Jason Heald

Jason Heald is an active composer, conductor, and performer in the Pacific Northwest. With twenty-five years of experience as a professional studio arranger and musician, Heald's diverse musical experience and knowledge add a fresh originality to his compositions. His recent dramatic musical works include Post 121 (opera), Tomb (opera), Vashti (oratorio), Bathsheba's Diary (oratorio), Lost and Found in the 20th Century (cabaret show), National Insecurity (musical), and State of Jefferson (musical). A prolific composer, his works have been published by ChoralWeb, UNC Jazz press, Sound Music Publications, Plymouth Music, Northwestborough Music, and Call of the Wild Publishing. Recent premiers and commissions include performances by the Olympia Chamber Orchestra, Umpqua Chamber Orchestra, University of Portland Community Orchestra, Soundmoves, soprano Linda Larson, and the Tapestry String Quartet. Most recently, Dr. Heald was the Grand Prize winner of the 2006 Eventide Arts Festival in Dennis, Massachusetts. Heald was also the Grand Prize winner of the 2004 Cascadian Choral Composition Competition and a finalist in the 21st Annual Ithaca College of Music Choral Composition Competition and has also been the recipient of several ASCAP AWARDS. He is also the music director of the critically acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble, the Umpqua Singers, the group honored to perform at the 2002 Capitol Christmas Tree lighting in Washington, D.C. Heald holds a Ph.D. in composition from the University of Oregon and serves as Chairman of the Fine and Performing Arts Department at Umpqua Community College.