As part of the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) and KHS America Academic Student Melody Competition, the winning theme was used as thematic material for a full wind ensemble piece.  This year’s winning melody titled “Inevitable” was composed by Jose Angle Salinas, currently a sophomore at Glenda Dawson High School near Houston, and was premiered by the US Air Force Band of the West at the recent Texas Bandmasters Association Conference to a full house. KHS America provided accommodations for Jose’s family which included his father Jose Sr., mother Patricia, and sister Bianca along with his band director Nathan Coronado to be in attendance at the premiere and to be a part of the TBA Conference.

“It was an incredible experience, getting to meet so many great musicians and I’ve grown a lot because of it”, stated Jose. “Hearing the piece come to life from a simple melody was truly inspiring and it was fun to see how my melody was developed.”

The wind ensemble piece was composed by Rick DeJonge, Artist and Education Relations Manager for KHS America and all the parts and score are available online for a free download at academicalliance.com under “Resources”. “Jose’s melody was so well done and contained both an A theme and B theme which made it a real joy to develop into a full score,” says composer DeJonge. “The opening couple of measures made a great motif that I was able to use several times throughout the work.”

“Thank you to KHS America, TBA, the USAF Band of the West and especially to Mr. Rick DeJonge for composing such a beautiful piece.” stated Patricia. “We are so appreciative that a competition for young aspiring composers is available to showcase their work.  It was a wonderful event that we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

The TBA/KHS America Student Melody Competition was part of KHS America’s Academic Alliance Program and was open to all middle and high school students from the state of Texas. Jose also received a nice plaque as well as a professionally printed copy of the score which he received on stage right before the premiere. 

More about the 2018 TBA Student Melody Competition: http://jupitermusic.com/us/tba-student-melody-competition/

More about the 2018 Winners: http://jupitermusic.com/us/news/khs-america-announces-2018-tba-melody-competition/