Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

in Detroit, MI

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Dana Wilson is a renowned American composer of classical music, known for his unique style that blends traditional and contemporary elements. Born on August 26, 1946, in Evanston, Illinois, Wilson grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music from an early age. Wilson began his musical journey by learning to play the piano and trumpet. He later attended the University of Illinois, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance. He then went on to pursue a Master of Music degree in composition at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. After completing his studies, Wilson began his career as a composer and educator. He taught at Ithaca College in New York for over 30 years, where he served as the chair of the composition department. He has also taught at several other institutions, including the University of Colorado, the University of Michigan, and the University of Tennessee. Throughout his career, Wilson has composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and choral music. His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Boston Pops, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the United States Marine Band. One of Wilson's most notable works is his piece "Shakata: Singing the World into Existence," which was commissioned by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra in 1999. The piece is based on a creation myth from the Native American Ojibwe tribe and features a unique blend of Western and Native American musical elements. Another notable work by Wilson is his piece "Sang!" which was commissioned by the United States Marine Band in 2004. The piece is a tribute to the African American spiritual and features a soloist singing traditional spirituals. Wilson's compositions have received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He has been the recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Rudolf Nissim Prize, the National Band Association William D. Revelli Composition Award, and the American Composers Orchestra Underwood New Music Readings Commission. In addition to his work as a composer, Wilson is also a respected educator and has mentored many young composers throughout his career. He has served as a guest lecturer and conductor at numerous institutions and has been a member of the composition faculty at the Atlantic Music Festival and the Cortona Sessions for New Music. Wilson's unique style and innovative approach to composition have made him one of the most respected and influential composers of his generation. His works continue to be performed and celebrated by musicians and audiences around the world.

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