Conductor recognized following musical year

Clark College music department chair Don Appert is once again being recognized for his busy year. In 2009, Appert wrote his first full orchestral piece, “NW Triptych,” and several international performing arts groups premiered his work.

In addition, Appert’s “Easter Wings,” composed for the Clark College Concert Choir, had its debut. Another one of his works, “Nara Variations,” was performed by groups in Romania and Italy.

Last month, Appert was rewarded for his eventful year by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers with its annual ASCAPLUS Award. It was the fifth year Appert has won the award, which recognizes composers who work outside of broadcast media.

Appert, 57, also received the ASCAPLUS Award in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.

Though he’s won the award before, it’s an honor he is still thrilled by.

“It’s still pretty satisfying,” he said. “It’s not a given. It’s not like, ‘It’s another year, it’s time to win an ASCAP award.’”

This year’s award had extra meaning for Appert, who felt that the award committee recognized his writing prowess, in addition to his premieres.

“It does feel a little bit better that I had more to say in this past year, and I made the time to compose,” he said.

“NW Triptych,” which was inspired by the death of the principal horn player in the Oregon Sinfonietta, debut at the group’s November concert.