Asbury University Music alumnus Dr. Shawn Okpebholo ’03 recently received a Grammy nomination for his piece, “Songs in Flight.” His piece is one of five finalists in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition category. Okpebholo currently serves as the Jonathan Blanchard Distinguished Professor of Composition at Wheaton College Conservatory of Music (Ill.), where he mentors a new generation of composers and musicians.
“This piece is so special to me,” Okpebholo said. “The moment I put that final note in place, I knew it was something I couldn’t have created alone. It’s a work that came to life thanks to so many incredible collaborators—and one that reaffirms the dignity of the enslaved voices it honors. I want to extend my deepest thanks to the remarkable poets who brought their voices to this project—especially Tsitsi Jaji, who curated everything and truly made the vision possible. Tsitsi, Crystal Simone Smith and Tyehimba Jess, your words gave Songs in Flight its soul. As a composer, I couldn’t have done any of this without your brilliance.”
After receiving his bachelor’s degree in music composition and music history from Asbury University (then Asbury College), Okpebholo received his master and doctoral degrees in composition from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, where he also studied music theory. Okpebholo had additional studies in film scoring from New York University through the Buddy Baker Film Scoring Program.
Reflecting on his formative experiences as an Asbury student in the music department, Okpebholo shares: “Asbury’s music faculty are world-class, and the department is small, which means that I received personalized instruction which was a huge blessing and advantage. In addition to James Curnow and Dr. Ronald Holz, very few professors have impacted me as much as Dr. Vicki Bell. She was influential in cultivating my love for teaching composition and theory. All of these professors encouraged me, prayed for me, and served as spiritual mentors and role models for me.”
Okpebholo offers words of encouragement and advice to current music students at Asbury University: “Develop and cultivate meaningful relationships and be kind. Much of my career has been shaped by friendships which create a stronger, deeper, and more fun process. Kindness goes a long way and will make your life full.”
The Asbury University Music Department offers a major in music (with emphases in composition and arranging, instrumental performance, pre-music therapy, vocal performance, and church music leadership), a major in music education (with emphases in general music education, instrumental music education, vocal/choral education, and combined instrumental/vocal education), and a minor in music. Learn more.