*
banner

Major US composer award for Davoren

Tom Davoren is the 2020 recipient of the prestigious Merrill Jones Award for Composition.

Tom Davoren
  Tom Davoren is now conducting and teaching in the USA

Welsh composer and conductor Tom Davoren has been announced as recipient of the 2020 Merrill Jones Award for Composition, presented by the American National Band Association (NBA).

Major honour

Founded in 1960, the NBA is the largest professional organisation for wind bands in the world.

It presents two of its major composition honours; the annual William D. Revelli accolade celebrating excellence in composition for elite level bands, and the bi-annual Merrill Jones Award which focuses on music for high school and collegiate level ensembles.

Previous winners of the awards include Omar Thomas, Philip Sparke, Oliver Waespi, Samuel Hazo, Brian Balmages and James M. David.

The announcement that Tom's work, 'A Midwestern Suite' has claimed the $2,000 first prize was made at NBA annual meeting, and was described by the selection committee as being, 'the ideal honor band piece', 'immaculately scored', and 'rich in melody, reminiscent of the great Clare Grundman.'

Significant achievement

The award is a significant achievement for the former Filton Concert Brass MD, who told 4BR: "It has come as a delightful surprise, and I'm humbled that the composition has been selected as winner of such a prestigious award.

My thanks go to everyone involved in commissioning the piece. Without commissioners to support composers, making music becomes impossible

The National Band Association continues to provide a vital avenue to enable composers to be heard and promoted — the Revelli and Merrill Jones awards, as well as the Alfred Young competition giving a profile that is of immense value and prestige to any composer."

Reputation

The latest recognition for the popular musician enhances his musical reputation in his new home in the USA, where he works as a Doctoral Assistant at the University of Kansas.

Since moving there he has made a significant mark through his innovative teaching leadership during the strict protocols imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and with his compositions.

He finishes his doctorate this year, whilst his new trumpet concerto will be premiered by Jens Lindemann premieres in February 2021 with a 'Euphonium Concerto' for Hiram Diaz of 'The President's Own' United States Marine Band scheduled for November.

His links to the UK though will be maintained with a new work for the British Army to celebrate the history and significance of the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall.

It has come as a delightful surprise, and I'm humbled that the composition has been selected as winner of such a prestigious awardTom Davoren

Best wishes

Tom added: "I'm staying here in Kansas due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but I will still miss the enjoyment of being with family and friends at Christmas. My best wishes go to everyone — and especially musicians.

Seeing the online brass band videos from home has been fantastic, it even makes me miss Christmas carolling!"

Listen:

You can listen to the University of Kansas Wind Ensemble performance of 'A Midwestern Suite' here: https://youtu.be/bmbzDK-6QuM

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


British Open judges

Adjudication panel announced for British Open Championship

June 23 • Another move to the future for the British Open as Stephen Roberts, Anne Crookston and David Hirst are confirmed as the judges for the 171st Championship event at Symphony Hall in September.


Liberty Brass Band

Report & Result: 2025 Mountain Brass in Concert

June 23 • Liberty Brass Band wins the first Swiss 'Brass in Concert' entertainment title


Bugle

Report & Results: 2025 West of England Bandsmens Festival

June 23 • Camborne retain their Royal Trophy credentials as gain a huge haul of silverware in Bugle, as St Austell, Shrewton Silver, Illogan Sparnon Silver, St Austell Youth and Carharrack & St Day Silver also head home with titles.


Hepworth

Report & Result: 2025 Blackburn & Darwen March & Hymn Tune Contest

June 23 • Hepworth showcase their grand march and hymn tune talents as they take the honours and £1000 first prize at the popular event.


The Portsmouth Grammar School - Concert by The Black Dyke Band

Saturday 28 June • St Marys Church, Fratton, Portsmouth PO15PA PO15PA


Petworth Town Band - Fete in the Park with Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Grounds of Petworth Park GU28 9LR


Petworth Town Band - Farnham Brass Band and Petworth Town Band

Saturday 28 June • Farnham Carnival


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Billingshurst Carnival

Sunday 29 June • Carnival through Billingshurst and concert at Recreation Ground RH14 9SX


Simon Langton Brass - Deal Memorial Bandstand

Sunday 29 June • The Strand, Walmer, Deal CT14 7DY CT14 7DY


Alder Valley Brass

June 26 • We are looking for BBb bass and soprano cornet players to join our ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (national finalists 2023) with a good blend of concerts, engagements and contests. Rehearsals Mondays and Thursdays 8-10pm in Farnham, Surrey.


Bilton Silver Rugby Band

June 25 • With a varied upcoming programme of events and following on from our successful "Musicals" concert and first ever trip to Saddleworth for Whit Friday, the band requires an Eb Bass player to join our group.


Alder Valley Brass

June 24 • As a result of a relocation we seek a Musical Director. We are an ambitious, busy and sociable 2nd section band (L&SC, National finalists 2023) with a blend of engagements, concerts and contests. We rehearse 8-10pm on Mondays and Thursdays in Farnham


Steve Pritchard-Jones

FTCL LTCL LDBBA DipMusEd GMus QTS NPQH
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd