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Performing Arts Library Special Collections in Performing Arts ABA Research Center 
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Ostwald Award Archives
Winner 1986: David R. Holsinger, In the Spring, at the Time When Kings Go Off to War...
Winner 1982: David R. Holsinger, Armies of the Omnipresent Otserf
Biography:
David R. Holsinger (b. 1945) serves as the conductor of the Lee University Wind Ensemble in Cleveland, Tennessee. He holds degrees from Central Methodist College, Central Missouri State University, and the University of Kansas, Lawence. His primary composition studies were completed under the direction of Donald Bohlen and Charles Hoag. Among recent honors, Holsinger was awarded the Distinguished Music Alumni Award from Central Missouri State, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia's Orpheus Award. In 1995, the composer was honored by Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota, with the conferral of a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree for lifetime achievement in composition, and the Gustavus Fine Arts Medallion, the Division's highest award, designed and sculpted by renowned artist, Paul Granlund. Holsinger, as the fourth composer honored with this medal, joins a distinguished roster which includes Gunther Schuller, Jan Bender, and Csaba Deak.Holsinger's compositions have been awarded first place in the 1970 National Federations of Music clubs Composition Contest and the 1971 Kent State University Band Composition Contest, and have been finalists in four other major competitions. For fifteen years, Holsinger served as music minister, worship leader, and composer in residence to Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, and many of his pieces reflect a sacred interests. Mush of Holsinger's music is characterized by unrelenting tempos, ebullient rhythms, fluctuating accents over set ostinati, polylineal textures, vigorous asymmetrical melodies, and high emotional impact. His adagio works are as intransigently passionate as his allegros are exuberant.
Holsinger also spends time as a guest lecturer and conductor throughout the United States. In recent years he has appeared with numerous All-State organizations, professional bands, university ensembles, serving as a clinician and composer-in-residence. He has also been keynote speaker for regional meetings of C.B.D.N.A. and C.I.D.A.
Sources:
Correspondence with the composer.
Band Music Notes, 1995
