Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1945 in Findlay, OH

Genre

:

Band

 

Anne McGinty was born on November 27, 1945, in West Point, New York. She grew up in a musical family, with her father being a band director and her mother a piano teacher. McGinty began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the flute. She attended the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1967. After graduation, McGinty taught music in public schools in New York and Pennsylvania. She also continued her education, earning a Master of Music degree in composition from Bowling Green State University in Ohio in 1976. McGinty's compositions began to gain recognition, and she was awarded the prestigious ASCAP Standard Award for her work in 1986. McGinty's compositions are primarily for wind band, and she has written over 200 works for this ensemble. Her music is known for its accessibility and appeal to both performers and audiences. McGinty's works often incorporate folk melodies and rhythms, and she has been influenced by the music of her Irish heritage. One of McGinty's most popular works is "Irish Tune from County Derry," which is based on the traditional Irish melody "Londonderry Air." The piece was arranged for wind band in 1984 and has since become a staple of the repertoire. McGinty's arrangement is notable for its use of lush harmonies and expressive phrasing. Another notable work by McGinty is "Sea Songs," which was commissioned by the United States Navy Band in 1987. The piece is a medley of traditional sea shanties and features lively rhythms and colorful orchestrations. "Sea Songs" has become a favorite of wind bands around the world and is often performed at festivals and competitions. McGinty's compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, the United States Marine Band, and the Dallas Wind Symphony. She has also been commissioned to write works for a variety of occasions, including the 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. In addition to her work as a composer, McGinty has also been an advocate for music education. She has served as a clinician and guest conductor for numerous school and community ensembles and has written several books on music education. McGinty's contributions to the wind band repertoire have earned her numerous awards and honors. In 2007, she was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association, and in 2015, she received the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to music education and performance. Anne McGinty's legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians around the world. Her music has become a beloved part of the wind band repertoire, and her dedication to music education has helped to shape the next generation of musicians.

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