FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 28, 2008

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

ASCAP honors member of SRU music faculty

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Stephen Barr, assistant professor of music at Slippery Rock University, has been chosen as the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers to receive its 2008-09ASCAPLUS Award in the concert music division. The award includes a grant.

            The award reflects ASCAP’s continuing commitment to assist and encourage ASCAP composers, said Marilyn Bergman, president and chairman of the board at ASCAP.

Awards are granted by an independent panel and based on the unique prestige value of each writer’s catalog of original compositions as well as recent performances in areas not surveyed by the society.

            The concert music division panel includes: JoAnn Falletta, conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic and Virginia Symphony Orchestras; H. Robert Reynolds, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan; and Steve Smith, music editor for Time Out NY and classical music critic for The New York Times.

            ASCAP is based in New York City.

            Barr, who joined the SRU faculty in 2006, earned his doctorate at West Virginia University, his master of music degree at the University of South Florida and his undergraduate degree in music at Westminster College. He directs SRU’s choirs and teaches music theory classes.

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.