Four University of Memphis faculty members were recognized thisyear by the American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishersfor the number of their works that have been published andperformed.
ASCAP, an association of more than 160,000 composers,songwriters, lyricists and music publishers, gave recognition to Uof M faculty members Shirley McRae, Kamran Ince, Jack Cooper andJames Richens at the beginning of the summer.
"This is a very important and prestigious award," said Richens,professor of music and composer/arranger in residence for theMemphis Symphony Orchestra. "It isn't quite like winning aPulitzer, but it is really something."
Richens has arranged much of the music MSO performs at its popconcerts, including works by Elvis Presley. He has also receivedcommissions to write ballets, chamber music and electronic scores.A number of orchestras in the United States, South Africa andCanada perform his music.
"It is nice that ASCAP goes out of their way to recognize uscomposers for doing a wide variety of things," said Cooper,professor of music at The University. "There are a number of ASCAPperformers that we don't recognize because their stuff goes off theradar. The emphasis is on the primary goal of music -- to hearmusic without it being attached to film, television or CDs."
Cooper has a wide range of experience as a performer, educatorand composer. He has served as staff arranger and clinician forWarner Brothers Publications since 1992. Cooper is also musicaldirector and founder of the Jazz Orchestra of the Delta.
"These awards are important because they give you recognitionfor your continuous creative work that is done year in and yearout," said Ince, professor of music at The U of M. "It shows thesuccess that you continue to have as an ASCAP member."
Ince's work is performed by symphonies across America, includingthe Chicago Symphony, and in Europe.
Former professor emeritus McRae is now retired but taught musictheory and education and sacred music at The U of M. McRae haswritten numerous vocal compositions for adults and children and isin demand to conduct children's choirs across the nation.
