Joseph Compello
Biography
Joseph Compello (b. 6 January 1942, Carbondale, Penn.) is an American composer.
Mr. Compello discovered his love of music when, as a child, he saw the Centennial Celebration Parade in his hometown of Carbondale. After his family moved to Baltimore, Maryland, he began studying euphonium with Robert Kennick of the Baltimore Symphony. By the time he was in 11th grade at Patterson Park High School, his band director, Clarence Wroblewski, recommended Compello for a scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory Preparatory School. While studying there, he came to the attention of the conductor of the Peabody Conservatory Wind Ensemble, Dr. Richard L. Higgins, who invited him to be a regular member of his ensemble.
During his six-year tenure with the Peabody Wind Ensemble, Compello performed all of the major repertoire for wind bands up to that time. After earning his undergraduate degree, and subsequently his master's degree from Towson University, Compello entered the teaching profession.
During his 31-year career as an instrumental music teacher in Maryland, he wrote numerous compositions for his students. In 1994, Carl Fischer began publishing many of these classroom-tested pieces, including his debut publication Cadets on Parade and 1996 best-seller Rock to the Max, Mr. Sax. In 2003, Compello's journey from local band director to internationally published composer was chronicled in the prestigious Baltimore Sun. Now retired from teaching, Compello continues to draw on his extensive background in music education to compose new music.
Works for Winds
- Anthracite Blaze
- Chopsticks for Christmas
- Countdown to Christmas (as arranger) (2000)
- El Palomino Noble (2009)
- Follow the Leader
- Gypsy Dance
- Morning Glory
- Rondo Festivo (2008)
- Scholastics March
- Seventh Summit, The
- Slavic Scherzo
- Trombonanza (2007)
Resources
- "Joseph Compello." Carl Fischer. Web. Accessed 10 July 2021