Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1947

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

David Gillingham is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style and innovative approach to composition. Born on October 4, 1947, in Medford, Wisconsin, Gillingham grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a band director, and his mother was a piano teacher, which exposed him to music at an early age. Gillingham began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and trumpet. He later went on to study music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1970. He then pursued a Master of Music degree in composition at Michigan State University, where he studied under H. Owen Reed and Jere Hutcheson. After completing his studies, Gillingham began his career as a composer and educator. He taught music at various institutions, including Central Michigan University, Baylor University, and the University of Southern Mississippi. He also served as a composer-in-residence at several universities, including the University of North Texas and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Throughout his career, Gillingham has composed a wide range of works, including symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and choral music. His compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of unconventional instruments. One of Gillingham's most notable works is his Symphony No. 2, which was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America in 1997. The symphony is a tribute to the men and women of the United States Air Force and features four movements, each representing a different aspect of the Air Force's mission. The symphony has been performed by numerous orchestras and military bands, including the United States Air Force Band and the United States Marine Band. Another notable work by Gillingham is his Concerto for Bassoon and Wind Ensemble, which was commissioned by the International Double Reed Society in 1999. The concerto features three movements, each showcasing the unique capabilities of the bassoon. The work has been performed by numerous orchestras and soloists, including the United States Army Band and bassoonist Saxton Rose. Gillingham's compositions have received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been the recipient of the National Band Association's William D. Revelli Composition Award, the American Bandmasters Association's Ostwald Award, and the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia's National Citation for Composers. In addition to his work as a composer, Gillingham is also a respected educator and conductor. He has served as a guest conductor for numerous orchestras and bands, including the United States Army Band and the Dallas Wind Symphony. He has also written several books on music education and composition, including "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" and "Composing Music: A New Approach." Overall, David Gillingham is a highly respected composer and educator in the world of classical music. His unique style and innovative approach to composition have earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. His works continue to be performed by orchestras and bands around the world, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential composers of his generation.

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