UNC Jazz composition doctoral student Mike Conrad has received 5 prestigious awards for his original work so far this academic year. Mike’s success has taken him on national and international trips to hear his compositions performed by professional jazz ensembles. Up next on his schedule is a trip to Germany in early March for a concert and award ceremony at the Trossingen Academy.
Mike’s accomplishments include:
1st place winner of the 2015 American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) Pete Rugolo Big Band Arranging and Composing Competition
- for his arrangement of “In a Sentimental Mood”
- led the Kim Richmond Jazz Orchestra in a rehearsal and recording of the chart at the Musician’s Union in Los Angeles on Tuesday, January 5, 2016
One of four winners in the 2016 Jazz Education Network Young Composer Showcase
- for his original composition, “Gerry’s Timepiece” in honor of saxophonist Gerry Niewood
- conducted the Socrates Garcia Latin Jazz Orchestra in a performance of the piece at the 2016 JEN Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, January 9, 2016
One of three winners for the 2016 Klezmer Company Orchestra’s Composition Contest
- for his piece, “Dibbuk in the Night” (based on an authentic Jewish folk melody)
- the piece will be performed and recorded on a concert at Florida Atlantic University on Sunday, March 6, 2016
2nd place winner of the 2016 Bundesjazzorchester (BuJazzO) International Composition Competition
- for his original composition, “The Whole Truth,” for large jazz ensemble and 5 singers
- will fly to Germany to take part in rehearsals and a concert featuring the winning compositions at the Trossingen Academy (March 2-5, 2016)
Recipient of a 2016 ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award
- for his original composition, “The Whole Truth,” for large jazz ensemble and 5 singers
- will be honored at an ASCAP Jazz Wall of Fame event in New York City
Congratulations, Mike! Mike Conrad is a student of David Caffey, professor of Jazz Composition.
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