Annual American Composers Update

William Davis

William Davis, composer and bassoonist, works at the University of Georgia School of Music, in Athens, GA. This year his bassoon performances include solo and chamber music programs in British Columbia, Washington, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, and Georgia. He serves as president of the National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors.

Premieres

Escapades for Organ was premiered by Jolene Davis at Radford (VA) University, Apr. 25, 1997. On June 22, 1997, Brenda Poss directed the Central Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir of Athens, GA in the first performance of Come, Let Us Sing, for SATB choir and organ. Davis will introduce Serenade for Solo Bassoon this spring at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Performances

Rhapsody for Bassoon and Organ was performed by William and Jolene Davis in spring 1997 at the University of British Columbia; on the Arts Alive Series in Tacoma, WA; and at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival, in Charleston, SC. During the 1997-98 Macon (GA) Symphony Orchestra season, led by Adrian Gnamm, Fanfare for the Bicentennial Celebration was heard several times. In November 1997 Jolene Davis played Escapades for Organ at the University of Evansville (IN), Western Kentucky University, and Ball State Univ (Muncie, IN). O Come, Let Us Sing will be sung by the combined church choirs of Athens in February 1998, led by Poss. Thomas Granurn directed the First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir, Athens, in Psalm 80: Restore Us, O God, for SATB choir and organ, June 1, 1997.