Dwight Banks, Composer:    Biography

Dwight Banks completed his PhD studies in composition at the University of California, Berkeley, where his primary teachers were Olly Wilson, Edwin Dugger, John Thow and Jorge Liderman. In addition, he completed his M.M at California State University, Northridge where he studied with Daniel Kessner, Frank Campo, Beverly Grigsby and Aurelio DeLa Vega. He also completed his BFA at the City College of New York majoring in jazz composition and performance under the guidance of pianist, composer and bandleader John Lewis of the Modern Jazz Quartet.

In 2002, he was selected as a winner in the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's emerging composer's program for his orchestral piece Pupil of the Eye. Additional honors include several awards from ASCAP and the 2005 James Irvine Foundation Honorary Fellowship. His music has also been performed by ensembles such as the South Arkansas Symphony, the Berkeley New Music Ensemble and at the Society of Composers Inc. 2004 Region VI conference. In addition, he has been awarded artist residencies from the Djerassi and I-Park Resident Artists Programs.

He has presented research papers at various conferences with topics ranging from the extended works of Duke Ellington to compositional techniques in the music of Witold Lutoslawski.

Recent projects include music for the forthcoming film The Word Wizard and Tablets for Mixed Chorus and Piano.

A New York City native currently residing in Southern California, his experience as a trumpet player includes appearances with Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner and Kenny Burrell.

The diversity of his involvement in music has included research into subcultural urban music trends which is often reflected in his concert works. His background and research has led to his creation of a music workshop for inner city youths which he has been involved with for the past few years. He is also a member of the Officer's Council and currently active as National Treasurer for the National Association of Composers, USA.