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Darren Schmidt is an emerging composer from Baltimore, MD and a graduate of Towson University. In addition to obtaining his composition degree, Schmidt also continued his study of the voice and F Horn, performing in just enough ensembles to fill his college schedule to the brim. In his Senior year, he had the pleasure of conducting the TU Symphonic Band for the premiere of his first large scale piece for instruments, "Lux In Tenebris Lucet" (Light Shines In the Darkness), which went on to receive national recognition in 2 contests. Shortly after graduating, Schmidt was pleased to write a commissioned piece for the The Maryland State Boychoir (in which he spent 10 years as a chorister). Schmidt dedicated his setting of "Set Me as a Seal" to the memory of fellow choir member, Maxwell Landbeck, who died just days before his 21st birthday. Chorus Austin’s rendition of the piece was especially moving, and Schmidt was gratified to be awarded as their Young Composer Competition winner.
These days, Schmidt continues to complete commissions and perform in a variety of groups, including his barbershop quartet Pratt Street Power, and the 229th Army Band. He is a member of ASCAP, ACDA, and the Barbershop Harmony Society. |
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Upcoming Performances:
May 18 -"Trees" SA(T)B & Piano (poem by Joyce Kilmer) -July 4-8: Pratt Street Power, BHS International Contest, Louisville KY |
Current projects:
-"20 Something Sojourner," a solo album of 11 original songs & lyrics -"Be the Best of Whatever You Are" (poem by Douglas Malloch) |
Recent past projects:
-March 11: "The Masterpiece You Are" Premiere by Chorus Austin, Austin TX |
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Composition Awards:
Set Me as a Seal (SATB a cappella) -Chorus Austin 2018 Young Composer Competition Lux In Tenebris Lucet (Light Shines in the Darkness), for Symphonic Band -2017/18 Charles B. Olson Competition -2nd Runner-Up: National Band Association Young Composer Mentor Project (2017) Wessobrunn Prayer (SATB a capella) -2015/16 Carl Orff Competition (1st Prize), held in Munich, Germany. Epilogue (brass quintet) -2015 Talent Award for Composition from Towson University Performance Awards:
Pratt Street Power -2020 Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Champions -2019 International 8th place quartet -2018 International 12th place quartet -2017 Dealers Choice Award, 18th place quartet (adult division) -2016 International Youth Barbershop Quartet Champions Parkside Harmony -2018 International 3rd Place Chorus -2016-19 Mid-Atlantic District Chorus Champions -2017 International 5th Place Chorus Solo voice (baritone) -3rd place, 2015 Peggy-Friedman Gordon competition, Towson University (1st & 2nd place were awarded to instrumentalists) |
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Towson University Article
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