UA COMPOSERS RECEIVE NATIONAL RECOGNITION

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) in New York has named James Greeson and Robert Mueller of the UA Department of Music as winners of ASCAP Special Awards, in recognition of their original compositions performed or broadcast over the past year.

These cash awards are given to encourage writers of serious music. Both Mueller and Greeson are prolific and versatile writers, sometimes collaborating in their composing and teaching. Last spring they co-taught an upper level course "Music for Video," in which the students were taught to use sophisticated computer software and synthesizers to compose music in synchrony with video excerpts.

"That turned out to be a popular course," said Greeson. "Some students' work from it has already been used on UATV and in an art department promotional video."

The two composed and recorded the music for "Precious Memories," a documentary that recently premiered on AETN about small rural churches throughout Arkansas. Graduate student Christie Brocchus, who works for AETN, produced the video.

Greeson has also worked in collaboration with journalism faculty Dale Carpenter and Larry Foley on documentary videos, producing the scores for "The Plight of the Eagles," "The Lost Squadron" and "Broncho Billy." Some of his many compositions for jazz ensembles, classical flute and guitar have been published by Oriana Publications in Wales. He has been at the U of A since 1980, serving as chair of the music department from 1985 to 1990.

Mueller joined the faculty in 1988 as a visiting assistant professor. Today, associate professor Mueller teaches courses in piano skills, theory, and the use of computers in music, and offers private lessons in composition. He has written and performed over 100 compositions, several of which have been published and won major awards, such as the Omaha Symphony Guild's New Music Competition and a Composers Fellowship from the Arkansas Arts Council. In 1998-99, original works were performed by the UA Boston Mountain Chamber Players and during a Sunday Showcase Concert in the Fine Arts Concert Hall.

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