Derek Limback, Missouri State graduate, recently published his article, “Getting into Commission,” in an issue of “Teaching Music, Journal of the National Association for Music Education.”

The article explores the process of commissioning—hiring composers to write music for your ensembles—and the relationship building and creative benefits it brings. Through commissioning, music students become pioneers of performing a work, and composers get the pleasure of creating and sharing their music.

Limback started writing for journals in 2009 with hopes to add his own insight on subjects not yet covered. “I wrote the article on commissioning music because I feel that directors don’t understand the importance of helping to create new music and to encourage new composers. I think commissioning new music is uncharted waters for most directors and they don’t understand how easy and rewarding the process is for the students and for the director,” explained Limback.

Limback holds a B.S. in music education and a M.A. in music composition from Missouri State University. He serves as the director of bands at St. James schools where he teaches grades six through twelfth. His current composition projects include pieces for Willard High School, The University of Texas in San Antonio, the choirs at Missouri S & T, as well as his own jazz groups.

For more information on Limback and to commission his music, visit limbackmusic.com.