Dr. Donald Appertconductor & composer
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latest news 

WINTER 2022-2023

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FALL 2022

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Memorial Concert for Travis Hatton, Sunnyside Symphony Orchestra October, 2022
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My work Contrapunctus (Mirrors) for flute and trombone is one of the four commissioned works on this CD that was just released SEPTEMBER 9, 2022!
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SPRING 2022
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​WINTER 2022
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FALL 2021
Upcoming concerts in person!
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WINTER 2021

A TRIBUTE TO ART LABRANT 

In January of 1999 Art joined the Clark College Orchestra as a member of the first violin section. In the twenty years we made music together there were so many memorable moments.  December of that year marked the first of many milestones when we performed Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 “The Titan” to usher in the 21st century. This also began a period of sustained growth in both the size and quality of the orchestra. Guest conductors and soloists from Italy, Romania, Spain, Macedonia, Brazil, El Salvador, Portugal, and Slovakia would perform with the orchestra over the next 15 years. Richard Zeller, opera singer with the MET would appear several times as soloist. In 2013 the orchestra was awarded 3rd Place in the American Prize competition for its performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade.  The orchestra would premiere works by Matt Doran (local composer) and Eric Ewazen (on faculty at Juilliard). Douglas Webster, star of Les Mis, would perform my own Sacred Song Cycle with the orchestra.  The orchestra would win 2nd Place in the 2016 The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD in the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC for its world premiere performance of Ewazen – Palmetto Suite for Alto Trombone and Orchestra with Ron Barron, retired Principal Trombone of the Boston Symphony as soloist.  Then most recently our performance of Symphony No. 2  by David Diamond would be the 3rd Place Winner: 2019-20 The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC. Art told me that he had found his very part in the rental music for this symphony with his markings from the first time we played this work (this was our second time to do it) and he was so pleased to tell me that it was much easier for him this time! I would win the American Prize for Orchestral Programming in 2011 and again this past year 2020.  
 
All of this was made possible by the dedication and devotion of Art LaBrant! He had a profound passion for music that we both shared. I know he would put in hours of practice time on his violin in order to play his very best. Art was a humble person but not content to be in the back of the first violin section. When he moved up to the front he could hold his own no matter how challenging the music was! Later though, he would give his seat up to a student that he felt needed the experience (and pressure) of sitting closer to the conductor! As a music educator himself who taught orchestra, band and choir at the middle school level, he was constantly working to maintain and improve his own skills as violinist and musician. He loved playing in the orchestra and in the 20 years that we made music together, Art was one of my strongest supporters, willing to go down whatever musical path I had chosen with challenging and often lesser known orchestral repertoire. I deeply appreciate how encouraging he was to me of my work with the orchestra. Often he would tell me of how inspired he was, how much he loved the music, and how much he sometimes had to practice the parts if they were demanding (stretching his abilities). Art knew that to teach music, as he did in the public schools for so many years, he needed to be the best musician he could in order to pass along his knowledge and love of music to his students.  
 
As I recall, the only times that Art missed playing a concert was for a family event which would take precedence. He was dependable, cheerful, and a pleasure to work with. One of my fondest memories concerned his upgrading to a better violin. For a number of years early on I encouraged him to make that investment in himself for greater enjoyment of making music with the orchestra. At one point he told me that the family needed a new water heater which meant a delay in the planned purchase of a new violin. Soon thereafter though, he found a beautiful instrument and thanked me for encouraging him to buy a better violin. Sadly that violin was stolen out of his truck but he was able to replace it with an instrument of equal quality that he was able to enjoy for many years. 
 
He loved to sing and he and Becki would be members of the Clark College Chorale together. As a dedicated Christian, Art would also pastor several churches over the years that I knew him. We would have serious discussions about music in the church. Art had a kind and gentle spirit, always positive and encouraging.  
 
Finally, as part of my tribute to my dear friend and colleague I am wearing the formal attire that I wore on our last concert together when he joined one of my other orchestras, the Oregon Sinfonietta, to perform an outdoor summer concert at Bethany Vineyards in Ridgefield. While the orchestra and I will sorely miss Art, it is of some comfort that the beautiful music we made together will always be a cherished memory! 
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FALL 2020










September 8,2020
The American Prize
 ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY ensemble division, 2019-20
3rd Place (there was a tie):
Donald L.  Appert
Clark College Orchestra   
Vancouver WA
Symphony No. 2  (David Diamond)


SUMMER 2020
JULY 28
I am pleased to announce that I am WINNER of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming, 2019-20, the Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award, in the community division, for my work both with the Clark College Orchestra and the Jewish Community Orchestra! For more details go to http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/  I was the first winner of this particular category of the American Prize in 2011 and have consistently placed every year since then demonstrating my commitment to exceptional programming. In 2015 I was also awarded Honored Artist of the American Prize (one of 5) for sustained artistic excellence. 


My thanks and congratulations to the fine musicians of both orchestras who have faithfully followed me in this path of exploring the wonderful (and often less known) works of orchestral repertoire! A bright spot for these rather dark times.


JULY 17
Exceptional Faculty Awards
for Clark College in Vancouver, Washington


Congratulations to our six outstanding faculty members recognized with a 2020 Exceptional Faculty Award! These professors are nominated by students and colleagues for their contributions to the college. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Don Appert, Adam Coleman, Molly Lampros, Ken Luchini, Tom Stevenson, and Lauren Zavrel. You can read more about each of them on Clark 24/7, our college news website.
From the Clark College 2020 Commencement Program

Exceptional Faculty Awards

Recognizing faculty members for their exemplary work performance, positive impact on students, professional commitment, and other contributions to the college.
Dr. Don Appert, Professor of Music
“ He doesn’t just ‘talk the talk’. He truly embodies everything he teaches his students, from being punctual for class to practicing his instrument every day. He puts his students before himself and goes out of his way to create the best learning experience. He expects a lot from his students, but expects even more from himself. “

 JUNE 24
30 YEARS OF TEACHING AT CLARK COLLEGE

https://news.clark.edu/2019/12/three-decades-of-music/

JUNE 19
NATIONAL FINALIST: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY ensemble division, 2019-20

Clark College Orchestra    Symphony No. 2  (David Diamond)


MAY19
NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—community division, 2019-20

Donald L. Appert
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver   WA                  

Donald L. Appert
The Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland
Portland  OR       


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WINTER 2019-2020 NEWS!

January 8, 2020: My latest composition Contrapunctus (Mirrors) for Flute and Trombone which was commissioned by Dr. Philip Martinson and Dr. Shelly Martinson will be premiered at the International Trombone Festival in Osaka, Japan in summer of 2020.  

December 17, 2020: Exciting news! My duo Sehnsucht: for Trombone and Harp will be recorded as part of the Louis Setzer Duo's upcoming album
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December 2019: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY instrumental division, 2018-19
Finalist Honorable Mention:
Donald L. Appert
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver WA
Donald L. Appert—Concerto for Cello and Orchestra




FALL 2019 NEWS!

​​2018-19 3rd Place: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—community & youth division,
The Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland
        
 
The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY ensemble division Honorable Mention - Clark College Orchestra
(Concerto for Cello and Orchestra—Donald L. Appert) 


NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division,
                    Clark College Orchestra and Oregon Sinfonietta

NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY ensemble division, 2018-19

Donald L. Appert
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver WA
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra—Donald L. Appert  

2018-19 3rd Place: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—community & youth division,
Donald L. Appert
The Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland
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UPCOMING CONCERTS!

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JULY 2019 UPCOMING OREGON SINFONIETTA CONCERT ON THE LAWN
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JUNE 2019
​Excited to announce the Louis Setzer duo will be recording my work Sehnsucht for Trombone and Harp, as part of their upcoming album!
more info about Louis here https://www.louissetzer.com/
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JUNE 2019
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APRIL 2019

I am pleased to announce that TAP Music Sales www.tapmusic.com  has agreed to publish my most recent compositions:
Contrapunctus (Mirrors) for flute and trombone commissioned by Dr. Philip Martinson and Dr. Shelly Martinson on the faculty of Southwest Oklahoma University and members of the Oklahoma City Symphony who will premiere it this year.
Cortege for Low Brass and Percussion commissioned by the Clark College Concert Band, Dr. Doug Harris Director to be premiered on the June15 concert at the Royal Durst Theatre of the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics.

American Prize Update: 
NATIONAL FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Programming / Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award—community & youth division, 2018-19

Donald L. Appert 
The Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland 
Portland OR  
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http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/

SUMMER 2018 - Pleased to announce the following awards and nominations! 

2017-18 The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD in the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY division -
finalist - Honorable Mention Oregon Sinfonietta (Concerto for Viola and Orchestra—Appert)

The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD in the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY division -
semi-finalist -Clark College Orchestra (Sacred Song Cycle—Appert)
The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division, FINALIST - Oregon Sinfonietta ; SEMI-FINALIST: Clark College Orchestra 

 JUNE 14, 2018
ARTICLE ABOUT UPCOMING CONCERTS IN THE COLUMBIAN NEWSPAPER
http://www.columbian.com/news/2018/jun/15/clark-college-don-appert-debut-concerts/


April 9, 2018
​FINALISTS: The American Prize ERNST BACON MEMORIAL AWARD for the PERFORMANCE of AMERICAN MUSIC, COMMUNITY division, 2017-18

"In the community division, finalists were advanced for a variety of reasons. What unites all these artists is their obvious commitment to American music—worthy of honor."—DK

Donald L. Appert 
Oregon Sinfonietta 
Vancouver WA 
   Concerto for Viola and Orchestra—Appert

 

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CONGRATULATIONS! FEBRUARY 5, 2018
SEMI-FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division, 2017-18

Donald L. Appert 
Clark College Orchestra
Vancouver WA 

Donald L. Appert 
Oregon Sinfonietta
Portland OR
 


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JUNE 2017
I am pleased to report that I will be conducting the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on July 20th at the Esther Short Park as part of Riverview’s Six to Sunset concert series. My wife Linda, our adjunct voice instructor, will be the featured soloist on the program and in addition the orchestra will perform the last movement of my Northwest Tryptych, “Riffs”. The concert begins at 6:00 P.M. and is free and open to the public.
 
APRIL 2017
FINALISTS: The American Prize in Orchestral Performance—community orchestra division
Clark College Orchestra- Donald L. Appert of Vancouver, WA
 Stay tuned for results!

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UPCOMING CONCERTS IN ROMANIA
SATU-MARE STATE PHILHARMONIC (Romania) March 30, 2017
Parry – Overture to an Unwritten Tragedy
Appert – Concertino for Bass Clarinet and String Orchestra
Monti – Czardas
                Rocco Parisi (Italy), Bass Clarinet
Brahms – Symphony No. 2 in D
​Some of you may recall that we commissioned Variations for Orchestra from Matt Doran and all three of my orchestras have performed it. In addition I performed it with the Slovak Philharmonic in Kosice in 2011. I just received the notice below:

Matt Doran passed away yesterday, August 3rd, at 3:00 P.M. He would have been 95 on September 1st.

In Memory of Marianne was composed by Matt Doran after he lost his daughter to cancer on September 9, 2006. He brought the score to me in the summer of 2007 and I was so taken by its poignancy that I immediately programmed its premiere on the November 2007 Oregon Sinfonietta concert. This performance by the Clark College Orchestra is from December 5, 2012.

new season posters and schedules are here for 2016-2017


Article on the 25th anniversary concert with Maestro Appert and the Clark College Orchestra
http://news.clark.edu/2015/07/take-a-bow-maestro/

Check out the new Facebook page!
www.facebook.com/maestroappert

Click here for a link to Clark College Orchestra's latest concert from CVTV: http://hosted.invintus.net/invintustream/v2player/?clientID=2917038973&eventID=2917038973_2015060090


composition news

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  • Pleased to announce Maestro Appert has been awarded the 2015 Honored Artist Award, 2nd place in the programming award (both part of American Prize) and the ASCAPLUS Award for 2015!
  • Fantasy for Contrabass and String Orchestra received its world premiere by William Athens, soloist, and the Oregon Sinfonietta in November of 2014 with the composer conducting.
  • In April of 2015 Concerto in Mi for Piano and String Orchestra was performed in Valcea, Romania by Maurizio Barboro and the Valcea Philharmonic and then in Grosetto, Italy with the ORCHESTRA SINFONICA CITTA DI GROSSETO. Maestro Appert was joined by Renato Fabbro for a performance with the Clark College Orchestra in June celebrating the final concert of his 25th anniversary season as their Music Director/Conductor.
  • In July he will conduct a performance of his Nara Variations with the Academy of Soloists Kazakhstan in Massa, Italy. To finish out the year he will conduct his full orchestra work Northwest Triptych with the Oradea State Philharmonic in Romania.
  • 2016 will be a big year for world premieres! Brett Deubner, international viola virtuoso, will premiere Fantasy for Viola and String Orchestra with the Clark College Orchestra in Vancouver, WA in March; that same week he will premiere the Concerto for Viola and Orchestra that he commissioned with the Oregon Sinfonietta.
  • In April Douglas Webster (of Les Mis fame) will perform the premiere of Sacred Song Cycle for Baritone and Orchestra with the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland. He also commissioned this work from the composer.

upcoming concerts and events

2015-2016
  • ORADEA STATE PHILHARMONIC (Romania) December 10, 2015 - Linda Appert, soprano soloist
Program: Appert – Northwest Triptych Mozart – Exsultate, jubilate, k. 165 Romeo Rîmbu- Lacul, for soprano and orchestra, with lyrics by M. Eminescu  Stanford – Symphony No. 4 in F

  • Academy of Soloists Kazakhstan (Massa, Italy) July 30, 2015   Program: Foote – Suite in E major, op. 63 Appert – Nara Variations Tchaikovsky – Serenade for strings
Performing Schedule
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