Burson’s music composition selected for national conference
June 05, 2026
- Chase HartsellBaylee Burson, a recent Ouachita Baptist University graduate from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, had an original music composition, “Scarlet,” selected for performance at the College Music Society’s 68th National Conference in Spokane, Washington, on October 30.
Burson is the second Ouachita student in three years to have a piece selected for the CMS National Conference, joining 2024 graduate Jenna Barnes (whose “Into the Fire” was showcased in 2023). “Scarlet” was the only undergraduate composition chosen for the 2025 edition of the event.
“When I submitted my first piece to the College Music Society for their national conference, I had to work up a lot of courage,” Burson said. “Pieces of my heart and soul go into everything I create, and it was terrifying to put a part of myself out there on a chopping block like that. However, all the fear was washed away with joy as I read that letter of confirmation over and over again. It was a perspective-altering experience that has since given me the ability to face rejection and judgment with newfound strength.”
Burson’s composition was featured as part of a showcase concert centered around the theme “Elemental.” The piece was performed by clarinetist Valerie Nuzzolo, adjunct clarinet instructor at Five Towns College, and pianist Eun-Hee Park, assistant professor of music at the University of South Dakota.
“Baylee’s selection for performance at the College Music Society National Conference is an exceptional achievement,” Dr. Patrick Houlihan, the Addie Mae Maddox Professor of Music, said. “I have greatly enjoyed working with her in composition lessons and seeing firsthand how quickly she has grown as a composer. She combines genuine musical talent with strong musicianship and thoughtful persistence, and this recognition reflects both the quality of her work and her considerable promise for the future.”
Another of Burson’s pieces for clarinet choir, “Epitaph,” was selected for the 2026 CMS South Central Chapter Conference in El Paso, Texas.
“We are all so proud of the way Baylee has distinguished herself as a gifted clarinetist and an emerging composer,” Caroline Taylor, dean of the School of Performing Arts, said. “Her talent and dedication to her craft have been inspiring to watch.”
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Ouachita in December, Burson walked as a summa cum laude graduate at the university’s 139th Spring Commencement on May 9. She will begin pursuing a Master of Music in theory-composition at Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall.
To learn more about studying music at Ouachita, visit obu.edu/music or contact the Office of Admissions Counseling at 870-245-5110 or [email protected].
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