Jacob Potts, a senior music composition major and percussionist, won the third annual Dr. Stephen L. Gage Memorial Composition Contest for his outstanding efforts on an original work. Benjamin Hemming, a second-year master’s student in conducting, is set to conduct the piece for its premiere performance on Thursday, April 17 at the YSU Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Concert.
Established in honor of Stephen Gage, YSU’s director of bands from 1993 to 2021, the composition contest celebrates his legacy by promoting the performance of high-quality wind band literature. Gage’s profound impact on music education, particularly in Ohio and Pennsylvania, has influenced countless musicians and educators for over three decades.
Composers from around the world submit works that meet the contest’s specific parameters. The selection process is evaluated by an external panel, and the winning composition receives its premiere performance by the YSU Wind Ensemble. This provides graduate conducting students with the opportunity to conduct the piece without the guidance of pre-existing recordings, allowing them to collaborate directly with the composer and bring a brand-new work to life.
Potts composed his winning piece by weaving subtle references to iconic works into his own original ideas. "I wanted it to be a pseudo-tribute to my time at YSU and with the Wind Ensemble,” Potts explained. His composition includes motifs and melodies inspired by other pieces, such as the opening fanfare from Shostakovich’s “Festive Overture.” Potts reworked this melody, reinterpreting it throughout his piece to create a distinctive and personal composition.
While Hemming’s focus is on conducting the piece, he has gained invaluable insight into the art of composition both through this project and his broader time at YSU. He has led multiple percussion ensembles, where he’s learned how to interpret music and challenge traditional methods to make a piece unique. He believes that the role of a conductor involves respecting the integrity of a piece while allowing for creative interpretation. “It’s about finding that balance,” Hemming said. “You don’t want to stray too far from what the composer had in mind, but you also want to bring your own voice into it.”
Michael Butler, professor and director of bands at YSU, praised the students for their ability to experiment with their compositions. “I’ve seen them both grow immensely in their creativity and technical skill,” Butler said. “They’ve learned how to find their own voices in music while respecting the tradition of the pieces they’re working with.”
Potts and Hemming also acknowledged the support they’ve received from the music department, particularly the freedom to explore and experiment in a safe and encouraging environment. “At YSU, you have the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try new things,” Potts said. “It’s a place where you can really find yourself and grow as an artist.”
Looking ahead, both students have exciting plans. Potts intends to continue exploring composition, hoping to write more works for wind bands and other genres, as well as to attend graduate school. "I want to learn more about different kinds of music and experiment with different styles,” he said. Hemming, who is preparing to graduate, is focused on starting his career as a middle or high school band director. He plans to develop young musicians both technically and creatively. “I want to help students not only become great musicians but also develop a lifelong appreciation for music,” he said.
For more information on the upcoming Concert Band and Wind Ensemble Concert, visit ysu.edu/events/band-wind-ensemble-concert.
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