Trevor Frost, wind band conducting doctoral student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will
spend a life-changing ten days this June exploring the wilderness of Alaska and writing original
music about it. Now in its eleventh year, the unique Composing in the Wilderness program is
led by adventurer-composer Stephen Lias and offered by the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival in
collaboration with Alaska Geographic and the National Park Service. Six composers, selected
through a rigorous application process, will spend time in the backcountry of Alaska, then use
that inspiration to compose new works for wind ensemble that will be premiered in 2024 by top
university ensembles in Nebraska, Michigan, and Texas.
The composers will be transported by bush planes into the remote and stunning wilderness of
Lake Clark National Park where they will camp, hike, and paddle while drawing inspiration from
the wildlife, geology, scenery, and dangers of their surroundings. They will then spend three
days in a secluded retreat where they will begin composing their pieces. Months later, after
they are finished, the piece will be rehearsed and premiered by Tamey Anglley and the SFA
Wind Ensemble (Texas), Carolyn Barber and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Wind
Ensemble, and The Grand Valley State University Wind Symphony under the direction of Kevin
Tutt (Michigan).
Trevor Frost, an UNH music alum class of 2016, has been composing for over ten years and his
works have been performed by the University of New Hampshire Wind Symphony, New
Hampshire Youth Band, Keene State Concert Choir, and multiple high school concert bands. His
music can be found on his SoundCloud and published by C. Alan Publications and Trevor Frost
Music. Speaking about what drew him to this unconventional program, Frost says, “I’ve always
loved being in nature and connecting my spirit to the earth. Creating a wind band piece, my
favorite ensemble to write for, inspired by the Alaskan wilderness is a once in a lifetime
opportunity. I can’t wait to witness the beauty Alaska has to hold and express it through my
music." More information about Frost can be found at: www.trevorfrostmusic.com.
This combination of composing workshop and wilderness experience is truly unique in the
world of contemporary classical music, and it has proven to be a life-changing experience for
the participants. Stephen Lias, who has been leading the project since 2012, says “We never
know what to expect! Alaska always has surprises in store for us, and it teaches all the
participants both how inspiring the natural world is, but also how small we are in comparison.
The final works tend to be highly diverse and compelling and have focused on everything from
the graceful movements of the caribou to the slow shifting of tectonic plates and glaciers. I can’t
wait to see what our 2023 participants create!”
