Adam Phoenix White

A little about myself: I have been involved with music since I can remember. Throughout my childhood, I studied piano and percussion, and also picked up a number of other instruments, as well as studied music theory and composition. I later went to Colorado State University, where I acquired Bachelors Degrees in Music Composition and Percussion Performance. While in college, I played in nearly all of the CSU Ensembles, including Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Band. I also picked up playing the double second pans in the Steel Drum Band here, and now consider myself pretty accomplished on the pan. I am an alumni member of the Pi Upsilon Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and this past year, when I was active, I was the Music Director. I am also a self-proclaimed Guitar Hero god, and the drummer for the Fort Collins based Industrial/Metal band Substratum.
A little about my music: As a professional composer with a very diverse background in many styles of music, I like to take elements of other styles and incorporate them where they are not expected. This is specifically true within my "classical" or "art" music, as I really like to add in popular culture influences. I try not to limit myself to traditional forms, and will write for orchestra and wind ensemble just as often as I would for a rock trio or big band. I like to write "rock" style songs, in a more progressive vein, and like the other side, I like to incorporate things that are traditionally not associated with rock music.
Recent major works and awards: In this past year, I have had several commissions for works, the most significant being the competitive drum line shows for the Thompson Valley High School Winter Drum Line in Loveland, CO, and Rapid City Central High School Drum Line in Rapid City, SD. Also, I was the winner of the 2006 Youth Orchestra of the Rockies Composition Competition with my work New Ice Age, which was premiered by the YOR on June 10th and 11th in Estes Park, CO and Fort Collins, CO. Other works of note include the score of an independant film by Director Adam Snow, entitled Main Street, and Concerto in Bb for Flute and Orchestra, premiered by flautist Amanda Whittaker and the CSU Chamber Orchestra in 2003.
Current Projects: Right now, I'm currently at work on a piece requested by Stephen McNeal, conductor of the Fort Collins Wind Symphony, for the May concert of their current season, themed "Colorado Connections". It is turning out to be a dedication to my good friend, the late Justin Lowis, and will feature the drum set for a portion of the work. I will also be co-writing a percussion-oriented work for the Thompson Valley High School winter ensemble. In chamber music, I am working on a piece for Trombone and Marimba, as requested by trombonist Taylor Hutchins.