Biography Of Ted Vives In the quaint town of Auburn, Alabama, 1964 marked the birth of a name that would soon become synonymous with musical excellence. A child prodigy, Ted Vives embarked on his musical voyage at the tender age of four, mastering the piano under the seasoned guidance of Edgar and Dorothy Glyde. His journey through public school education was richly adorned with forays into trombone performance and the art of music composition.
Formative Years and Professional Launch His pursuit of musical mastery led him to Florida State University, where he acquired bachelor's degrees in Composition and Music Education. Mentored by luminaries like John Boda and Charles Carter, he polished his trombone skills with William Cramer and John Drew and developed his conducting prowess under James Croft. His academic zeal culminated in a Master of Music in Composition and Music Theory and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Florida.
Accolades and Contributions Currently at the helm of the Los Alamos Community Winds as the Musical and Artistic Director, he has steered the ensemble to remarkable heights, evident in their repeated successes in the American Prize, Community Wind Ensemble Division. His compositions, celebrated globally, have earned numerous awards, including the North Cheshire 2003 Composition Competition. His innovative musical compositions led to his selection as the Commissioned Composer for the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico in 2003 and 2010. His prowess was further recognized with the 2011 American Prize in Composition (Choral Division) and a third-place finish in the 2015 American Prize in Conducting.
Ongoing Musical Endeavors His professional journey is diverse and impactful. He has been instrumental as the State Composition Chair for the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico and served as the Artistic and Musical Director for the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra in Show Low, AZ. His affiliations span eminent organizations like Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Kappa Phi, WASBE, Music Educators National Conference, Music Teachers National Association, National Band Association, and The Conductor's Guild.
A Life Beyond Notes and Scales His passions extend into the realms of Star Trek Scale Modeling and Sewing/Costume creation, hobbies that reflect his innate creativity and penchant for innovation. These pursuits mirror the imagination and ingenuity he brings to his musical career.
Personal Harmony in White Rock, NM His life in White Rock, NM, with his wife Paula and children Alex and Abby, alongside their assortment of pets, is a testament to his dedication to family, balance, and joy.
Commitment to Community Beyond his musical achievements, he is deeply involved in charitable activities, contributing regularly to the NAACP and DNC. His civic engagement underscores his commitment to societal betterment and communal harmony.
A Symphony of Professionalism and Creativity T. Vives embodies a rare blend of visionary thinking, professional dedication, and a spirit of collaboration. His career is a series of accomplishments and a symphony that resonates with inspiration and creativity, influencing the music industry and those around him.