FRYE, CHRISTOPHER B. (b. 1956)

Composer Christopher B. Frye, born in 1956, grew up in Columbus, Ohio where the piano was an object of fascination and study to him. During his high school years he was really serious about his piano study. But that wasn't all. During this same time, he had experiences with rock bands, was part of the jazz band at school, and became interested in electronic music as well. These special interests were pursued in college. From pop and rock to jazz, his gift of improvising grew and grew. It is then no wonder that music theory and composition became his focus for graduate and doctoral studies. Dr. Frye is Associate Professor of Theory and Composition at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse since 1984.

 

He received degrees in composition from Capital University and The College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati where his principal teachers were Scott Huston and Jonathan Kramer.

 

As a composer, he writes mainly because he receives ideas which beg to take musical form. They are usually motivated by a request from a special person, group, or occasion. Chris Frye's compositions range from tonal to abstract pieces. He has taken the freedom to experiment with less traditional notation and electronic music as well. His compositions include choral works, instrumental ensemble (chamber) works, electronic pieces, and piano solos. All of his compositions have been premiered. He hopes to be able to write more for large musical ensembles (band or orchestra) in the future.

 

His music has been performed throughout the United States by ensembles such as the Milwaukee Symphony, and The Cincinnati Choral Society, and at national and regional festivals sponsored by organizations such as The Society of Composers, Inc., the Minnesota Composers Forum, Cincinnati Composers Guild, Wisconsin Alliance for Composers, Cleveland Composers Guild, Memphis State University New Music Festival and The Wisconsin Music Teachers Association.

 

He has been awarded prizes by the University of Maryland and the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs and has been commissioned to write music for the Music Fix chamber ensemble of Madison and The University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse Civic Symphony.

 

Mr. Frye was a founding member of the Cincinnati Composers Guild and is currently the Secretary/Treasurer for the Wisconsin Alliance for Composers.