Young Composer & Conductor Mentor Projects

2017 Young Composer/Conductor
Mentor Project

Sponsored by Conn-Selmer Corporation
John Stoner, President

Mark Camphouse and Paula Crider are pleased to report the 2017 project will be held Wednesday-Friday, June 14-16, 2017 in Washington, DC.  The host ensemble will be the United States Air Force Band, Col. Larry Lang, Commander/Conductor.  The NBA is grateful to Col. Larry Lang, Capt. Daniel W. Boothe (2004 Mentor Project Alum!), and Michael Piersol, CMSgt, USAF Band Chief of Operations, for their support of this special project.

2017 Mentor Project Composer Mentor Team:

• Andrew Boysen, University of New Hampshire
• Timothy Mahr, St. Olaf College
• Mark Camphouse, George Mason University

2017 Mentor Project Conductor Mentor Team:

• Col. Larry Lang, United States Air Force Band
• Anthony Maiello, George Mason University
• Paula Crider, University of Texas-Austin, retired

2017 Young Conductor Requirements:

Applicant must be 29 years of age or younger at the time of the competition.

Applicant must submit the following materials:

1. Conductor Application_2017
2. DVD to include:
   A. Two pieces of contrasting style, at least a portion of which should demonstrate the ability to conduct at slower, more expressive tempi.
   B. A three- to five-minute rehearsal segment (no longer, please) demonstrating the ability to teach a musical concept.
3. Brief score analysis of one of the pieces conducted on your DVD.
4. Two letters of recommendation.
5. Brief vita and list of repertoire conducted in the past two years.
6. Cover letter discussing professional/creative goals.Positive and constructive feedback of materials will be provided upon request.
7. N.B. Please do not require signature for receipt of materials. This will only serve to slow the receipt of materials. If you wish to have materials returned, a self-addressed, stamped mailing envelope should be included in your submissions.

2017 Young Composer Requirements:

Click here for 2017 Composer Application and Information

History of the Young Composer and Young Conductor Mentor Projects

In 2000, the National Band Association launched the first of its two Mentor Projects, the Young Composer Mentor Project.  The brainchild of composer and music educator Mark Camphouse, the idea was to pair young aspiring composers with working veteran composers for an intense three-day collaboration.  This soon led to the implementation of the Young Conductor Mentor Project in 2004 under the leadership of project director Paula Crider, Professor Emerita, University of Texas at Austin.  The young conductor component was added at the suggestion of mentor Frank Ticheli, following the first two young composer events.  Over the past 15 years, 37 young composers, and 31 young conductors have distinguished themselves through participation in the YCMP.  The Project places a strong emphasis on the importance of composer-conductor interaction. The young composers and conductors work in collaboration to present public performances of the young composers’ compositions conducted by the young conductors.

Since the Projects’ inception, all composition and conducting mentors have donated their professional services, thereby directly helping to keep the event tuition-free for student participants. Student participants pay for their own travel, meal, and lodging expenses, only. Special gratitude, admiration and respect is accorded to the mentors who, over the years, have provided insights that may take these talented young students to that elusive “next” level of musical excellence far sooner than a solitary musical journey might provide. Of the mentors, Mark Camphouse notes: “They donate their professional services. They serve as mentors because they are genuinely committed to encouraging and nurturing future generations of especially promising and gifted young composers and conductors. They, too are making a difference.” The list of NBA Composer and Conductor Mentors is a veritable “Who’s Who” in the world of wind bands:

• Composer Mentors have included Jack Stamp, Timothy Mahr, David Gillingham, Frank Ticheli, Donald Grantham, David Maslanka, David Holsinger, Julie Giroux, James Curnow, Robert Sheldon, Andrew Boysen, Thomas Duffy, Joseph Turrin, Carter Pann, Dana Wilson, and “The President’s Own” 1st LT. Ryan Nowlin. All have been recruited by visionary creator of the YCMP, Mark Camphouse.
• Conductor Mentors have included Frederick Fennell, Frank Wickes, James Keene, Thomas Fraschillo, Steve Steele, David Gregory, Gary Sousa, Robert Ponto, Anthony Maiello, David Waybright, Steve Peterson, Terry Austin, Tom Dvorak, David Whitwell, John Culvahouse, Gary Hill, Frank Battisti, Richard Good, and “The President’s Own” Lt. Col. Jason Fettig.  Conductor mentors have graciously participated with the encouragement of conductor coordinator, Paula Crider.

During the three-day event, young composer participants have their works rehearsed, performed, and recorded with the young conductor participants conducting. All rehearsals, a final performance, and a recording session are attended and supervised by all composer and conductor mentors. Many alums of this joint Project have gone on to have highly successful careers as conductors, composers, and educators at the high school and college-university level, and with professional military bands. Previous Mentor Projects have been hosted by The Texas Bandmasters Association in San Antonio, Illinois State University, and Arizona State University.

Mark Camphouse points out that a great number of previous YCMP winners have “gone on to become published, widely performed composers . . . and are serving our profession with distinction.” [they are] “proving to be a true lifeline to the future of our wind band repertoire. They are making a difference,” as are the many young conductors who are proving to be the leaders in the “next” generation of wind band conductors.

Recap of the 2015 NBA Young Composer/Young Conductor Mentor Program

The National Band Association would like to recognize the Conn Selmer Corporation for helping to subsidize the 2015 Young Composer/Young Conductor Mentor Project. Thank you John Stoner and Tim Lautzenheiser!

Mentor Competition were privileged to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with the incomparably talented musicians in “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band during the 2015 YCMP. Each of the three talented young conductors was paired with an outstanding young composer for the purpose of engaging in a month-long collaboration prior to an intensive four-day period of seminars and rehearsals.The six participants were selected via a highly competitive national selection process.

Ryan Nowlin, Dana Wilson and YCMP Composition Coordinator, Mark Camphouse served as Composer Mentors. Jason Fettig, Frank Battisti, Rick Good and YCMP Conductor Coordinator, Paula Crider served as Conductor Mentors.

Words fall far short of describing the incomparable artistic experience provided by the musicians in “The President’s Own.” Not only were the young composers treated to an incredible performance of their pieces, the young conductors were privileged to enjoy the total focus, professionalism and sensitive response of every member of this outstanding ensemble…all, of course, a reflection of the masterful leadership of conductor Lt. Col. Jason Fettig. Needless to say, the young conductors were uber prepared to bring the young composer’s pieces to life!

The four day event began at the Manassas home of Mark Camphouse and Elizabeth Curtis where a wonderful repast was prepared for all participants, followed by opening remarks from YCMP Coordinators. Intensive quartet seminars with young composers, conductors and mentors followed. Monday morning saw the first rehearsal with “The President’s Own” at John Philip Sousa Hall at the Marine Barracks facility in Washington, D.C., followed by a masterful rehearsal evaluation offered by Lt.Col. Fettig. The group then returned to the George Mason campus for intensive individual afternoon mentor sessions. Seminars continued Tuesday morning on the GMU campus, then the group returned to the Marine Barracks for final rehearsal and Tuesday evening performance. Wednesday morning offered the opportunity for concert evaluation, sharing of experiences, and an enlightening final session where the composer mentors shared new works with the participants.

The project seeks to recognize the finest young composers and conductors in the country, and to provide support, encouragement and a life-altering educational experience. In his introduction prior to the concert, Mark Camphouse shared the following:

This evening, we celebrate a unique collaboration of the creative talents of three very gifted young composers, and the recreative talents of three very gifted young conductors, together in performance with the magnificent  artistry of the men and women of a true national musical treasure, “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

Special thanks to:

• The National Band Association, President Rick Good, for its continued support of this one-of-a-kind landmark project.
• John Stoner and Conn-Selmer, Inc. for generously underwriting the educational component of the 2015 YCMP.
• Libby Curtis, Director, Mason’s Potomac Arts Academy, for arranging and coordinating housing for participants.
• The George Mason University School of Music and Mason’s Potomac Arts Academy.
• Lt. Col. Jason Fettig and members of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.
• Dr. Mark Camphouse, visionary creator of the YCMP.

2015 NBA Young Composer/Young Conductor Participants

Left to Right: 1st Lt. Ryan Nowlin,  Prof. Mark Camphouse, Young Conductors Joshua Kearney, Charley Andersen,Joseph Higgins, Prof. Paula Crider, Young Composers Joe Krycia, Anthony O’Toole, Ryan Lyan Lindveit. Back Row R: NBA President Dr.Rick Good, Dr. Frank Battisti, Dr. Dana Wilson, Lt. Col. Jason Fettig. Photo taken  outside U.S.Marine Corps Barracks, Washington, D.C.

2015 Young Conductor Profiles

Joseph Higgins
Undergrad, University of Georgia;
Taught Middle School & High School in Gwinnett, County, Georgia;
DMA, Northwestern University;
Has been appointed Director of Bands at Rowan University, New Jersey.

Joshua Kearney
BM and MM, Columbus State University;
Taught Middle School in Columbia, Tennessee;
DMA, Michigan State University;
Begins position as Director of Athletic Bands, U. of Nebraska, Omaha.

Charles Andersen
BM, MM, University of Florida;
Earned an academic scholarship for study in Salzburg, Austria;
Currently Assistant Director of Bands in Crestview, Florida.

2015 Young Composer Profiles

Ryan Lindveit (Spinning Yarns)
Attended High school in Lake Jackson, Texas;
Has just completed his junior year at The University of Southern California where he is a Presidential Scholar;
His teachers include Frank Ticheli, Andrew Norman, and Donald Crockett;
Ryan was winner of the 2015 USC New Music for Wind Ensemble Competition,
and a Finalist in the 2015 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards.

Anthony O’Toole (Now is the Time – A Song of Hope)
BA Indiana University of Pennsylvania;
MM George Mason University;
Teachers: Jack Stamp and Mark Camphouse.
He has won numerous prizes, published over a dozen works,
and has enjoyed performances of his music by some of the finest ensembles in the country.

Joe Krycia (Going)
Graduated from Michigan State University in December;
Teachers: Ricardo Lorenz and Charles Ruggiero;
The Donald Sinta Quartet has performed his saxophone quartet, Why Not?;
He was a runner up in their 2013 saxophone composition competition.

Young Composer Mentor Project History

1st Project (2000)
Composer Mentors: Mark D. Camphouse • Timothy Mahr • Jack Stamp
Young Composer Participants:
Jay Glossup; Mesquite, Texas – Thoughts From Europe
Geoffrey Goodwin; Kennesaw, Georgia – Crusade
Kyle Kindred; Wichita, Kansas – Prestidigitato
Christopher Tucker; Denton, Texas – Urban Divertimento
Matthew Schoendorff; Swartz Creek, Michigan – Cloak and Dagger

2nd Project (2002)
Composer Mentors: Mark D. Camphouse • David Gillingham • Frank Ticheli
Young Composer Participants:
Robert Ash; Adrian, Michigan – Glory
Mark Fredericks; Portland, Maine – Soft Self-Portraits
Eric Knechtges; Adrian, Michigan – Broken Silents
Daniel Montoya; Austin, Texas – Danse Moods
Ben Stonaker; Prairieville, Louisiana – While We Were Yet Sinners
Anthony Suter; Logansport, Indiana – Dance Fragments