MOUNT VERNON -- Dr. Glenn
Eernisse, chair of Brewton-Parker College's division of music, has recently
received two honors that recognize his achievements both as a professor and
writer.Eernisse was selected to be included in the 58th edition of the "Who's Who in America" biographical directory, and for the fourth consecutive year is honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers as the recipient of an ASCAP Award for 2003-04.
Eernisse will be profiled in the 2004 edition of "Who's Who in America," which will be published by Marquis Who's Who in November.
Marquis Who's Who is the leading biographical reference publisher of the highest achievers and contributors from across the country and around the world.
Since 1899, Marquis Who's Who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor -- including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment.
"This honor is humbling to me, to be included among a group of such well-known figures," said Eernisse, a member of the Brewton-Parker College division of music faculty since 1995.
ASCAP Awards are granted by an independent panel and are based upon the unique prestige value of each writer's catalog of original compositions, as well as recent performances in areas not surveyed by the society.
"As an artist, scholar, performer, colleague, leader and team player, Glenn Eernisse rises to the top of the class," said Dr. David Smith, Brewton-Parker's president. "He is gifted with great talent, but extends consideration and humility to those with whom he works. Brewton-Parker College is privileged to have this fine gentlemen as an academic leader and professor."
Eernisse said his fourth such honor from ASCAP is based on the volume of work produced in the past year.
"One has to have a consistent output of work and show proof that these efforts are current," said Eernisse, who primarily composes and arranges church music. "ASCAP is trying to recognize the creative process for writers who aren't as much in the limelight."
Among the new works Eernisse submitted are several instrumental arrangements, choral pieces either composed or arranged, children's choir works and handbell compositions.
"It is a way of acknowledging and rewarding people who are part of the creative process of writing music," he said.
Eernisse has composed and arranged pieces for a variety of vocal and instrumental groups. These include children's choirs, youth choirs, adult choirs, senior adult choirs, handbells, and a variety of brass and woodwind groups.
"I am grateful for the support of the college for this outlet that relates to my work," he added. "Recognition of this kind certainly benefits all of us."
Recent commissioned works include pieces for the Brewton-Parker College presidential inauguration, the Georgia Baptist Church Music Conference, First Baptist Church of Vidalia, Ga., and First Baptist Church of McDonough, Ga. He has written articles for The Church Musician, The Hymn and Creator.
Eernisse has served on the faculty of several music camps and band camps, and has functioned as an adjudicator for festivals and competitions at a variety of levels.
Professional organizations of which he is a member include Music Educators National Conference, Georgia Music Educators Association, Georgia Baptist Church Music Conference, and International Trombone Association. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and is listed among "Outstanding Young Men of America" and "Who's Who Among America's Teachers."
He was appointed to chair the music division in May after serving as interim division chair since January.
As an associate professor of instrumental activities, Eernisse has served as director of the College Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, and taught courses in brass and percussion methods, marching band methods, composition, and jazz. He currently directs the Brass Ensemble and the Baron Singers, and teaches courses in music technology, arranging, and private low brass lessons at Brewton-Parker.
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