Student writes a musical tribute for her professor

Usually it's music students, not their professors, who practice, practice, practice to learn a difficult piece of music. The role has been reversed for a star French horn student and her professor-mentor, Marcia Spence.

Spence is practicing "Concerto for Horn and Orchestra," written by senior Katie Andres, for its world premiere at MU's Chancellor's Concert, March 14 in Jesse Hall Auditorium. The University Philharmonic will perform the concerto with Spence as soloist.

Andres' 8-minute concerto challenges even an experienced performer. As a performer, Andres plays some of the most difficult horn literature in existence. She writes challenging music as well.

"I know how difficult her music is," Spence said before reviewing a copy of the new piece. "It's going to be fascinating to see what's in that brain of hers."

Andres is a double national finalist in 2007 music competitions — for composition and for horn performance. Her piece "Moodswings"
[listen to Moodswings] placed second nationally in the Young Artist Composition Competition of the Music Teachers National Association — one of the nation's most distinguished competitions for student composers — and won the Missouri Sinquefield Composition Prize.

With the gift of perfect pitch, Andres hears the music accurately in her head. She prefers to write music that sounds good rather than academic forms that alienate an audience. "If you're going to create something, you should write something that will survive," she says.

On March 25, Andres will compete for the title of Young Artist Horn Performer in MTNA's national competition. Meanwhile, she's tweaking the new music.

Spence says she's honored to play the horn solo. "I can't think of a greater tribute. Katie could have chosen to play it herself."

Links:

School of Music
Marica Spence
Katie Andres
Sinquefield Prize

Music Teachers National Association



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