnus Kevin Jones was also presented. SFA Pianist Tracy Ward, Nacogdoches graduate student, performed on Wickliffe's and Jones' pieces.
Faculty works presented include "Songs of a Sourdough" by Lias and "Surfaces" by Alan Scott, adjunct faculty. Baritone Scott LaGraff, SFA assistant professor, performed on Lias's and Jones' pieces, and saxophonist Brian Utley, SFA assistant professor, performed on Wickliffe's piece.
SFA will host the 2009 NACUSA Texas Conference Feb. 20 through 21.
For more information about SFA School of Music's composition studio, contact Lias at (936) 468-4056.