December 20, 2009
“Aurora Awakes” wins both Revelli & Ostwald awards
The subject line says it all, but it can’t convey my surprise. In a huge shock (seriously, I’m having a little trouble believing this one), “Aurora Awakes” won both the American Bandmasters Association’s “Ostwald Award” and the National Bandmasters Association’s William D. Revelli Composition Contest. According to what I’ve figured from WindRep.Org, “Aurora Awakes” is only the fourth piece in the history of these awards to win both of them. (The most recent winner of both was Donald Grantham’s staple of the repertoire, Southern Harmony, which won the awards in 1999/2000. That’s some ridiculously good company.)
Winning either award ever is a huge honor. To win both for the same piece is more than I ever thought could happen. It’s been a crazy week. (“Redline Tango” won the Ostwald – but not the Revelli – in 2005.)
And I haven’t even told you about our dinner last night at Alinea in Chicago — the best meal I’ve ever had in my life. I took 350 photos. That will be the next (and much more entertaining) blog entry…
Comments
Kevin Howlett says
Great news, man! That's really awesome to hear!
Matt Carlson says
Congratulations, John! I'm so happy for you! Keep up the good work.
~Matt
Stewart Harrison (UK) says
Christmas come early. Congratulations
Stew
O'Neal Douglas says
Congratulations John!!!!!!!!
DBHerring says
Wow.... that is very impressive... congratulations!!!
William Sugg says
Congratulations! Is there an actual (preferably good) recording of this piece anywhere, yet? I've been almost able to hear it a couple of times now but something has always stopped me. All I've heard so far is the MIDI (which is admittedly, a damn good MIDI). Just curious.
John says
William - still no recording that I think sounds better than the MIDI. Something always goes funky at some point in every performance. SURELY there'll be a more representative recording soon...
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