David Holsinger
David R. Holsinger is an American composer and conductor writing primarily for concert band. Holsinger is a graduate of Hardin-Central High School in Hardin, Missouri, Central Methodist University, the University of Central Missouri, and the University of Kansas. Conducting positions. In February 1992, Holsinger guest conducted the District VI Symphonic Band in Virginia. In 1999, following 15 years of service as music minister, worship leader, and composer in residence to Shady Grove Church in Grand Prairie, Texas, he joined the School of Music faculty at Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee, as Conductor of the Lee University Wind Ensemble . Holsinger’s duties include teaching advanced instrumental conducting and composition. In 1999, Holsinger conducted the Kentucky All-State Symphonic Band. Some of his works that were played and recorded included "To Tame The Perilous Skies", "Consider the Uncommon Man", and "On An American Spiritual". In the spring of 2000, Holsinger conducted the Georgia Southern Symphonic Band and the Georgia Southern Symphonic Wind Ensemble in Statesboro, GA. Over the past several years, Holsinger has been named a National Patron of Delta Omicron Music Fraternity, awarded the Distinguished Music Alumni Award from Central Missouri State University, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia’s Orpheus  Award, as well as, honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity and the Women’s National Band Directors Association. In April 2003, Holsinger was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award from Central Methodist College, and the following month, at Graduation Ceremonies, Paul Conn, President of Lee University presented the composer with the university’s prestigious “Excellence in Scholarship” faculty award for his continued achievement in musical composition. In February 2009, Holsinger conducted the District VIII Symphonic Band in Virginia. In the Spring of 2009, Holsinger guest conducted the District V Honor Band in Georgia. In the Spring of 2010 , Holsinger guest conducted the West Virginia All-State Band in which he has composed a piece for titled "Coal Mountain Portrait.". This is the second time Holsinger has guest conducted the West Virginia All-State Band, the first in the Spring of 2007. In February 2011, Holsinger guest conducted the district VII Symphonic Band in Virginia, where he premiered his new piece titled "Solemn Hymn & Rowdy Dance." In February 2015, Holsinger guest conducted the "Tennessee Band" in the 36th West Virginia University Invitational High School Honor Bands. He currently serves as the conductor of the Lee University Wind Ensemble at  Lee University, Cleveland, Tennessee. In July 2015, Holsinger suffered two strokes while he was in New Orleans conducting the Phi Mu Alpha International Honors Band at their convention. Upon his return to Chattanooga, he was admitted to Memorial Hospital and was diagnosed, medicated and treated. He was then moved to Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital where he received physical therapy. He soon returned home and back to teaching at Lee University, although on a limited schedule, with his recovery going well. In January 2019, Holsinger conducted the Louisiana District VI Senior High Honor Band. Compositions. Holsinger has served as Visiting Composer in  Residence at many American colleges or universities, and held the Acuff Chair of Excellence in the Creative Arts at Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, Tennessee. In 1999, the Christian Instrumental Directors Association awarded Holsinger its “Director of the Year” citation. Compositions by Holsinger receiving outstanding reviews include "The Easter Symphony", a three movement, 55 minute chorale symphony commissioned by The Gustavus Band in 1995, based on the Passion of Christ, and the U.S. Air Force Tactical Air Command Band commission, "To Tame the Perilous Skies". High marks by reviewers have also been given to the memorial work, "Consider the Uncommon  Man"; "Praises", a six-movement ballet suite; "Scrappy Bumptoe’s Picture Cards" and "Ragtag Diary", composed for the Kansas Brass Quintet; "Sinfonia Voci" for band and choir; and "The Song of Moses", a four movement band/choral work premiered by the United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants and selected for broadcast nationally on a National Public Radio Special Project on Vocal Music in August, 1997. Other much played works in Holsinger’s catalogue include "The War Trilogy: 1971", a special edition of the Kent State contest winner; "Abram’s Pursuit"; a rollicking overture based on a story from  the Book of Genesis; and "Adagio", which was composed in the memory of a departed friend. Works. His works include: Drum and Bugle Corps. Holsinger's works have been very popular in the world of drum and bugle corps since the 1987 Cavaliers (3rd place) first put "Liturgical Dances" on the field. In 1992 Holsinger — himself a former marching band director — spent time with the Cadets to help them understand the music they were portraying with "To Tame the Perilous Skies" (2nd place). He then provided the compositions for the Cadets' 1993 gold medal win with "In the Spring, at  the Time When Kings Go Off to War," "Ballet Sacra," and "On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss," defeating the Star of Indiana Drum and Bugle Corps by only one-tenth of a point. Other performances include: "Prelude and Rondo" (1981 Southwind), "At the Strongholds of En Gedi" (2000 Seattle Cascades), "In the Spring, When Kings go off to War" and "On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss" (Both 1993 Cadets, 1st place), " Symphonia Resurrectus from Easter Symphony)" (2002 Spirit and 2003 Magic of Orlando), "The Symphonic Cantata" (1993 The Cavaliers, 5th place), "Abram's Pursuit" (2001 Seattle Cascades, 2003 Magic of  Orlando), as well as "Battle Music" (2007 Bluecoats, 7th place) and "Scootin' on Hard Rock" (2012 Fusion Core, 9th place DCA). Many of his works have been performed by Junior (DCI) and Senior (DCA) corps frequently since 1981. Other Interests. Holsinger is also an active model railroader.