Into the Wild

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Majestic Denali

Into the Wild

By Anne Ford

Snow College’s Trent Hanna is not only a coordinator of theory and composition instructor, but he is also a composer, musician, teacher, world traveler, and nature enthusiast.

As a composer, Trent was fortunate enough to be accepted into the summer 2021 “Composing in the Wilderness, Denali Adventure” field course. Since 2012, this exceptional course has brought composers from all across the globe together to create and perform unique compositions inspired by the surroundings of the spectacular backcountry of Alaska. Trent was one of eight composers who had the privilege of spending four days in Denali National Park alongside scientists and park guides. The tour included observing the Muldrow Glacier and watching an amazing and rare glacial surge event. Trent reports that these experiences gave him the inspiration to compose seven miniatures that come together to form his piece: “Glimpses.”

His compositions, Majestic Denali, Muldrow Glacial Surge, Cathedral Panorama, Pseudo Scorpion Jig, Spirit of Caribou, Shooting Star (based on his mother’s love of the flower), and Double Rainbow, were all inspired by his favorite experiences. Trent describes his music style as “Contemporary Impressionistic Americana.” These compositions seemed to convey that style and best represented a small portion of how composing in nature shaped the beautiful music he created while on this adventure in Alaska.

The composition was premiered at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival, where the music group Corvus performed his and his fellow musicians’ new compositions. Trent was grateful to see his work so masterfully performed by these talented artists. The performance can be viewed at composinginthewilderness.com.

The four-day experience at Denali National Park had a profound influence on Trent both personally and professionally. While hiking the Cathedral Tattler mountains, Trent took a moment of reflection and released his father’s ashes as a fitting tribute to a life well lived. While Trent still calls Snow College his “Little Eden,” his time spent in the Alaska wilderness will forever remain close to his heart. He is deeply grateful for the experiences he had there and hopes to use those experiences as he teaches his students to embrace creativity in their own process of composition.

Spirit of the Caribou