DRISCOLL NAMED RECIPIENT OF 2006-07 ASCAPLUS AWARD

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Composer and Philadelphia area resident Brian Driscoll has been named a recipient of the 2006-07 ASCAPLUS Award for his contributions to choral literature in 2005 and early 2006. The award is given annually to composers in the early stages of their careers by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and provides monetary compensation as well as recognition to its recipients.

Driscoll received the award primarily for his two recently published choral works, “Have You Heard the News?” and “Dona Nobis Pacem”. The works, which were published by Amber Waves Music Publishing (http://www.amberwavespublishing.com) earlier this year, are near to the composer’s heart. “I wrote these pieces at about the same time,” said Driscoll, “to try to show that it’s still important for people to get together, face-to-face, to celebrate their shared life and joy and faith in each other.”

“There is so much uncertainty and upheaval in the world today,” he continued, “that it’s difficult to imagine what it’s like to be a child.” According to the composer, “Dona Nobis Pacem” is his musical vision of what he hopes the world will one day be.

News of Driscoll’s first ASCAPLUS Award was warmly received by Amber Waves Music Publishing, who recently published “Have You Heard the News?” and “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Mr. R. Douglas Helvering, Editor-In-Chief, commented that “ASCAP is the most respected organization that supports the creation of new music, and we are honored and proud of Brian for being recognized by such a noteworthy organization.”

Currently, the composer is writing new works that he hopes to submit for competition and publication. “Have You Heard the News?” will be performed by the William O. Baker Youth Festival Singers of Kansas City as well as the Harmony Singers (Wayne, NJ) at their respective winter holiday concerts, and Driscoll is planning to guest conduct one of his new pieces at a future concert at his alma mater, Mt. Olive High School (Flanders, NJ).

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About Brian Driscoll
Brian Driscoll (American, born 1979) is a composer of secular and sacred choral works for ensembles of all sizes and levels of ability. In 1998 Mr. Driscoll earned the grand prize in Harmonium Choral Society's first-annual choral composition contest for his work "Lord, There's a Fire". Paul Somers of Classical New Jersey would say that Driscoll’s work "…is eminently publishable, and can hold its place in the repertory of any good choir."

Mr. Driscoll's works have been published by Amber Waves Music Publishing and Alfred Publishing Co., Inc., and have been performed throughout North America and Europe. Brian has affiliations with ASCAP, NACUSA, and Chorus America, and he is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. He is currently pursuing teaching certification from Temple University, and enjoys developing computer programs and websites while not studying. Brian lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Susan, and two cats.