Dr. William G. Harbinson

Professor of Music Theory
Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music
Broyhill Music Center
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608 
Phone (828) 262-8168
FAX: (828) 262-6446
harbinsonwg@appstate.edu

William Harbinson is a commissioned composer (BMI) whose compositions have been published by Carl Fisher (New York), Alfred Publishers (California), ALRY Publications (Charlotte), TRN Music Publishers (New Mexico), and Brass Chamber Music Press.  His symphonic work, Kallalanta won the Merle J. Isaac Senior Composition Competition in 2007. His symphonic band work, All The Starry Band was awarded the Hinda Honigman Cup from the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs, recognizing the work as the best published composition by a North Carolina composer in 2006. His composition for brass and percussion, The Maestro's Flourish won the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Competition in 2005. He has been nominated as the North Carolina Music Teachers Association Composer of the year (1986) and was a finalist in the Pi Kappa Lambda National Composition Contest (1993), the National String Orchestra Association Composition Contest (1998), and the Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest (2006). His Songs of Appalachiareceived an honorable mention in the Americas Vocal Ensemble Competition Contest (1999). Dr. Harbinson's works for band appear on several state contest/festival lists.  He has received eight Editor's Choice Awards (Pepper Music Catalog) that identify "the very best of the new music available".  A CD of Dr. Harbinson's songs, performed by the vocal quartet APPropos!, was released in 1999.  His works have received performances by ensembles and chamber players throughout the United States and abroad. 

Dr. Harbinson received his Ph.D. in Music Theory from Florida State University, the M.M. in Music Theory from the University of Alabama, and the B.M. in Music Education from Appalachian State University.  He taught band and chorus at North Rowan High School in Spencer, North Carolina (1977 to 1980).  He was a graduate teaching assistant in music theory at the University of Alabama (1975-1977) and a doctoral teaching assistant in music theory at Florida State University (1980-1982). Dr. Harbinson joined the faculty of Florida State University as a visiting assistant professor of music theory in 1982.  In 1984, he returned to Appalachian State University as the coordinator of music theory where he was awarded the Outstanding Teaching Award in 1992.  He was recognized in Who's Who in America in 2006. He served as Associate Dean and coordinator of graduate studies in music (1988-2000) and served as Dean of the Hayes School of Music for nine years (2000-2009). Dr. Harbinson received the 100 Scholars Research Award from Appalachian State University in 2008; the award recognizes exemplary research or creative activity of a tenured faculty member. He received the Orpheus Award from Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in 2009; the award identifies those who have made lasting contributions to the cause of music in America.

Honors and Professional Organizations

Composition Honors

Evensong, Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2008

Kallalanta, Winner of the Merle J. Isaacs Senior Composition Competition, 2007

All The Starry Band, Hinda Honigman Cup of the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs, 2006

The Maestro's Flourish, Winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Competition, 2005
All The Starry Band, Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2005
Mandjiani, Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2004
Lincoln Legend, Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2003
Appalachian Folk Song Suite. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2001
Three English Folk Songs. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 2001
Engelberg Variations. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Music Catalog, 1999
Honorable Mention. America's Vocal Ensemble Composition Competition, 1999
Composer. Centennial Celebration. Appalachian State University, 1999
Finalist. NSOA National Composition Contest, 1998
Variations On An American Hymn Tune. Editor's Choice Award, Pepper Band/Orchestra Catalog, 1998
Composer. Installation of Chancellor Francis T. Borkowski. Appalachian State University, 1994
Finalist. Pi Kappa Lambda National Composition Contest, 1993
Nomination, NCMTA North Carolina Composer of the Year, 1986

Academic Honors
Phi Kappa Phi, academic honor society, 1987
Dean's Scholar, University of Alabama, 1977
Graduate of the Honors Program, ASU, 1975
Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, 1975
Alpha Chi, academic honor society, 1974
Pi Kappa Lambda, music honor society, 1974

Professional Organizations
Broadcast Music, Inc. (Affiliate), 1977-Pressent
Music Educators National Conference, 1977-Present
Kappa Kappa Psi, 1996

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, 1972
Sigma Alpha Iota (National Arts Associate), 1994

Honors

Orpheus Award, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, 2009

100 Scholars Award, Appalachian State University, 2008

Nomination, SGA Outstanding Teaching Award, 1994
Appalachian Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award, 1992

Published Compositions

Lake Dance (Symphonic Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 2009

Evensong (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2007

River Songs of the South (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2006
Quintet No. 1 for Brass Brass Chamber Music Press 2005
All the Starry Band (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2005
On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss (arr. Trombone Choir) TRN Music 2004
Mandjiani (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2004
Lincoln Legend (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2003
Sonata for Flute and Piano ALRY Publications 2003
Upon the Wings of the Wind (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2002
In the Bleak Midwinter (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2002
Three Studies in English Folk Song, Vaughan Williams/Harbinson (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2001
Diamond Fantasy (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2001
Appalachian Folk Song Suite (Concert Band) Carl Fisher, Inc. 2001
Legend of the Saura (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 2000
Mysteria (Concert Band) Carl Fisher, Inc. 1999
Songs of Appalachia (SATB Quartet, Piano) Carolina Catholic Music Publications 1999
Engelberg Variations (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1999
Hickory Variations (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1999
Our Blessing-Cup (SATB, Horn, Piano) Carolina Catholic Music Publishers 1999
APPropops! The songs of William Harbinson (CD) August 1998
Three Scenes from a Green Valley (String Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 1998
Variations on an American Hymn Tune (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1998
Be Merciful O Lord (SATB, Cello, Piano) Carolina Catholic Music Publications 1998
Proclaim God's Marvelous Deeds (Childrens' Chorus/Trumpet/Organ) CCMP 1998
Three Movements for Woodwind Trio (Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon) Alry Publishers 1996
Dan River Festival (Concert Band) Alfred Publishing 1996
Mabel Creek Overture (String Orchestra) Alfred Publishing 1996
Christ Was Born on Christmas Day (Childrens' Chorus, Flute, Piano) CCMP 1995
Blue Ridge Portrait (Concert Band) Carl Fisher, Inc, 1995
Introduction Allegro, and Dance (Concert Band) TRN Music 1994.
Concerto for Piano and Winds MMB Music, Inc. 1994
"We are Not Enemies" (Mens Chorus) IMC Library Series 1994
Southwest Overture (Concert Band) Carl Fisher, Inc. 1993.
"What Kind of Peace?" (Mens Chorus) IMC Library Series 1993

Links to order compositions of William Harbinson:

J.W. Pepper Co.
Alfred Music Publishing, Inc.
ALRY Publications

Brass Chamber Music Press
Carl Fischer, Inc.
TRN Music, Inc.

Sound Files
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Band
All The Starry Band      Alfred Publishing 2006
Appalachian Folk Song Suite      Carl Fischer 1999
    I. Matthy Groves/Soldier Boy For Me
    II.   Edward
    III. The Rebel Soldier/The True Lover's Farewell
Blue Ridge Portrait      Carl Fischer 1983
Dan River Festival      Alfred Publishing 1988
Diamond Fantasy      Alfred Publishing 2000
Engelberg Variations       Alfred Publishing 1998

Evensong     Alfred Publishing 2008
In the Bleak Midwinter        Alfred Publishing 2002
Introduction, Allegro and Dance       TRN Publishing 1991
Legend of the Saura      Alfred Publishiing 1998
Lincoln Legend       Alfred Publishing 2002
Mandjiani       Alfred Publishing 2004
Mysteria        Carl Fischer 1997

River Songs of the South       Alfred Publishing 2006
Rugby Heritage Overture   1997
Sandhills Saga   1994
Southwest Overture       Carl Fischer 1988
Symphonic Overture   1984
Three Studies in English Folk Song (Vaughan Williams/arr. Harbinson) Alfred Publishing 2001
Upon the Wings of the Wind       Alfred Publishing 2001
Variations on An American Hymn Tune       Alfred Publishing 1997

Orchestra
Hickory Variations 1997 (Alfred Publishing)

Kallalanta 2006

Lake Dance 2009 (Alfred Publishing)
Mabel Creek Overture 1995 (Alfred Publishing)
Three Scenes From A Green Valley 1996 (Alfred Publishing)
     The Winds on Big Hill
     The Chapel on Nettle Knob
     Gaston's Gigue

Concerto for Piano and Winds 1989
     Allegro con brio
     Grave
     Allegro con spirito

Compositions for Chorus
Agnus Dei 1988

Antiphons for the Virgin Mary 2007

    Salve Regina

    Regina coeli

    Alma Redemptoris Mater

    Ave, Regina caelorum
Canticle of Psalms 1991
Cherished Vision 1998
Christ Was Born On Christmas Day 1991

Come By Here 2008
Gloria 1993
Go Tell The Earth 1994

How Long Wilt Thou Forget Me?  2005
Martyr Songs
     What Kind Of Peace? 1991
     We Must All Learn 1997
     We Are Not Enemies 1994

Chamber Music
Appalachian Perspective 2004 (TV Theme)

Jubiloso 1986 (Organ)

On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss 2006 (Arr. Harbinson/Trombone Quartet) TRN Music
Maestro's Flourish 2005 (Brass and Percussion)
Sonata for Bassoon and Piano 1994
     I. Con spirito
     II. Largo
     III. Vivace

Quintet No. 1 for Brass 2004 (Brass Chamber Music Press)
Sonata for Flute and Piano 2001
Three Movements for Woodwind Trio 1991
     I. Allegro
     II. Lento
     III. Alla marcia

Three Shades for Four Players 2007 (Flute, Violin, Cello, Piano)

    Browns

    Blues

    Yellows
Troika 1984 (Trumpet Choir)

Songs
Bronté Songs 1998
     High Waving Heather
     Tell Me Tell Me
     It Is Too Late To Call Thee Now
     Month After Month
     The Starry Night Shall Tidings Bring
Rhymes of Childhood 1991
     Billy and His Drum
     A Life-Lesson
     A Gustatory Achievement
     The Way the Baby Came
     At Aunty's House
Roses 1998
     Nocturne
     Destiny
     The Rose
     Carpe Diem
     Imp of Dreams
Songs of Appalachia 1996
     Katie Morey
     The Two Sisters
     The Rich Old Lady
Songs of Matrimony 1995
     To --
     While the leaves of the bamboo rustle
     Kitchen Door Blues
      Song of Parting

Jazz
      Mariam's Waltz 2001