Last year, the Plano Civic Chorus announced the launch of its first ever Emerging Choral Composer Competition, designed to promote the choral music of Texas-based up-and-coming composers. At the 'Tis The Season Holiday Concert on December 9th, the winner of PCC's inaugural Emerging Choral Composer Competition was announced. We would like to congratulate Zachary J. Moore as the winner of our competition with his piece, “My Heart’s in Highlands.” Zachary, who is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Composition at Stephen F. Austin State University, wins our grand prize of $1500 and his piece will be featured at our upcoming Elements of Love concerts, scheduled for March 3-5, 2023. Our judges also selected two honorable mentions: Patrick Vu for his piece “The Cloths of Heaven,” and Carlos Cordero for his piece “Eschucha tu voz.” Both Patrick and Carlos will receive $500 as part of this distinction. We are excited to promote Zachary’s piece and the Plano Chamber Chorus looks forward to preparing its first performance. He plans to be in attendance at our March concerts, and we hope that you all will join us then to hear his beautiful work and congratulate him on his great accomplishment! Please read below for more information on our Winner!
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Plano Civic Chorus, under the artistic direction of Ralph Stannard, is pleased to announce its inaugural Emerging Choral Composer Competition. The purpose of the Emerging Choral Composer Competition is to spark the imagination and creativity of new and emerging choral composers, and encourage a new generation of composers to contribute meaningful works to the choral arts. PCC invites composers aged thirty (30) and under, and who are residents of the State of Texas (or enrolled in a college or university located in Texas) to enter its inaugural Emerging Choral Composer Competition. The winning entry of the 2022 competition will receive a $1,500 cash award plus reimbursed travel expenses of up to $500.00 to attend the premiere of his/her composition in March of 2023. Entry deadline is August 31, 2022. |
VICTOR C. JOHNSON
A prolific composer and arranger, Victor has over 350 choral works, vocal solo books, and keyboard collections currently in print, and is the School Choral Editor for SING!, the educational publishing division of Choristers Guild. Victor is in demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician for music educators and students throughout the United States. His own choirs have performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 2011 and 2014 as well as the American Choral Directors Association- Southwest Division conference in March, 2016. Victor currently serves as Minister of Worship and Arts at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, a position he has held since 2007. NORA HENSON Nora Henson has been a music educator in Texas for over 40 years. She conducted the Youth Chorus of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas from its inception in 2004 until 2022. For 27 years, Ms. Henson taught choral music to middle school and high school students in Texas public schools. Choirs under her direction were invited to perform for the American Choral Directors Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the National Organization of American Kodály Educators. She serves as clinician and consultant for music teachers, conductors, and singers. She currently is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Music Education and Coordinator of Music Student Teachers at the Meadows School of the Arts of Southern Methodist University. Ms. Henson received the 2013 Choral Excellence Award and the 2019 Texas Choir Master Award from the Texas Choral Directors Association. RALPH F. STANNARD Ralph Stannard is the Artistic Director and Conductor for Plano Civic Chorus, and has held that position since 2000. During his time as artistic director, Plano Civic Chorus has grown into one of the premiere choral organizations in North Texas, known for its innovative programming and masterwork performances. He also serves as the Music Director of First Presbyterian Church of Richardson. Mr. Stannard is a member of The Texas Choral Directors Association, The American Choral Directors Association, and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians. His full biography can be found HERE. |