Edmund J. Siennicki composer / arranger

Edmund J. Siennicki was born in 1920 and raised in Cleveland, OH. At the age of 12, he met and spoke with Ignacy Jan Paderewski, and the conversation had a great influence on his life. At Kent State University, he earned his Bachelor's degree and wrote Fight on for KSU, which is still played at football games. In 1994, he was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the School of Music. Mr. Siennicki earned his MA at Teachers College, Columbia University. He studied composition with Herbert Elwell, electronic music with Sergio Barroso, and consulted with Vincent Persichetti. As a professional musician he played the bassoon and piano.

Mr. Siennicki's compositions have won prizes in the National School Orchestra composition contests, and he was composer in residence at the MacDowell Colony on two separate occasions. He has about 200 compositions in print, and for the last 20 years has been receiving special awards from ASCAP. His teaching career has been focused in the Cleveland Junior High Schools, but he was also employed at Michigan and Kent State University.