JACOB SANTOS
Special to The Leader
Earlier this year, Novus New Music, Inc., a non-profit organization, held a competition, open to anyone under the age of 30, to submit their own music compositions for saxophone. Earlier this month, senior John Secunde was announced their winner.
Secunde, a saxophonist majoring in music composition, is from Limerick, Maine. While looking at universities to attend after high school, he decided to apply to SUNY Fredonia to pursue a collegiate study in music.
“Initially [Fredonia] wasn’t one of my top schools,” Secunde said, “but when I came here, I could see myself really fitting in.”
Upon arriving to the campus as a freshman, he came to learn the college had a strong music program for the saxophone. Secunde is also involved with Ethos New Music Society, which provides the University with concerts and workshops from students and visiting composers, artists and ensembles.
The competition, commissioned by Novus New Music, Inc., received dozens of saxophone compositions from various parts of the United States and other countries. The compositions were to be submitted online and were analyzed by composers and saxophonists.
“I submitted two pieces I had already written,” Secunde said. “They felt mine would be best fitted for the commision.” The winner of the competition would receive a cash prize, and even have their composition performed by a professional saxophonist and a renowned high school band at Tulip Time, a spring festival held annually in Holland, Michigan.
Secunde is very pleased to have his composition commissioned by Novus New Music, Inc. He plans to continue his studies in music by pursuing a master’s degree after he graduates in May. When asked about his experience attending SUNY Fredonia, Secunde said, “I just can’t imagine going anywhere else. I kinda stumbled upon this really wonderful place, with a really wonderful group of people.”