For the 15th year in a row, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored John McIntyre, D.M.A., associate professor of music at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), with the ASCAPlus Award.
“Every year I’ve applied, I’ve won,” McIntyre said. “It’s really nice to get recognition from peers in all areas of the music industry.”
This cash award is given to composers actively adding to their catalog of work by writing music that is performed in noncommercial venues, such as schools, churches and nonprofit organizations. Most recently, McIntyre composed or arranged pieces for St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., and Trinity Lutheran Church, Terre Haute, Ind. In the past, he has written works for chorales, hand bell choirs and SMWC plays and ensembles.
“I find inspiration in different contexts,” McIntyre explained. “I look for opportunities to offer my services for special projects or I am commissioned for pieces from members of the community.”
McIntyre believes that this kind of recognition is especially important to those working full-time in academia. “I may not be making millions, but I am making music,” McIntyre said. “Being recognized by ASCAP since 1997, well, it’s just cool.”
McIntyre is currently working on music for SMWC’s spring play, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” while teaching courses in music theory, music technology and music history. He earned his bachelor’s in music education from Western Washington University and his master’s in music theory composition from the University of Miami. In 1993, McIntyre earned his D.M.A. in church music from the University of Southern California. He has been teaching at SMWC since 2003.