Dr. Joseph Eidson of Gettysburg College Wins Brevard College Wind Ensemble Composition Competition

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Dr. Joseph Eidson

BREVARD, NC (03/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Dr. Joseph Eidson of Gettysburg College is the winner of the first-ever Wind Ensemble Composition Competition at Brevard College in Brevard, North Carolina.

Dr. Eidson received first place for his work, "Hour of the Wolf." This new work for symphonic wind ensemble, which features rhythmic drive and lyrical melodies, was inspired by the "hour of the wolf" or "witching hour," which occurs just before sunrise.

Active as a composer and educator, Dr. Eidson is a member of the music faculty of the Sunderman Conservatory at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Penn., with previous teaching appointments at Bucknell University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Texas. He holds degrees in music theory and composition from the University of Kansas and the University of Texas, studying with Dan Welcher, JamesBarnes, Donald Grantham and Forrest Pierce.

Dr. Eidson, who enjoys writing for wind band as well as vocal works, describes his new piece as being "filled with an intensity and energy that does not dissipate."

"A subdued middle section featuring the low winds is the only respite from the constant beating and pulsing throughout the piece, which ends with a final, frantic bang," he adds.

As the winner of the Brevard College Wind Ensemble Composition Competition, Dr. Eidson receives a $1,000 prize as well as a three day residency at Brevard College and a recording of the winning composition.

He will premiere "Hour of the Wolf" during a concert at Brevard College held at 7:30 p.m. on April 9 in the Porter Center for Performing Arts. The concert is free and open to the public.

The inaugural competition received more than 80 entries from composers from throughout the United States. The mission of the Brevard College Wind Ensemble Composition Competition is to create new and unique works for wind ensembles.

"We were thrilled to see such an interest in writing music for young wind ensembles," said Brevard College Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Miller Asbill. "Our goal for the competition was to encourage artistic writing for younger students and offer an opportunity for the winning composer to share their artistic vision with our student here at Brevard College."

Competition entries were judged by a panel of Brevard College Music faculty along with an area high school band director and composer from South Carolina.

Brevard College (www.brevard.edu) is committed to an experiential liberal arts education that encourages personal growth and inspires artistic, intellectual, and social action.