HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University student Christopher Johnson, Leoti senior, was the collegiate division winner of the annual Kansas Music Educators Association Composition Competition.

The award recognizes an original composition submitted by both high school and college music students who attend school in the state of Kansas. Students submit an original piece of music written for one of three categories: solo, ensemble and electronic music.

In addition to this award, Johnson has also served as the drum major, trombone section leader and student director at FHSU. Johnson's primary instruments are trombone and tuba.

"I wrote the piece, called 'Battle Canyon,' when I was student teaching in Scott City in the spring of 2009," Johnson said. "The director heard that I liked to write music and asked me to write something for his band so the students could get the experience of seeing the compositional process. I appreciate their support and the band's support of the project."

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