Annual American Composers Update

Living in Jonesboro, AR, SAI National Arts Associate Jared Spears serves as Professor of Music (composition) at Arkansas State University. The U.S. Army Band (Pershing's Own) has commissioned a work for an early fall 1999 premiere in Washington, DC.

Under the baton of Rodney Bennett, the Munday (TX) High School Concert Band presented Heartland Sketches, in Apr. 1998. The first performance of For The Courageous was given by the Lancaster (NY) High School Symphonic Band, Apr. 2, 1998, with the composer conducting. Tales from a Distant Star was heard first on Jan. 30, 1999, during the Waterford 1999 Honor Band Concert in Great Waterford, MI. All premieres were commissioned by the performing organizations.

Spirit Canyon; symphonic band; Band Music Press/Carl Fischer, Inc. Heartland Sketches; symphonic band; Jubiloso; percussion quintet; both by Southern Music Co. The Adventurers; Cantica; Overland Trails; all for symphonic band; Counterpoint Music Publications.

A Gathering of Angels; The Atlanta Wind Symphony, Brad R. Matheson conducting; on Mark Records Music of the Heavens CD.

• 1996-1997 American Composers Update