| Craig Leland Sparks began performing music at the age of two on the family room hearth playing his Fischer Price drum. Music has been an integral part of his life ever since. Currently, Mr. Sparks is a senior in the music composition program at Towson University. He served as the Association of Towson Composer's President from 1998-1999, and as Secretary/Treasurer for the Association in 1997-1998 and 1999-2000. He is active at the Towson University Newman Center, which is the Catholic Campus Ministry, where he has staged variety shows, planned lock-ins, worked as editor for two literary magazines, and accompanies the evening choir. He is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, a Provost Scholar, and a recipient of scholarships from the City of Bowie Council for the Arts and the Towson University Foundation. He works as a recording artist for the Concert Hall at Towson University. In his spare time, Craig likes to go swing dancing, to visit his family, and to do African drumming. Recently, he appeared as a drummer in the Towson University Main Stage Theater production of "The Trial of Dedan Kilmathi." Special thanks go to his Mom and Dad for all their support of his musical pursuits. |
| Piano: Mr. Sparks began studying piano at the age of 5, and continued under the direction of Maxine Russel. He continued his studies with Christina Giorgilli at Towson University. Mr. Sparks received numerous 2nd, 3rd, and honorable mention awards from the Music Teacher's Association of Bowie. He received a Paderewski Medal in 1996 for ten years of a national level program for the National Piano Guild, and received the University of Maryland Scholarship Award in commemoration of the Tricentenial of Prince Georges County in July of 1996. He has worked as a pianist in the Rehoboth Beach area, accompanies the Towson University Newman Center's evening mass choir, and occassionally has accompanied for private lessons. |
| Voice: Mr. Sparks began studying voice with Karen Landis at the age of 13. He later studied with Gary Kirkeby for a year, and studied with Dr. Leneida Crawford at Towson University for the past three years. In the Spring of 2000, Mr. Sparks performed the Baritone solo in the Faure Requiem with the Towson University Choral Society. He received superior ratings at the Maryland State Solo and Ensemble for his solo performances in 1995 and 1996, and for his ensemble in 1996. He was a member of the All State Choir in 1995 and 1996. Mr. Sparks has been a regular member of the Eleanor Roosevelt High School Chamber Choir, Towson University (TU) Chorale, TU Chamber Singers, and TU Choral Society. He performed with the Kennedy Center Children of the Gospel, the Washington Chamber Singers, and the Chesapeake Chorale. He has also been selected for several voice masterclasses with guest artists at Towson University. |
| Composition: Composition is Mr. Sparks'
current focus. He began his studies at the age of 16 with Mr. Chris Forbes,
and now studies composition with Dr. William Kleinsasser at Towson University
where he is pursuing a bachelor's of music in composition.
In 1996, his "Fantasy for Flute" was selected for performance at a Maryland Music Educator's Association Conference. In 1997, his choral work, "Song of Praise," was selected and performed by the Baltimore Choral Arts Society for a masterclass in choral composition with Libby Larsen. He has also worked in masterclasses with Richard Hundley and Dr. Joseph Klein. Another of his choral works, "dREAMSCAPES," was read by the Towson University Chorale. His "African Fanfare: A Call to Celebrate Music" for brass and percussion was premiered by the Towson University Symphonic Band. His orchestral score, "Storm's Eye," was read by the Towson University Orchestra. Recently, Mr. Sparks' music received its national premier when Edward Sanders III performed "Highland Prayer" on the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Concert at Illinois State University. "Highland Prayer" and "Battle of Bannockburn" are currently scheduled to be performed at the International Doule Reed Society Conference in August of 2001. Mr. Sparks' compositions are eclectic, incorporating diverse influences and styles. Most recently, his works are exploring West African rhythmic and melodic ideas and South African praise songs. His goal is to mediate his fascination with these world musics into his deep seeded roots in Western classical music from the turn of the century on. He also strives to incorporate and develop the lyricism he grew up with as a vocalist. |
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Composer/Musician |
| Contact:
8222 Hortonia Point Dr. Millersville, MD 21108 (410) 296-6594 clsparks@erols.com |
Education:
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| Experience: Composition |
"Song of Praise" for SATB Choir. Read by Baltimore Chorale Arts Society for Masterclass with Libby Larsen. |
| Experience: Piano |
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| Experience: Vocal |
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| Other: |
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