Gryc, Stephen

Stephen Gryc

Biography

Born: June 26, 1949

Country: St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A.

Studies: University of Michigan (B.M.1971, M.M.1978, D.M.A.1983)

Teachers: William Albright, Leslie Bassett, William Bolcom

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American composer Stephen Michael Gryc has always been fascinated by sounds and musical instruments. An intimate understanding of the technique of instruments and the imaginative use of instrumental color are hallmarks of his music. He holds the position of Professor of Music Composition and Theory at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford where he teaches traditional orchestration courses as well as original courses in writing for wind ensembles and for voices. His instrumental expertise has brought him commissions from a diverse group of the world's leading soloists including oboist Bert Lucarelli, flutist John Wion, and trumpeter Philip Smith. Gryc's most recent commissions include a string quartet for the Arizona Friends of Chamber Music and a trombone concerto for Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic.

Gryc has written for every type of western instrument and ensemble from duo to large orchestra. His works for flute have served as contest pieces for three international performance competitions, most recently the Albert Cooper Competition held at the International Flute Festival in Stratford- upon-Avon, England in August of 2003. His music has been performed by such ensembles as the New Jersey PercussionEnsemble, Philadelphia Brass Quintet, Avalon String Quartet, Cascadian Choral, United States Marine Band, and Minnesota Orchestra. His works have been heard in 43 US states and in 23 foreign countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Stephen Michael Gryc was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1949. He earned four degrees in music, including the degree Doctor of Musical Arts, from the University of Michigan where he studied composition with William Albright, Leslie Bassett, and William Bolcom. His music is published by Alphonse Leduc, Boosey & Hawkes, Carl Fischer, Robert King, and others and is recorded on the Capstone, Centaur, Klavier, Opus One and Summit labels. Among his many awards are the 1986 Rudolf Nissim Prize for orchestral music and the James and Frances Bent Award for Artistic Achievement from the University of Hartford. Stephen Michael Gryc's music is licensed by ASCAP.

Works for Percussion

Bamboo Variations - Percussion Sextet
Dream Vegetables - Marimba; Clarinet; Violin; Narrator
Music for Tuba and Timpani - Timpani; Tuba
Two Portraits for Bass Drum - Percussion Quartet