David Fuentes
Dr. David Fuentes
Office: Spoelhof Center 348
Phone: (616) 526-6569
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Compositions by David Fuentes
Biographical Information
David Fuentes composes both art music and liturgical music for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, orchestra, and chorus. He has also written music for film. One avenue of his research has been the musical implications of common melodic patterns in various metric positions—material he has developed into a composition manual. Another avenue has been to explore the practical and theological implications of various physiological and psychological impulses that motivate humans to make music. Dr. Fuentes received his Ph.D. in Composition and Theory from Brandeis University, and is currently Professor of Composition and Theory at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Curriculum Vitae
COMPOSER, THEORIST
EDUCATION
- PH.D. IN MUSIC, Music Composition and Theory, Brandeis University, 1988
- MASTER OF MUSIC in Composition, University of Iowa, 1983
- BACHELOR OF MUSIC, Roosevelt University, 1981
POSITIONS HELD
- TEACHING PROFESSOR, Calvin College, 1998–Present
- Music History, 1950 to Present
- Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint
- Instrumentation and Orchestration
- Advanced Music Theory
- Form and Syntax
- "What is Music Good for?” (a course examining faith issues in music)
- Private composition lessons and composition seminars; improvisation clinic
- ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, Berklee College, Composition Department, 1994–98
- ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, Berklee College, Composition Department, 1988–93
- INSTRUCTOR, Brandeis University, 1988–89
COMPOSITIONS
- ”Passacaglia on the Emmaus Road” (2001) commissioned by the Calvin Institute for Worship and the Arts
- “Resurrection Discourses” (2001) three songs for baritone, alto flute, and guitar
- “Eden’s Courtesy” (1986/rev. 2004) for mezzo soprano and guitar
- “It Just Goes to Show” (2000) a piano fantasy
- “Someday all the Earth Shall Sing” (1983/2000) an anthem for chorus and orchestra
- “Paisley Ways” (1991) for orchestra and soprano
- “Brass Quintet” (1989) commissioned by Capitol Brass, Wheelock College
- “String Quartet” (1988) written for the Lydian String Quartet
- “Serenade” (1985) for flute, clarinet, bassoon, horn, violin, viola and ‘cello
RESEARCH
- “The Musical Impulse and its Implications and Applications for Christian Scholarship” a paper given at the 2004 Music and Christian Scholarship Conference
- “Sessions’ Musical Impulse, Reconsidered,” a paper given at the 2003 Art & Soul Conference
- Contributions to and organization of “Popular, Sacred, and Art Music: Discernment and Criticism,” an interdepartmental seminar, 2000 Music and Christian Scholarship Conference
- “The Universal System of Composing with Beats: What We all Do” a paper given at the 1999 Society of Composers’ 1998 National Convention
- Composition through Counterpoint (1989–1999) a textbook
- “Dramatic Strategy in Sessions’ ‘Concerto for Orchestra’” (1988) explores the role musical syntax plays in the formation of phrases and sections.
AWARDS
- Calvin Research Grant, ‘99
- League I.S.C.M. Leo Snyder Prize in Composition, ‘90
- Wellesley Composers’ Conference, Fellowship Composer, ‘89
- M. Gordan Fellowship, ‘86–87
- Irving Fine Fellowship, ‘84–85
- Remis Fellowship, ‘83
- Laureate of the Lincoln Academy: most outstanding student, 1981
- Presser Scholar Award, ‘80
- Roosevelt University 4-year scholarship, ‘77–81
- I.M.E.A. Prize in Composition, ‘77
MEMBERSHIP
- BMI
- Society of Composers, International
- Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers
