David Gillingham

David Gillingham

Biography

David Gillingham (born 1947) is an American composer. He earned Bachelor and Master Degrees in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and the PhD in Music Theory/Composition from Michigan State University. Many of his works for winds are now considered standards in the repertoire. His commissioning schedule dates well into the first decade of the 21st century.

His numerous awards include the 1981 DeMoulin Award for Concerto for Bass Trombone and Wind Ensemble and the 1990 International Barlow Competition (Brigham Young University) for Heroes Lost and Fallen. Dr. Gillingham's works have been recorded by Klavier, Sony and Summit and Centaur. His works are regularly performed by nationally recognized ensembles including the Prague Radio Orchestra, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Wind Ensemble, The University of Georgia Bands, North Texas University Wind Ensemble, Michigan State University Wind Ensemble, Oklahoma State Wind Ensemble, University of Oklahoma Wind Ensemble, Florida State Wind Orchestra, University of Florida Wind Symphony, University of Illinois Symphonic Band, Illinois State Wind Symphony, University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble, Indiana University Wind Ensemble and the University of Wisconsin Wind Ensemble.

Currently Dr. Gillingham is a Professor of Music at Central Michigan University and the recipient of and Excellence in Teaching Award (1990), a Summer Fellowship (1991), a Research Professorship (1995), and most recently, the President’s Research Investment Fund grant for his co-authorship of a proposal to establish an International Center for New Music at Central Michigan University. He is a member of ASCAP and has been receiving the ASCAP Standard Award for Composers of Concert Music since 1996.

Works for Winds

• Abiquiu (2010)
• Aerodynamics (2003)
• All Hail the Power with Jack Stamp, Timothy Mahr, Joseph Pappas and Andrew Boysen, Jr. (2002)
• And Can It Be? (2000)
• Apocalyptic Dreams (1995)
• At Morning's First Light (2004)
• Be Thou My Vision (1999)
• Cantus Laetus (2000)
• Concertino for Four Percussion and Wind Ensemble (1997)
• Concerto for Marimba (2006)
• Concerto for Piano, Percussion and Wind Orchestra (2004)
• Council Oak (2001)
• Echo Never Fades, The (2004)
• Foster's America (2003)
• Galactic Empires (1998)
• Heroes Lost and Fallen (1990)
• Internal Combustion (1999)
• Kentucky Home (2012)
• Light Unto the Darkness, A (1997)
• New Century Dawn (1999)
• Quintessence I (1997)
• Quintessence II (2006)
• Serenade for Winds and Percussion (1990)
• Sub-Saharan Rhythm (1998)
• Vintage (1990)
• Waking Angels (1996)
• When Speaks the Signal-trumpet Tone (1999)
• With Heart and Voice (2000)

References

• David Gillingham - Official Website
• Bradley, Raydell, and J. Bradley McDavid. (2003). "David Gillingham." In: A Composer's Insight, Volume 1. Galesville, Md.: Meredith Music Publications. pp. 47–55.
• Camphouse, Mark, editor. (2002). Composers on Composing for Band. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 137–163.
• McCutchen, Mathew G. (2009) An Examination of the History and Winning Pieces of the National Band Association's Composition Contest: 1977-2008. Florida State University, Doctoral Dissertation.
• Riegel, Marcus L. (2008) An analytical and historical examination of six works for middle level wind band: Bells of freedom (grade 1) by David Gillingham, Rising star (grade 1) by Samuel R. Hazo, Achilles’ wrath (grade 2) by Sean O’Laughlin, Kenya contrasts (grade 2.5) by William Himes, On the wings of swallows (grade 3) by Michael Sweeney, and Old churches (grade 3) by Michael Colgrass. [Master's Thesis].
• White, Marc M. (2001) Percussion scoring and orchestration in the wind and percussion ensemble literature of Jared Spears and David Gillingham [Doctoral Dissertation].
• Whitman, David Robert. (2008) An examination of selected works for percussion; Concerto for marimba and wind ensemble by David Gillingham, XL plus one by Alvin Etler, March from eight pieces for four timpani by Elliott Carter, 42nd street rondo by Wayne Siegel, Oceanus by Steve Houghton and Wendell Yuponce [Master's Thesis].