Biography

            Howard J. Buss (b. 1951) is recognized  internationally as a significant composer of contemporary classical music. His compositions have received critical acclaim and have been performed in more than 50 countries. His music is widely performed and frequently featured at national and international music conventions and festivals. They have been performed by faculty musicians from major universities as well as current and former members of prestigious organizations such as The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, Vancouver Symphony,  Atlanta Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, etc.   A copy of his patriotic composition Fanfares is included in the Presidential Collection of Ronald Reagan. Buss’ more than 120 published works include instrumental solos, chamber music, symphonic, choral, and band works. They are fast becoming part of the standard repertoire in concert halls.

            The legendary Leon Russianoff described Dr. Buss’ style as “imaginative, sincere, rewarding to both performers and audiences, and without the gimmickry which is so prevalent in contemporary music today.” Upon hearing his music critics have written: “By far the night’s most memorable piece” - The Los Angeles Times, “This is truly one of the finest works in our idiom” - Robert McCormick in the Florida Percussive News, and “The evening’s highlight” - The Maine Sunday Telegram.

            Buss has received numerous awards and his commissioned works include original compositions as well as arrangements. He is a sought after guest composer, clinician, and contest adjudicator. His works are frequently selected to be included and analyzed in doctoral dissertations, lectures, professional music journals, and music literature bibliographies, and his compositions have been recorded on the Crystal, Capstone, Equilibrium, HoneyRock, PL Productions, and C.Alan Publications labels.

            Howard J. Buss received his B. A. in Applied Music from West Chester University, M. M. in Performance and M. M. in Composition from Michigan State University, and D.M.A. in Composition from the University of Illinois. He is the founder and editor of Brixton Publications (ASCAP) and Buss Publications (BMI) which publish contemporary American concert music.

Howard J. Buss
c/o Brixton Publications
4311 Braemar Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33813-1608 U.S.A.
Phone/Fax (863) 646-0961 E-mail: <howardbuss@copper.net>

Commissioning New Works:

    Whether you want to commemorate a special occasion, honor an individual, draw special attention to your performing career, or simply want make a significant contribution to the repertoire, there is nothing that will add more excitement to your concert than a premiering a work which you commissioned. Howard Buss has been commissioned by numerous musicians and patrons who recognize the importance of ensuring a permanent legacy demonstrating their dedication to music in America. Occasions for which he has been commissioned include the opening ceremony of a performing arts school, the nation-wide 50th Anniversary of the American Music Center, the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Festival, weddings and birthdays, and numerous high-profile music festival and convention performances.
    Where do you start? The process is simple. Decide what type of work you would like to commission, its instrumentation and approximate duration, and when you will need it. Then, contact Howard Buss to discuss the details and fee schedule.

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