David Macbride
Alumni Award Recipient 2011Bachelor of Music, Composition 1973Dr. Macbride said about the Alumni Award:
"I am deeply honored to be recognized in this way. From the old days when Moshe (Paranov) was in charge, Hartt has always been a kind of family. When I studied composition at Hartt as an undergraduate in the early 70's, my mentor Ed Diemente (Professor Emeritus) took me under his wing and provided an ideal role model for what a composer should be. When I returned to Hartt in 1984 as a teacher, both Ed and Watson (Will) Morrison (who has taught at Hartt for over 50 years) helped me assume my new role at the school. To be part of this tradition at Hartt is extremely gratifying. I also want to thank my own family (Lisa, Jimmy, and Alma) for their continuous love and support over the years."
More about Dr. David Macbride:
David H. Macbride is a renowned composer and current professor of composition and music theory at The Hartt School, widely recognized for his work in the challenging and exotic world of percussion music. Of Eurasian heritage, Macbride was born in Berkley, California, in 1951. He received his Bachelor of Music, Music Composition, in 1973, and while at Hartt, Macbride studied under Edward Diemente. Macbride continued his studies at Columbia University, where he earned his Master of Arts (1976) and Doctorate of Musical Arts (1980) in Music Composition.
He has written numerous works, ranging from solo, chamber, and orchestral music to music for film, television, dance, and theatre, with particular emphasis on music for percussion and music for voice. His works have been performed extensively in the United States and abroad. Recent performances of his work include the Hartford Symphony, the Arditti String Quartet, League ISCM, Percussive Arts Society International Convention, World Saxophone Congress, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.
A resident of West Hartford, Connecticut, Macbride has been extremely active in bringing diverse music to the Greater Hartford Community, having produced numerous outdoor events in Elizabeth Park and other venues over the past fifteen years. He regularly performs in schools and senior citizen homes, and recently received the University of Hartford Community Service Award in recognition of his contributions.