FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A recorded performance by the University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble, a select group of the university's finest woodwind, brass and percussion players, and Eric Troiano, instructor of saxophone, of Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Wind Ensemble by John Mackey has been named a finalist for the 2019 American Prize. 

The American Prize is a series of new, non-profit national competitions in the performing arts providing cash awards, professional adjudication and regional, national and international recognition for the best recorded performances by ensembles and individuals each year in the United States at the professional, college/university, church, community and secondary school levels

Administered by Hat City Music Theater Inc., a nonprofit organization based in Danbury, Connecticut, the American Prize was founded in 2009 and is awarded annually.

"We are very proud of our students and Dr. Troiano for being honored as finalists for the American Prize," said Christopher Knighten, director of bands and conductor of the Wind Ensemble. "Having Dr. Troiano perform with the Wind Ensemble pushed our students to perform with a higher level of musicality and expressiveness."    

About the University of Arkansas Bands: The University of Arkansas Bands Program, part of the Department of Music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, began in 1874 and is one of the oldest band programs in the country. The program has seven ensembles including the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band, and five concert bands with over 400 student members representing every college at the university.