The Young Eight String Octet Announces Winners of 2006 Emerging Composer
Competition

New York, NY -The Young Eight string octet has announced the winners of
its inaugural 2006 Emerging Composer Competition.

No First Prize was awarded.

Second Prize was awarded to Dr. Robert Tanner for his original composition,
'Conch Shell Memories for Double String Quartet'.  A native of Clarksburg,
Ohio, Robert Tanner earned his bachelor's degree in music industry from
Capital University in 1994.  Since 1999, Dr.  Tanner has served as
assistant professor of music at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia,
where he teaches classes in composition, theory, and music history.  Dr.
Tanner's works have been featured in numerous venues, including the
Atlanta University Center Composer's Symposium and concerts by the Luna
Nova New Music Ensemble and the Choral Guild of Atlanta.  His recent
choral work 'Lazarus' appears on the CD 'Behold!  Brethren in Unity' by
the Morehouse College Glee Club and is published by G.I.A.  Publications.
In addition, Dr.  Tanner remains active as a percussionist, performing
regularly at Atlanta's historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and appearing
on the CD 'Use Me, Lord' by the internationally acclaimed Ebenezer Church
Choir.

Third Prize was awarded to Michael Mikulka for his original composition
'African Rhapsody for String Octet'.  Mr.  Mikulka has been composing
music since age 3.  To date, he has completed 198 pieces for wind-ensemble,
orchestra, solo instruments, and small ensembles in varying styles and
lengths.  In addition, he has another 180 pieces currently in progress.
Michael has had his piece 'Fanfare and Dance' recorded by the Undergraduate
Brass Ensemble at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he is a music
education/French horn major.  Michael Mikulka lives in New Jersey.

The competition was adjudicated by a distinguished, internationally
renowned panel of judges, including composers Steven R.  Gerber and
Dorothy Rudd Moore, cellist Kermit Moore, violinist Daniel Bernard
Roumain, composer/pianist Patrice Rushen and composer Andy Vores.

The two winner's pieces will be premiered starting next month and will
be performed as part of The Young Eight's Black College Tour, which will
visit Morehouse College, Spelman College, North Carolina Central University,
Johnson C. Smith University and Winston-Salem State University, among
others.  This tour will mark the ensemble's 5th Concert Season Anniversary.

With violinists Mariana Green-Hill, Monica Davis, Chala Yancy and
Quinton I.  Morris, violists Tyrone Tidwell and Dawn Michelle Smith and
cellists Ryan Murphy and Tahirah Whittington, the ensemble has established
itself as one of the next generation's most dynamic and energetic chamber
groups, presenting performances in New York City, Philadelphia, Los
Angeles, Seattle, and Austin.  Founded in 2002 at the North Carolina
School of the Arts, this critically acclaimed African-American octet is
dedicated to exposing various communities to the arts through classical
music and has been recognized for their dedication to children, music
and education.  Learn more about their many program initiatives at
http://www.theyoungeight.com.

For press inquiries and more information about The Young Eight, please
contact Jeffrey James Arts Consulting at 516-586-3433 or
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Jeffrey James Arts Consulting
Website: http://www.jamesarts.com