MICHAEL STEWART
Dr. Michael Stewart holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts degree in Trumpet Performance from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Akron (OH). Although he primarily writes for brass ensembles, his compositions also cover a far reaching range of styles and genres.
The summer of 1997 saw the recording and release of his first compact disc, entitled "Chorales & Imitations", a collection of chamber brass music. Featured as performers are members of the Chicago Brass Choir.
Currently, Dr. Stewart is working on a piece for string orchestra commissioned by Maine South High School (Adam Davis, director) in Park Ridge, IL. He also recently completed a commission from Tom Izzo and the BASSics Bass Trombone Quartet. Entitled, Bassic Instincts, this is an approximately 6 minute work that allows all members of the group to be the top and (as they all certainly love) bottom voice in the mix. In August of 1997, Dr. Stewart was commissioned by the International Horn Society to compose Rhapsody, for solo horn and brass nonet. It was premiered in March by Shoshana Danoff and the Chicago Brass Choir.
Twice, Dr. Stewart has had premiers at the annual International Trumpet Guild Conference. The the premier of his Of Joyous & Honorable Times, for trumpet quartet, was given 1998, and Set Arrangements, for trumpet quartet and piano was given similar recognition at the 1994 conference. In September of 1998, the Orlando Trombone Choir (aka Prima Toni) gave the premier of his work Champions, for double trombone quartet.
Dr. Stewart maintains an active teaching studio of over four dozen students and performing career in the Chicago area. He currently directs the Chicago Brass Choir and performs with its Quintet, big bands, and as a freelance classical soloist.