2023 Young Composers Contest Winner
Ryan Fillinger
After an extensive review process, Ryan Fillinger (22), a student at the University of North Texas, has been selected as the winner of the Austin Symphonic Band’s second annual Young Composers’ Contest. A panel of adjudicators selected Mr. Fillinger out of a field of sixty-two international applicants.
In addition, six applicants were selected as finalists. These include (listed alphabetically):
Tyler Arcari
Kevin Charoensri
Noah Hudson-Camack
Julien Meisenzahl
Jules Pegram
Jonathan Ragonese
Ryan Fillinger
About Ryan Fillinger
Ryan Fillinger (b. 2001) is an Oregon-born composer of wind ensemble, orchestral and chamber music. He currently studies as a music composition major at the University of North Texas (UNT) under acclaimed composers and faculty Dr. Sungji Hong and Dr. Kirsten Soriano, and film composer Bruce Broughton.
Ryan was the second-place winner of the Florida Bandmasters Association Young Composers Competition in 2021, and was a finalist in the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards in 2022. He has worked with various musicians and ensembles at UNT including the Wind Orchestra, the Wind Ensemble, the Symphony Orchestra, and chamber groups such as the Quasar Trombone Quartet and the Lotus Saxophone Quartet.
Comments from Dr. Kyle Glaser, ASB’s Music Director:
Music Director Dr. Kyle Glaser said:
"The ASB is thrilled to have Ryan as our second Young Composers’ Contest winner. His fresh voice will undoubtedly craft a wonderful new addition to the wind band repertoire, and we very much look forward to collaborating with him on this project."
Addressing the selection process, Glaser continued:
“The size and scope of our contest grew this year, and the selection committee was extremely pleased with the quality and quantity of submissions. I would also like to recognize our six finalists, whose works deserved special commendation for their craft and artistry."
Acknowledgements:
The Austin Symphonic Band would like to thank Dr. Brett Richardson, Director of Bands at Texas Lutheran University, for serving as an outside reviewer for this contest.
Ryan Fillinger’s new work will be premiered by the Austin Symphonic Band at an indoor concert during the 2024-2025 season.