Hayes School of Music

William Harbinson is a commissioned composer (BMI) whose compositions have been published by Alfred Publishers (CA), Carl Fischer (NY), Brass Chamber Music Press (TX), TRN Music Publishers (NM), Alry Publications (WA), Triplo Press (MN), Cimarron Music Press (CT), and the International Horn Society. His symphonic work, Kallalanta won the Merle J. Isaac Senior Composition Competition in 2007. He has twice won the Hinda Honigman Cup competition sponsored by the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs, recognizing two of his works as the best published compositions by a North Carolina composer in 2006 (All the Starry Band, Symphonic Band) and 2011 (Lake Dance, Symphony Orchestra). His composition for brass and percussion, The Maestro’s Flourish won the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Competition (2005). His original band composition, Sparkle was included in Bandworld Magazine’s “Top 100 Compositions of 2011-2012”. He has been nominated as the North Carolina Music Teachers Association Composer of the Year (1986) and was a finalist in the Pi Kappa Lambda National Composition Contest (1993), the National String Orchestra Association Composition Contest (1998), and the Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest (2006). His Songs of Appalachia received an honorable mention in the Americas Vocal Ensemble Competition Contest (1999). A number of his works for band appear on the contest/festival literature lists of several states. He has received ten Editor’s Choice Awards (Pepper Music Catalog) that identify “the very best of the new music available.” A CD of Dr. Harbinson’s songs, performed by the vocal quartet APPropos!, was released in 1999. His works have received performances by ensembles and chamber players throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Harbinson is the co-author of Beyond Harmony: An Introduction to Analysis of Form and Structure in Music. He received the 100 Scholars Award from Appalachian State University (2008) signifying his sustained record of creative activity. Phi Mu Alpha presented him with the Orpheus Award (2009) for his significant and lasting contributions to music in America. The Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University selected him as the Outstanding Alumnus (2023). 

 Dr. Harbinson received the prestigious Appalachian Outstanding Teaching Award in 1992 and a UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching College Award in 2014. He completed the Bachelor of Music degree in instrumental music education at Appalachian, the Master of Music degree in music theory at the University of Alabama, and the Ph.D. in music theory at Florida State University. His teaching experiences are very broad, ranging from his years as band and choral director at North Rowan Middle School and North Rowan High School in Spencer, North Carolina to his faculty position at Florida State University. He appears regularly as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and guest composer/arranger. Dr. Harbinson served as the Dean of the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University from 2000-2009. He retired in 2017 and lives in Sunset Beach (NC).

Performances:

• Better Angels. NCMEA Conference. November, 2023.
• Concerto for Trumpet and Winds. National ASBDA Conference (Asheville, NC). June, 2012.
• Concerto for Trumpet and Winds. Indianapolis Wind Symphony. May, 2012.
• Sparkle. NCMEA Conference. November, 2011.
• Sparkle. Premier by the Stetson University Symphonic Band. DeLand, FL. October, 2009.
• Troika. National ITG Conference. Philadelphia, PA. May, 2009.
• River Songs of the South. NCMEA Conference. November, 2007.
• Legend of the Saura. NCMEA Conference. November, 2007.
• The Maestro's Flourish. Dallas Wind Symphony. November, 2005
• Quintet No. 1 for Brass. American Brass Quintet (Boone, NC). October, 2004.
• Three English Folk Songs. Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic (Chicago). December, 2003.
• Appalachian Folk Song Suite. NCMEA Conference. November, 2003.
• Sonata for Flute and Piano. National Flute Association Conference. August, 2003.
• Rugby Heritage Overture. NCMEA Conference. November, 2002.
• Appalachian Folk Song Suite. NCMEA Conference. November, 2001.
• Tribute. National ITG Conference. Evansille, Indiana. May, 2001.
• We Are Not Enemies. National IMC Conference. March, 2000.
• Cherished Vision. NCMEA Conference. November, 1999.
• Martyr Songs. United States Army Chorus. Winston-Salem, NC. February, 1999.
• Cherished Vision. Centennial Celebration. Appalachian State University. January, 1999.
• Fanfare for a New Century. NCMEA Conference. November, 1998.
• What Kind of Peace? NCMEA Conference. November, 1993.
• What Kind of Peace? National IMC Conference. Lexington, Virginia. November, 1992.
• Introduction, Allegro, and Dance. NCMEA Conference. November, 1991.
• Troika. International Trumpet Guild. Louisiana State University. May, 1991.
• Concerto for Piano and Winds. CBDNA Southern Division. Tallahassee, FL. February, 1990.
• Concerto for Piano and Winds. NCMEA Conference. November, 1989.

Compositions:

Chronological List of Published Works

• From Many, One (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2026
• No Regrets (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2025
• Angels of Christmas (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2025
• No Regrets (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2024
• Homeward (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2023
• Music for a Noble Gathering (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2022
• Rugby Heritage (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2021
• Blue Devil Dancing  (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2020
• Sandhills Saga (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2020
• The Hornet's Nest (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2019
• Trek to the Summit (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2019
• Victory (Concdert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2019
• Better Angels (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2019
• Two Carols for Christmastime  (Trumpet Choir with opt. Percussion) Triplo Press, 2017
• Aberystwyth Variants (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2015
• The Maestro's Flourish (Brass/Percussion) Cimarron Music Press, 2015
• Quintet No. 1 for Brass Cimarron Music Press, 2014
• At Twilight (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2014
• Caprice for Horn and Piano International Horn Society "Music On Line" 2013
• Sonata for Bassoon and Piano Alry Publications 2012
• Catawba Crossing (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2012
• Sparkle (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2011
• Converse Fantasy (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2011
• Kallalanta (Symphonic Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 2010
• Aisling Gaelach (Concert Band) Carl Fischer, Inc. 2010
• Lake Dance (Symphonic Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 2009
• Evensong (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2007
• River Songs of the South (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2006
• Quintet No. 1 for Brass (Brass Quintet) Brass Chamber Music Press 2005
• All the Starry Band (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2005
• On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss (arr. Trombone Choir) TRN Music 2004
• Mandjiani (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2004
• Lincoln Legend (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2003
• Sonata for Flute and Piano ALRY Publications 2003
• Upon the Wings of the Wind (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2002
• In the Bleak Midwinter Vaughan Williams/Harbinson (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2002
• Three Studies in English Folk Song, Vaughan Williams/Harbinson (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2001
• Diamond Fantasy (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2001
• Appalachian Folk Song Suite (Concert Band) Carl Fischer 2001
• Legend of the Saura (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2000
• Mysteria (Concert Band) Carl Fischer 1999
• Engelberg Variations (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1999
• Hickory Variations (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1999
• APPropops! The songs of William Harbinson (CD) August 1998
• Three Scenes from a Green Valley (String Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 1998
• Variations on an American Hymn Tune (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1998
• Three Movements for Woodwind Trio (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon) Alry Publishers 1996
• Dan River Festival (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1996
• Mabel Creek Overture (String Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 1996
• Blue Ridge Portrait (Concert Band) Carl Fisher Music 1995
• Introduction Allegro, and Dance (Concert Band) TRN Music 1994.
• We are Not Enemies (Mens Chorus) IMC Library Series 1994
• Southwest Overture (Concert Band) Carl Fischer 1993
• What Kind of Peace? (Mens Chorus) IMC Library Series 1993

Links to order compositions of William Harbinson:

• J.W. Pepper Co. (Band/Orchestra Compositions)
• Alfred Music Publishing, Inc. (Band/Orchestra Compositions)
• ALRY Publications (Sonata for Flute and Piano, Sonata for Bassoon and Piano, Three Movements for Woodwind Trio)
• Carl Fischer Music (Band Compositions)
• Cimarron Music Press (Quintet No. 1 for Brass)
• Triplo Press (Two Carols for Christmastime [Trumpet Choir])
• TRN Music (Introduction, Allegro and Dance)
• International Horn Society "Music On Line" (Caprice for Horn and Piano)

Audio of Dr. Harbinson's compositions:

• Band Compositions 
• Choral Compositions 
• Chamber Music Compositions
• Orchestra Compositions

Education:

• Ph.D. Music Theory, Florida State University
• M.M. Music Theory, University of Alabama
• B.M. Instrumental Music Education, Appalachian State University

Professional Affiliations & Honors:

Composition Honors

• Music For A Noble Gathering Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Cataog, 2022
• Blue Devil Dancing. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2020
• Sparkle. Top 100 New Compositions for Band, BandWorld Magazine, 2011
• Lake Dance. Hinda Honigman Cup of the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs, 2011
• Evensong. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2008
• Kallalanta. Winner of the Merle J. Isaacs Senior Composition Competition, 2007
• All The Starry Band. Hinda Honigman Cup of the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs, 2006
• The Maestro's Flourish. Winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Competition, 2005
• All The Starry Band. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2005
• Mandjiani, Editor's Choice Award. Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2004
• Lincoln Legend, Editor's Choice Award. Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2003
• Appalachian Folk Song Suite. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2001
• Three English Folk Songs. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2001
• Engelberg Variations. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Music Catalog, 1999
• Honorable Mention. America's Vocal Ensemble Composition Competition, 1999
• Composer. Centennial Celebration. Appalachian State University, 1999
• Finalist. NSOA National Composition Contest, 1998
• Variations On An American Hymn Tune. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper
• Band/Orchestra Catalog, 1998
• Composer. Installation of Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski. Appalachian State University, 1994
• Finalist. Pi Kappa Lambda National Composition Contest, 1993
• Nomination, NCMTA North Carolina Composer of the Year, 1986

Academic Honors

• Phi Kappa Phi, academic honor society, 1987
• Dean's Scholar, University of Alabama, 1977
• Graduate of the Honors Program, ASU, 1975
• Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, 1975
• Alpha Chi, academic honor society, 1974
• Pi Kappa Lambda, music honor society, 1974

Professional Organizations

• Broadcast Music, Inc. (Affiliate), 1977-Present
• Music Educators National Conference, 1977-Present
• College Music Society, 1993-1996
• Kappa Kappa Psi, 1996
• Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, 1972
• Sigma Alpha Iota (National Arts Associate), 1994

Honors

• Outstanding Alumnus Award, Hayes School of Music, Appalachian State University, 2023
• Orpheus Award, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, 2009
• 100 Scholars Award, Appalachian State University, 2008
• Nomination, SGA Outstanding Teaching Award, 1994
• Appalachian Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award, 1992
• UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching College Award, 2014

Publications & Presentations:

Published Articles and Reviews

• "Graduate Music Theory Review: An On-Line Solution." eJournal of Music Theory Pedagogy (Volume 2, Sequence 2), November, 2013.
• "Cherished Vision: The Composition of Appalachian's Centennial Anthem." Research News, Vol. XVII, Spring 2000, p. 4.
• "On General versus Area Certification: Area Certification." With Bill G. McCloud. Journal of Music Teacher Education. Fall, 1991.
• "The Consequences of Performer Indeterminacy: The Third Piano Sonata--Formant 2-Trope of Pierre Boulez." Tempo. June, 1989.
• "Analysis--Warren Benson's The Passing Bell." Journal of Band Research. Spring, 1986.
• "Analysis--William Kraft's Dialogues and Entertainments." Journal of Band Research. Spring, 1984.
• "Rhythmic Structure in 'Jane Grey' from Arnold Schoenberg's Zwei Balladen, Op. 12." Journal of the Arnold Schoenberg Institute. November, 1983.
• "Analysis--William H. Hill's Danses Sacred and Profane." Journal of Band Research. Fall, 1983.
• Music reviews, NCMEA Journal: November, 1986; February, 1987; February, 1988.

Professional Presentations

• "The Music of An Appalachian Summer Festival." Lunch and Learn Series. Boone, NC. July 18, 2007.
• "Brainpower, Butterflies and Bonanzas." NCMTA. Boone, NC. October, 2004.
• Visiting Writers Series with Bob Inman. Appalachian State University. September, 2004.
• "Graduate School: Why? When? Where? How?" (Panelist). MENC National Convention. Phoenix, AZ. April 18, 1998.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 7, 1998.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 20, 1997.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 16, 1997.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 9, 1997.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 2, 1997.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 28, 1996.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. An Appalachian Summer Festival. July 24, 1996.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. Appalachian Summer. July, 1990.
• Pre-Concert Lecture. Appalachian Summer. July, 1989.
• "Graduate School: Why? When? Where? How?" State Conference of the Collegiate MENC. Wingate University. January, 1996.
• "Brass and Organ: A Trumpeter's View." For the American Guild of Organists. Boone, NC. November, 1991.
• "The Consequences of Performer Indeterminacy: The Third Piano Sonata- -Formant 2—Trope of Pierre Boulez." Southern Chapter of the College Music Society. March, 1984.
• "Beethoven, Schubert, and the Exposition with the Subdominant Close." Southern Chapter of the American Musicological Society. February, 1983.