Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School’s music teacher Heather Hastings has been named winner of the prestigious Women Band Directors Commission Competition.
Hastings’ original compositions for the concert band, submitted in August, emerged victorious after two rounds of blind judging. Her music won against 53 other submissions.
As the winner, she will create a new musical piece honoring Gladys Stone Wright, who is the founding president of Women Band Directors International (WBDI).
“I am honored to be chosen to write this work in honor of Gladys Stone Wright, an incredible and groundbreaking woman in the field of music education,” Hastings said.
The new composition will debut next school year at a special world premiere performance. The location is to be determined. As part of a consortium project, multiple ensembles across the country will then present regional performances.