ASTA awards Merle J. Isaac composition prize.

The American String Teachers Association (ASTA) with National School Orchestra Association, is proud to announce that Randen Heywood, who teaches music at Valley High School and Valley Elementary School in Orderville, Utah, has been named winner of the 2005 Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest.

Angel's Landing, Heywood's winning full orchestra composition, is named after the famous hiking attraction in Zion National Park. Paralleling a hike to Angel's Landing, Heywood's composition has two main contrasting themes: the rhythmically charged theme represents struggle and perseverance, while the lyric theme represents the feeling of satisfaction in completing something difficult but worthwhile. Both themes are introduced separately, then put together for the final climax representing satisfaction.

Heywood teaches all aspects of music--from a kindergarten Kodaly singing class to a high school orchestra. An accomplished violist and violinist, he enjoys playing chamber music and composing.

The Merle J. Isaac Composition Contest is held annually to encourage composition, publication and performance of quality music for school orchestra programs. Rotating entrants for full and string orchestra is on a yearly basis--next year's contest will promote string orchestra compositions.

For more information, visit the ASTA website at www.astaweb.com.