Finalists: CONDUCTORS (band/wind ensemble), 2021

 

 

The American Prize BLOG is getting a NEW LOOK! Changes begin the week of June 14th.

The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts, David (Volosin) Katz, founder and chief judge, is pleased to announce 2021 FINALIST conductors in the band divisions. Congratulations!

Runners-up and winners will be selected from this list. To know the exact date when results will be announced, please like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter #AmericanPrize, where that information will be published first.

All contestants are reminded they are responsible for the viability of their online links to audition materials. Those links must remain active until complete the end of the contest year. Questions, or to make us aware of any misprints in the listings below, please email: theamericanprize@gmail.com

From Maestro Katz: 

"Why so many finalists?" Different from some other contests, The American Prize is first and foremost about encouraging artists, not about eliminating contestants. Each of the individuals below was judged to be worthy of further consideration as we move towards selecting winners and runners-up in the various divisions. At the end of the contest year each will receive a written evaluation. Especially during this most difficult time for the performing arts everywhere, we welcome these conductors and hope the recognition conveyed by finalist status will prove valuable, both personally and professionally. —DK

If you are not a finalist this year, please remember that the contests are not yet over. The American Prize reserves the right to award Honorable Mentions and Citations for Special Achievement to any contestant, regardless of final placement. TAP has honored a number of semi-finalists and quarter finalists in the past--to recognize a unique talent or focus, unusual repertoire, vital programming or outreach. Citations and Honorable Mentions are usually awarded at the same time as winners and runners-up, but can be presented at any time up to the last winners' announcement of the contest year.
  
We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. A sample announcement may be found at the end of the post.

COVID EXTENSIONS to APPLY for 2022: Because of the current national and international situation, many rules have been changed and requirements eased to make it easier to apply for The American Prize, 2022. In addition, application deadlines have been extended with further extensions available by email request. 

Applications from COMPOSERS, CLASSICAL VOCALISTS, PIANISTS, CHAMBER ENSEMBLES and INSTRUMENTAL SOLOISTS will be accepted through the revised deadline of Tuesday, July 20, 2021, with extensions available by email request.

Applications from CONDUCTORS, STAGE DIRECTORS, CONDUCTED ENSEMBLES, ARTS ADMINISTRATORS (arts marketing, arts education) in the performance of American Music (BACON AWARD) and in the new category of VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE will be accepted until Tuesday, July 20, 2021, with extensions available by email request.

Visit theamericanprize.org for complete contest information.

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NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—professional band division, 2021

Melanie Brooks

U.S. Army Band "Pershings Own" 

Arlington.  VA

Maj. Vu Q. Nguyen

Combined USAF Band of the Golden West 

and ANG Band of the West Coast Concert Bands

Port Hueneme  CA

Danh T. Pham  

Seogwipo Philharmonic Wind Orchestra

Jeju Island   South Korea                


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—college/university band division, 2021

Dustin Barr  

CSUF Wind Symphony   

Fullerton.  CA 

Trae Blanco

Murray State University Wind Ensemble    

Murray   KY 

Julia Baumanis

Florida State University Chamber Winds   

Tallahassee   FL

Nicholas Bratcher   

CSU San Bernardino Symphonic Band   

San Bernardino. CA 

Joseph D.Conti 

Appalachian Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band 

Boone    NC 

B. Drew Eary  

Schwob Wind Ensemble 

Columbus   GA

T. Andre Feagin

Central Washington University Winds 

Ellensburg    WA 

Caroline Hand  

Ball State Wind Ensemble  

Muncie   IN 

Devin Otto  

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Wind Ensemble 

Oshkosh  WI 

Chris Ramos 

UNM Wind Symphony & Chamber Players 

Albuquerque   NM 

J. Nick Smith 

University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble    

Minneapolis   MN 

Jonathan Villela   

Butler School of Music- mixed ensembles  

Austin   TX 

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—community band division, 2021

Gerald Guilbeaux  

Acadian Wind Symphony

Lafayette LA

Matthew Salvaggio  

University Heights Symphonic Band   

University Heights OH

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Conducting—high school band division, 2021

Harold Goldstein  

Newfield HS Wind Ensemble 

Selden   NY

Justin Swaim 

Wharton HS Wind Ensemble & Symphonic Band

Tampa    FL

P. Justin White 

Thompson HS Wind Ensemble 

Alabaster.  AL

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We invite finalists to make the most of their selection by announcing it on social media, and including a link to this announcement on their website or blog. 

Here is a sample announcement:

"Great News! I've just been selected as a finalist in the (blank) division of The American Prize national non-profit competitions in the performing arts. Here's the link: (copy link here). The American Prize will be announcing results in my division soon. You can learn more about this prestigious national competition here: www.theamericanprize.org or follow the news on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-Prize-celebrating-American-excellence-in-the-arts/214320622728 or Twitter: https://twitter.com/americanprize "

Please feel free to modify or expand this announcement to suit your needs.

Congratulations to all finalists.