Jason K. Nitsch
Visit the composer online at: http://www.jknitsch.net/
About the composer --
Jason K. Nitsch is a native of Houston, Texas, and a graduate of the Baylor University School of Music, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in percussion. While at Baylor, Jason was a student of Michael Haithcock, Jeffrey Grogan, Jerry Luckhardt, and Dr. Larry Vanlandingham. He performed with the Baylor Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band (on clarinet), and Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Jason is a veteran of the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps. During his undergraduate studies, he was encouraged to explore his talents by numerous commissions from professors and colleagues. Conductors across the country have recently begun to enjoy Jason’s original and creative arrangements for band and wind ensemble. In the summer of 2000, he recorded his first film score, Passing By, a film by David M. Chandler and G. Kent Rabalais. In 2002, he was awarded an ‘honorable mention’ in the Metropolitan Wind Symphony Commissioning Competition for “Pictures for the American People,” a piece for wind ensemble based on the paintings of American artist Norman Rockwell.
Such notable groups and individuals as the Chicago Brass Choir; The Baylor University Symphonic Band; Dr. Kevin Chairizzio, professor of Trombone at Baylor; and many public school bands and orchestras have performed Jason’s music. His original works and arrangements have been performed at Baylor University, The University of Minnesota, Ole Miss University, Syracuse University, Arizona State University; in states throughout the country, including Texas, New York, Illinois, New Mexico, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota; and in Canada. Additionally, his music has been featured in concert at the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Convention in Chicago, Illinois in 2002 and 2004. While Jason enjoys the creative outlet available to him through composition, he remains committed to his lifelong dream of teaching. He currently serves as an assistant band director at Deer Park High School southeast of Houston, TX. Previously he has held similar positions at Dulles Middle School and Lake Olympia Middle School in the Fort Bend Independent School District, Sugar Land, Texas.
Professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), the Houston Composers Alliance (HCA), and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE). He is a resident member of the Center for the Promotion of Contemporary Composers (CPCC) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
Work(s) from the pen of Jason K. Nitsch
On the Banks of the River ShannonAbout the music --
Limerick, Ireland Situated at the mouth of the river Shannon, Limerick stands as a dynamic educational, economic, social and recreational base serving the midwestern region and the surrounding areas. With breathtaking views of the river Shannon and Lough Gur, coupled with Limerick’s many historical landmarks: John’s Castle, the Treaty Stone and Glenstal Abbey, Limerick boasts a strong and varied past. The culture of Limerick is a fusion of many diverse influences and interests. It combines what has gone before and what is being created for the future.
King John’s Castle King John’s Castle remains a most impressive Anglo-Norman fortification, even after 780 years. This five-sided castle was erected in the early years of the 13th century, probably between 1200 and 1216, as a royal fortress on the River Shannon. It was uniquely built for its day, without a keep and with high curtain walls to withstand the awesome power of the new siege machines. Its massive gate towers and drum comer towers were state-of-the-art features for the beginning of the 13th century. During the 17th century sieges the castle suffered badly. In 1651, it was surrendered with the city to Cromwell’s army. Patches of brickwork show hasty repairs after the siege bombardments of the early 1690’s. Many alterations and repairs were carried out in the succeeding centuries. The domestic buildings of the courtyard do not survive, except for remnants of a 13th century hall and the site of what could be the castle chapel.
The Festival Limerick International Band Festival takes place annually in Limerick City in Ireland during the St. Patrick’s Week festivities each March. This impressive and colorful music festival offers Marching Bands, Concert Bands, Drill & Dance Teams and Choirs from Ireland, Europe and around the world the opportunity to be part of an internationally recognized festival established over 32 years ago. Attracting large numbers of Bands from the USA, Britain, France, Holland, Italy, Russia, Japan and almost every county in Ireland, the festival provides entertainment for the 40,000 to 50,000 people who line the parade route and pack the concert hall. All categories of bands may compete, and the beat and rhythm of the music pervades the City. The Parade and Concerts are reviewed by the Mayor of Limerick, Government Ministers, and Civic Dignitaries.