College of Public Health Student Selected as Finalist in Composers' Challenge

Alex Mauger, a sophomore pursuing dual degrees in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health and English, was selected this summer as a finalist in the National Young Composers Challenge.  Alex has been composing music since he was 8 years old. One of his most recent compositions, Adagio and Fugue in A Minor, was the piece selected as a finalist for the challenge. 

Each year, contestants from thirteen to eighteen years old from across the United States submit an original composition in either the full orchestra or ensemble category.  Alex’s piece featured a small ensemble (two to six instruments.) The panel of judges then selected three pieces from each category as winners. In recent years, the competition has gained so much popularity that the judges now select a number of pieces as finalists, from which they pick three winners. The challenge states they can only pick three pieces, though each of the finalists merit recognition as a winning piece. 

Alex stated he feels honored to have his piece recognized by the National Young Composer's Competition.  Dr. Deborah Slawson, Professor and Chair of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health said, "Alex’s superlative talent is evident in his award-winning composition, and his enthusiasm for his craft is mirrored in his passion for public health.  It is an honor to have him in our undergraduate Community Health Concentration."  

Dr. Randy Wykoff, Dean of the College of Public Health, stated, "Alex should be as  proud of this remarkable national recognition, as we are of him and his accomplishment."