If you are anywhere close to the University of North Texas on Sunday, Sept 19, 2021, please consider attending the Tribute Concert for Keith Johnson. The concert venue is the UNT Recital Hall and the performance begins at 3:30 PM. The concert will feature Keith’s former students and friends. Rob and Lauren Murray will be…

We must never forget the events of 9/11. The senseless and horrific loss and destruction because of the hate, or more accurately, the fear of the “other.” On this day 20 years ago (Sept 11, 2001), I was up all night composing. I had just finished a new piece and I stopped to look at…

Joseph T. Spaniola’s LAMENTATION (Trumpet and English Horn) was premiered by Robert Murray (Trumpet) and Lauren Murray (English Horn) at Columbus State University (Columbus, GA). The composition was commissioned by the Murrays for the September 19 Memorial Concert for Keith Johnson, renown University of North Texas Regents Professor of Trumpet. Johnson passed away on July…

Joseph T. Spaniola’s composition, UPLIFTED (Wind Ensemble) received a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards in the Classical Composition/Composer categories. This composition was commissioned by The US Air Force Band of Mid-America (Scott Air Force Base, IL). This is the fifth Spaniola composition to receive a Global Music medal. Global Music Awards is “a…

April was a busy and productive month as it included two exciting recording sessions with my works: 1. Thomas Jefferson: Lifelines (Orchestra and Voices with texts from the private letters of Thomas Jefferson) recorded in the Czech Republic by the Brno Philharmonic Orchestra, Pavel Šnajder, Conductor; and 2. Armenian Stirrings (Clarinet and Piano) recorded in…

Here is Martin McCain (Bass Trombone) and the Croatian Army Wind Band performing A. Lebedjew’s (Lebedev) Concerto No. 1 for Tuba/Bass Trombone orchestrated by Joseph T. Spaniola:

Joseph T. Spaniola received a commission to compose a set of etudes for the Oahu Band Directors Association (OBDA – Oahu, Hawaii). The etudes serve as audition pieces for the association’s honor bands. An etude set consists of two solo etudes for every wind instrument in the ensemble, and three etudes for percussion instruments. The…

Joseph T. Spaniola received a commission to compose etude sets from the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (ETSBOA). The etudes serve as audition pieces for the association’s 2020 – 2021 honor bands. An etude set consists of two solo etudes for every instrument-type in the ensemble. ETSBOA commissioned an intermediate and advanced set…

Hear my DREAM (Euphonium and String Quartet) performed by Elizabeth Brokow at her Senior Recital at Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, CA), livestreamed today (March 24) at 4:00 PM PDT. Enjoy! DREAM – Brokow Recital Link

The Eastern Wind Symphony (Princeton, New Jersey) will premiere Joseph T. Spaniola’s composition MONTICELLO (Wind Ensemble). The piece was written for the Eastern Wind Symphony and is a featured work on their February 8, 2020 Soundscapes concert at Princeton University’s Richardson Auditorium. MONTICELLO was inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s descriptions of his home taken from his…

Joseph T. Spaniola’s composition CROSSROADS (Trombone and Trombone Ensemble) has advanced to the semi-final round of The 2019 – 2020 American Prize in Composition in the Instrumental Chamber Music division. Adjudication for this division will occur in the coming months. The American Prize celebrates American Excellence in the Arts. Listen to CROSSROADS: https://josephspaniola.com/music/crossroads/

The US Air Force of Band of Mid-America’s album BLUE HORISONS AND BEYOND was released in December 2019.  The album contains Dr. Joseph T. Spaniola’s composition, Uplifted: Answering the Call (Wind Ensemble) which was commissioned by the USAF Band of Mid-America in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of The US Air Force and to honor…

2019 has been a good year for ESCAPADE: Music for Large and Small Ensembles.  Here is a list of the awards, honors and recognition received by the album or music contained therein: Global Music Awards: Silver Medal for the album Escapade: Music for Large and Small Ensembles Global Music Awards: Top Ten Album of Fall 2019, Escapade: Music for Large…

The Midwest Clinic will soon be upon us (Dec 18-21, 2019). Clinic attendees: Stop by the Musica Propria booth (Booth 1700) and get your very own ESCAPADE button. See you in Chicago!

The Owosso Independent (Owosso, MI) recently featured and article about Joseph T. Spaniola and his album ESCAPADE: Music for Large and Small Ensembles.  Many thanks for Karen Mead-Elford for requesting an interview and for her writing the article.  Check out her article: Composer with Local Ties Produces Award-Winning Album

Hear my RESOUNDING JOY performed by the Detroit Community Ensembles Concert Band in a concert with the DCE Orchestra at 7 PM on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019, Orchestra Hall (3711 Woodward, Ave. Detroit). For more information, see: DCE Concert Band, Nov 13

Joseph T. Spaniola’s composition DREAM (Euphonium and String Quartet) received The 2018 – 2019 American Prize in Composition third-place honors in the Instrumental Chamber Music – Larger Ensemble Category: American Prize  The American Prize celebrates American Excellence in the Arts.  DREAM is included on Spaniola’s recently released album ESCAPADE: Music for Large and Small Ensembles.  Listen…

Joseph T. Spaniola’s ESCAPADE: Music for Large and Small Ensembles (a Parma, Big Round Records release) was named a Top Ten Album of Fall 2019 by the Global Music Awards (GMA). GMA is an international showcase for original music, unique voices and emerging artists from around the world. The Top Ten list highlights “highly anticipated…

Joseph T. Spaniola’s album ESCAPADE: Music for Large and Small Ensembles (released on PARMA Recordings Big Round Records label) received a Silver Medal for Outstanding Achievement from the Global Music Awards.  This is the Fifth Global Music Award medal for Spaniola in the last 3 years. Global Music Awards is “a top-tier music competition that…