Role

:

Composer  

Birth

:

October 3, 1953 in San Francisco, CA

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Gregory W. Yasinitsky is a renowned American composer, saxophonist, and educator. He was born on October 23, 1949, in New York City, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a professional saxophonist, and his mother was a pianist. Yasinitsky started playing the saxophone at the age of nine and showed a natural talent for music. Yasinitsky attended the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in saxophone performance. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in composition from the University of Michigan. As a composer, Yasinitsky has written over 200 works for various ensembles, including symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz bands, and chamber groups. His compositions have been performed by renowned ensembles such as the Boston Pops Orchestra, the United States Air Force Band, and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. One of Yasinitsky's most notable works is his Symphony No. 3, which was commissioned by the Washington State Music Educators Association in 2005. The symphony is a tribute to the state of Washington and its natural beauty, and it features four movements that depict different aspects of the state's landscape and culture. The symphony has been performed by several orchestras, including the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the Spokane Symphony Orchestra. Yasinitsky is also known for his jazz compositions, which have been performed by jazz ensembles around the world. His jazz works often incorporate elements of classical music, creating a unique blend of styles. One of his most popular jazz compositions is "Avenue C," which has been recorded by several jazz ensembles, including the University of North Texas One O'Clock Lab Band. In addition to his work as a composer, Yasinitsky is also a respected educator. He has taught at Washington State University since 1977 and has served as the director of the university's jazz studies program since 1987. He has also taught at several other universities, including the University of Michigan and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Yasinitsky has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer and educator. In 2016, he was awarded the Washington State Music Educators Association's Outstanding Music Educator Award. He has also received awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and the National Endowment for the Arts. Overall, Gregory W. Yasinitsky is a highly respected composer, saxophonist, and educator who has made significant contributions to the world of classical and jazz music. His compositions have been performed by some of the world's most renowned ensembles, and his work as an educator has inspired countless students to pursue careers in music.

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