Baylor Symphony Orchestra Wins National Performance Award

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321
WACO, Texas (Oct. 7, 2014) – After one judge deemed its performance “remarkable all around,” The Baylor Symphony Orchestra has been named the 2014 winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Performance in the college and university division.
“This significant accomplishment speaks to the superb talent of our students, the exceptional mentoring they receive from our faculty in the studio, rehearsal hall, and classroom, and Professor Stephen Heyde's musical mastery of the baton,” said Timothy McKinney, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Music.
A series of nonprofit competitions, The American Prize is designed to recognize and reward the best performing artists, ensembles and composers in the U.S. based on submitted recordings. The organization developed from the belief that a large amount of excellent music created in this country goes unrecognized and unheralded.
Judges of the submitted applications are distinguished and professional vocalists, conductors, composers, pianists, professors and orchestra, band and choral musicians.
Stephen Heyde, The Mary Franks Thompson Professor of Orchestral Studies, director of orchestral activities and conductor of the Baylor Symphony, said he is exceedingly proud of the hard work of the symphony members and his dedicated colleagues in the School of Music.
“This award is a tangible indication of the high level of teaching and learning happening across the entire School of Music,” he said. “Without the conscientious honing of playing skills by students’ individual teachers, we couldn't play at the extremely high level we do. I am truly blessed to work at such a quality university that values and supports the arts.”
In 2013, the orchestra received the Special Judges' Citation for Technical and Musical Excellence in the college and university division from The American Prize.
The Baylor Symphony has performed at the Texas Music Educators Convention (TMEA) eight times, at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival and at national conventions of the American String Teachers Association and the College Orchestra Directors Association. Former members have won positions in many professional orchestras, among them Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Cincinnati, Hong Kong, Costa Rica, China, Russia and Mexico.
The public will have the opportunity to hear the orchestra perform its premiere concert of the season free of charge this evening at 7:30 p.m. in Jones Hall, located in McCrary Music Building, 110 Baylor Ave. The program will include Corigliano’s Promenade Overture, Mozart’s Symphony No. 39 in E-flat and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9.
For a schedule of 2014-2015 Baylor Symphony Orchestra performances, visit the Baylor School of Music webpage.
by Kristen Bennett, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.