Concert of Musical Compositions by Gary Powell Nash

Gary Powell Nash, a native of Flint, Michigan is Associate Professor of Music at Fisk University in Nashville, TN where he teaches and coordinates courses in music theory, technology, composition, applied woodwinds and conducts the Fisk Jazz Ensemble. Nash holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University, Master of Music Degree in Composition from Western Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Music Composition from Michigan State University.
His former teachers include Jacob Druckman, Jere Hutcheson, Bernard Rands, Charles Ruggiero, Mark Sullivan, George Tsontakis and Ramon Zupko. Nash’s composition portfolio consists of works for band, orchestra, choir, art songs (four in Chinese), electroacoustic works and many instrumental chamber compositions, including 2 film scores. He has also written over 100 musical arrangements and transcriptions including works for marching band, chorus, jazz ensemble, drum and bugle corps brass, concert band and orchestra. His music has been performed in all major regions of the United States and abroad in countries such as Canada, Italy, People’s Republic of China, Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, UK and Vietnam.
Nash has received numerous grants, commissions and awards for his compositions including Ohio Northern University where he was also a featured composer/visiting artist in residence. Others include Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Music Teachers Association Composer of the Year, 2006, Millersville University of Pennsylvania where he composed Tradition and Innovation (2004) for symphonic band and narrator in commemoration of the school’s 150th anniversary, Mississippi Arts Commission, American Composers Forum, Mississippi Humanities Council, Fulbright, where he was Visiting Professor of Music Composition at University of the Philippines-Diliman, May 30, 2000 - March 28, 2001, Carnegie Hall, Michigan State University, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Artists’ Colony and a 1994 ASCAP Foundation Grant to Young Composers Award.
Nash’s scores are published by Dorn Publications, Tuba/Euphonium Press, Gold Branch Music, Inc., and in a soon to be released anthology of spirituals and art songs of contemporary African-American composers. Nine of his compositions are featured on compact disc, the latest being DEFORMATION V (1993) for bassoon and piano on the CD LEGACY featuring Lecolion Washington, bassoon on Albany Records. Other works appear on Albany and Citadel Records labels. Nash was Associate Professor of Music Composition and Theory at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS from 1996-2003. Nash was also assistant to the acting director of bands at MVSU in 2002-2003.

Dr. Philip Autry, piano
Kaylia Duncan, piano
Kaylina Madison, piano
Kelsey Porter, soprano
Jon’ Nesha Stevens, soprano
Dr. Anthony Williams, organ, conductor
Members of Fisk Jubilee Singers ™, University Choir and First Presbyterian Church Choir of Hendersonville, TN

With special guests:

Dr. Kristian Klefstad, piano, Belmont University
Dr. Shudong Luo Braamse, soprano, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL