J.P. Dennis

SongWriter and Composer

News 2006-2008:

  • February 12, 2006 -  I was selected to be a top finalist for the Central Florida Young Composers Challenge. The War of Fantasia for Orchestra was rehearsed, performed, and recorded by the Orlando Philharmonic Symphony Youth Orchestra in Florida.  My parents and I were awarded travel expenses and logging at the Marriott hotel.
  • February 16-18, 2006 - I attend the Tennessee Technology University's Festival of Winds and Percussion.  I was honored to meet the well known composer, John O'Reilly, who currently is the Senior Editor for Alfred Publishing Company.  There I auditioned and was selected to be in the middle band.  (There being three bands total.)  As a concert band, I performed Fantasia on an Irish Hymn while being conducted by the composer of the piece, John O'Reilly.  This was an excellent event and the experience was amazing.  I was also delighted to attend a TTU Symphony Band concert.  The last piece of the TTU concert was Russian Christmas Music.  This was performed in honor of Alfred Reed, the composer, who passed away the previous year.  No words can describe the beauty of the piece!!  Many people, including myself, where touched the piece.  It was a life changing performance for me.
  • April 4, 2006 - I performed Sonata in C# Minor - Movement III - Fury for the 2006 Roane State Academic Festival in Harriman, TN and received first place in my category!
  • April 22, 2006 @ 4:00pm-9:00pm - I performed with Lauren Jolley on stage for the "Concert for Cookie".  This event raised over $4,000 for my best friend Amanda Cook, who recently was diagnosed with cancer.  The funds will be used to help pay for her chemotherapy treatments.  As for compositions, the One Gold Rose for female and male duet was premiered at this event along with other compositions and arrangements.
  • May 13, 2006 @ 8:00pm - The Rockwood High School Concert Band performed the premiere of The War of Fantasia for Band.
  • July 2006 - Through much faith and prayers, Amanda Cook's cancer is officially in intermission! 
  • June 21-August 6, 2006 - I attended the 2006 Brevard Music Center summer institute and festival in Brevard, North Carolina.  I studied in the young artist divisition (high school division).  Seven weeks packed with lessons, rehearsals, classes, composing, performances, and other various activities.  If you would like to listen to some of the readings and performances of my pieces, visit the Audio page.
  • December 30, 2006 @ 7:00 pm. - It's Christmas Day for Violin and Piano was premiered by Hollie Woodruff  and Fred Pogue from the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  It was a fun, short tune that got everyone laughing!
  • November 2007 - J.P.'s new hymn, Put on the Whole Armor of God, was performed at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT.
  • November 2007 - J.P.'s concert band piece, The War of Fantasia, became available for sale through Lovebird Music.  For more information, visit the Publications page.
  • December 6, 2008 at 7:00pm - First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Rockwood.  This will be my first full concert.  The majority of the music will be my own compositions or arrangements.  There is no cost; however, there will be CDs for sale.

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