Dr. Murray G. Gross
Assistant Professor and Alma Symphony Orchestra Director
Joined Alma College Faculty in 2004
Eddy Music 103
(989) 463-7119
Homepage: http://www.murraygross.com
An award-winning composer and teacher, Murray Gross has also been honored by the American Symphony Orchestra League as one of the outstanding conductors in the nation. His compositions have been performed across the country, been broadcast over National Public Radio, and have received many honors including a Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) Award.
Murray Gross studied at the Interlochen Arts Academy, New England Conservatory and the Oberlin Conservatory, where he received the degree Master of Music. In 1978 he was honored with a Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst grant which enabled him to spend two years composing and conducting in Munich, Germany. In addition, Mr. Gross trained at the Pierre Monteux Domaine School and the International Bartok Festival in Hungary. Chosen by Antal Dorati in 1980 to serve as Assistant Conductor of the Detroit Symphony, Gross led that orchestra in hundreds of educational, pops and community concerts. An active guest conductor on several continents, he served as Music Director of Michigan's West Shore Symphony from 1982 through 2001, and is currently Music Director of the Alma Symphony.
Mr. Gross's compositions have been performed by the New York New Music ensemble, the Nobilis Trio, the Peninsula Music Festival Orchestra, the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, the Woodland Trio, and many other professional and collegiate ensembles. His work Urban Myth was recently released on the GIA Windworks label, recorded by the North Texas Wind Symphony.
Murray Gross received the degree Doctor of Musical Arts in composition from Michigan State University in 2005. Dr. Gross currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Alma College where he conducts the Alma Symphony and teaches theory, composition, world music, aural skills, and conducting.
Education
- D.M.A., Michigan State University
- M.M, Oberlin College Conservatory
- B.M, Oberlin College Conservatory
Recent Courses Taught
- Aural Skills. 111a/211a.
- Composition. MUS 198/398.
- Beginning Conducting. MUS 237.
Selected Chapter Book Publications
Selected Creative Works
- "You Must Remember This..." for large orchestra, was performed at Alma College on April 20 and 21, 2013. . "You Must Remember This...."
- The Alma College Percussion Ensemble premiered "John Cage Smiles," a work for nine percussionists on April 13, 2013.. "John Cage Smiles."
- "Traffic," an electro-acoustic work chosen to be part of the 60x60 Environmental Mix, received its premiere on March 30, 2013, at Soka University of America in aliso Viejo, California.. "Traffic."
- "Irrational Exuberance," for alto saxophone and piano, was heard in Dayton, Ohio on March 21, 2013.. "Irrational Exuberance."
- "Under the Influence," a compact disc featuring eight chamber works by Murray Gross, was released on the Blue Griffin label in January 3013.. "Compact Disc - Under the Influence."
- On March 10, 2013 the Bethel University Wind Ensemble (Kansas) gave a performance of "Under the Influence.". "Under the Influence."
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Recent Presentations
- "College Music Society Conference, Normal, Illinois - works performed by Illinois State University faculty and students, March 28, 2008."
Awards, Honors, Recognitions
- Winner of the 2007 Michigan Music Teachers Association Composer's Commission Award
Professional Memberships
- College Music Society
- Society for Composers
Service to the College
- Co-Curricular Affairs Committee
- Kapp Prize Committee
- Academic Standards Committee
- Kapp Prize Committee
- Heritage Center Committee
Service to the Profession
- In February 2012 Murray Gross served as a judge at Concerto Competitions held at both Michigan State University and Central Michigan University.
