Dr. William Whitley, PhD
Composer
Instructor, Composition and Theory Western Oregon University Monmouth, Oregon 97361 (503) 838-8275 (541) 913-5950 (Cell)
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Biography:
Composer William Whitley was born and raised in the pacific northwest, and currently resides in Albany, Oregon with his wife, Kim and their three children; Caitlyn, Sydni, and William. His works range in style from latin chant-inspired choral works, to jazz, folk and pop, to avant-garde experimentation. His works often reflect a special interest in poetry, nature, and spiritual traditions of varieties of cultures.
He received a Bachelor of Arts in organ performance in 1994 from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington where he studied organ with Janet Satre-Ahrend and composition with Kevin Waters. In 2000, he earned his Master of Music degree in composition at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho where he studied with Robert Dickow and Daniel Bukvich. In June of 2007, he received his PhD in composition and theory at the University of Oregon, where he studied composition with Robert Kyr and David Crumb, and theory with Jack Boss and Steve Larson.
Whitley's works have been performed by numerous ensembles, including New Century Voices; the Cascade Reed Trio; 100th Monkey Ensemble; First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir of Cottage Grove; Trumpet and percussion duo Stephen Dunn & John Pennington; Clarinetist Blake McGee; Piano duo Quattro Mani; University of Idaho Chamber Players; and the University of Idaho Chamber Symphony.
Commissions have included ECCLESIA (2001), VICTIMAE PASCHALI LAUDES (2000), (for chorus, organ, and brass quartet), ENTRADA (1997) for concert band, O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM (1997) for SAT chorus, PSALM 1 (1996) (for organ, timpani, and narrator), and THREE PIECES (1995) for chamber orchestra.
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CURRENT PROJECTS: Lily of Force (2008) premiered on Thursday, April 9th, 2009. Performers were Karley Herrick, piano; Brian Jones, soprano saxophone; Adam Bates, vibes; and Jon Shaw, Upright bass. A midi realization has been uploaded below.
Little White Salmon (2009), for two pianos and narrator, is nearly complete.
RECORDING PROJECTS:Music for Pianos, Volume I (1987-1994. December 16 and 17 of 2009, GungHo Studios in Eugene. Recording, editting, and mixing is complete. PUBLICATIONS:Ecclesia (2001)Is soon to be made available through Oregon Catholic Press as part of their TRINITAS choral octavo series.
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