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Student composer’s work selected for orchestral performance

An original orchestral work by Auburn University student Josh Boyd will be featured in this spring’s AU Symphony Orchestra concert after being selected through the Department of Music’s annual Composition (Technology) competition.

Boyd, a junior from Huntsville, Alabama, majoring in Music Composition (Technology), composed “Persistence,” which will be performed by the AU Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the Student Activities Center Auditorium during the ensemble’s spring program, directed by Guy Harrison, associate professor of music.

The annual competition invites students in the composition (technology) program to submit original works written specifically for the orchestra. During the process, the ensemble sight‑reads each piece and votes to determine which composition will be selected for performance.

According to Lee Johnson, professor of composition (technology), the competition reflects the program’s emphasis on preparing students for professional creative work.

“At Auburn, our Composition and Technology program is designed to prepare students for the realities of today’s music industry,” Johnson said. “That means not only developing a strong compositional voice, but also gaining fluency in collaboration, production and real‑world workflows. Opportunities like this — where a student such as Josh Boyd can take a work like “Persistence” from concept to orchestral performance — demonstrate the level of readiness and professionalism we expect from our graduates.”

Boyd’s winning work reflects both his musical background and his interest in telling stories through large‑ensemble writing. “Persistence” explores the emotional contours of everyday life, moving between moments of intensity and reflection while emphasizing steady forward momentum.

“’Persistence’ is my way of capturing a busy day filled with tranquility, urgency and obstacles, all of which I find in everyday life,” Boyd said.

The piece shifts between tempos and incorporates a wide dynamic and emotional range, creating a cinematic listening experience.

Harrison said Boyd’s approach to composition stood out during the selection process.

“Josh approaches composition with a level of maturity and intentionality you don’t often see at the undergraduate level,” Harrison said. “It’s a strong work, and I think it will resonate with audiences.”

He added that the piece’s musical language reinforces its underlying message.

“What stands out about ‘Persistence’ is how effectively the musical ideas reflect the title — from the smallest nuances to its underlying repetitions, rhythmic drive and dynamic range, the piece consistently reinforces what it means to persist,” Harrison said.

Although Boyd’s primary focus is percussion, his interest in orchestral music began at an early age. He started playing the cello at age 9, an experience that later influenced his decision to write for full orchestra and participate in the competition.

A percussionist by training, Boyd performs marimba in the Auburn University Marching Band and maintains an active presence in the marching arts community. He has marched with Drum Corps International and will return this summer for his second season with Carolina Crown, an elite drum and bugle corps based in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Beyond his university commitments, Boyd is involved in music education across the region. He currently serves as the front ensemble percussion technician for the Auburn High School Marching Band and has written football halftime shows for Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama, for the past two seasons. He is preparing to compose the school’s Fall 2026 halftime production, marking his third year working with the program.

Boyd began composing as a way to expand creative opportunities within the percussion field, particularly for student musicians. After graduation, he plans to continue writing music for educational ensembles and the broader percussion community while pursuing a career in teaching.

The selection of “Persistence” highlights Boyd’s commitment to both performance and composition and reflects the Department of Music’s emphasis on hands‑on, creative experiences that prepare students for professional and educational careers.

Tags: Music Students Arts and Culture