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Commissioned Composer Program
Mike Springer, 2018 Recipient
As a teacher and composer, I've known about the TMTA commissioned composer program for many years. I was first nominated for it in the past by my local association in Carrollton, Texas, but I was not selected at that time. When the Plano Music Teachers Association nominated me a few years later, I did not expect anything to come from it because I remember thinking to myself just how many outstanding composers there were, many of whom were certainly more qualified than me for such an honor. However, I submitted my materials for the nomination, and I'll never forget my excitement the day I received the email stating that I had been selected for the 2018 commission! After much deliberation, I decided to write a four-movement trio for flute, saxophone, and piano entitled Atmospheric Forces. I felt exhilarated to write at whatever level I wished because most of the material I compose is pedagogical in nature and is written for specific levels. I found the experience to be both enjoyable and extremely rewarding. I was absolutely humbled at the positive reception I received during the premier of the work at the state convention in Waco in 2018. It gave me an emotional boost and more confidence. I encourage any local association to seek out and nominate composers for this prestigious prize. It certainly had a positive influence in my life.
Here’s the link to Atmospheric Forces. I hope you enjoy it!
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