2023 Competition Winner and Finalists
Winner: Andrew Fort
Des papillons - Sonatine for flute and piano
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Andrew Fort (b. 2003) is an American composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, currently based in Arizona. He is studying music composition at Arizona Christian University. Primarily focused on orchestral concert works, he draws from a wide range of influences—from Impressionism to jazz to Baroque counterpoint to folk traditions from all around the world—which are all synthesized with a love of the whimsical and childlike to create a very distinct, personal voice. He strives to employ his strong sensitivity to symbolism and beauty to create music that is evocative and rich with meaning, both to the performer and to the listener.
When not composing, he enjoys playing and singing in worship bands, jazz ensembles, and vocal chamber groups—as well as painting, reading, cooking, hiking, watching documentaries, and spending time with his friends and his six siblings. He also loves a good strong cup of iced coffee and oeufs-en-cocotte accompanying his time with God each morning. Soli Deo Gloria.
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Learn more about Andrew Fort:
https://www.instagram.com/andrew.fort.music/
https://musescore.com/obsolesce
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Finalist: Charles D. Norris
The Forlorn Wind for solo flute
Charles D. Norris’ (b. 1997) music has been called "Exhaustingly imaginative," and "highly creative with a compelling musical narrative." With degrees from Oklahoma State University and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Mr. Norris studied under Virginia Broffit-Kunzer, Timothy Hagan, Mark Engebretson, and Alejandro Rutty. ​
Charles’ music has been performed around the United States by notable groups such as: the Encore Wind Ensemble, The University of Central Oklahoma, and the Red Clay Saxophone Quartet, among many others. Charles was the 2021 Winner of the Charles B. Olson Composition contest in Minneapolis, MN. under Dr. Jerry Luckhardt. Charles was named a finalist in the 2023 MAP International and composition competition and was the winner of the 2023 Orlando Contemporary Chamber Orchestra call for scores.
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Learn more about Charles D. Norris:
Website: charlesnorrismusic.com
Instagram: chuck_norris_music
TikTok: @cdn_music
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Finalist: Tanner Harrod
Feather Fall for solo flute
Tanner Harrod (he/him) is a DMA candidate in Composition at the Glenn Korff School of Music, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. At UNL he teaches applied composition, aural skills, and has previously taught the history of rock music. Additionally, he serves as Assistant Director of the Flyover New Music Series, which exclusively features music composed, produced, and performed by UNL students. His MM in Music Theory is from the University of Oklahoma.
He is an active guitarist specializing in musical theatre, jazz, and contemporary chamber music. Upcoming performances include In the Heights at Omaha Community Playhouse and Spamalot at Ralston Community Theatre. In February of 2020 Tanner played mandolin for the world premiere of Tony Maglione's Dust Bowl with the Verdigris Ensemble at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas.
Harrod is the recipient of the Othmer Fellowship and the 2022 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award at UNL. Upcoming commissions include a new work for vocalist Daniel Ikpeama with text by poet Jordan Charlton. Harrod studied composition with David Davies, Marvin Lamb, and Greg Simon. He currently serves as the Deputy Province Governor for Province 6 (Nebraska/Western Iowa) of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
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Learn more about Tanner Harrod:
Instagram: @tannerharrod
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