UAB Music Graduate Cameron Rodgers-Johnson Shines Bright

News Summary

Cameron Rodgers-Johnson, a recent UAB graduate, is on track to achieve great things in music composition. With accolades and a promising future, he inspires others in the arts.

Birmingham, AL – UAB Music Graduate on Path to Further Achievements

Cameron Rodgers-Johnson, a 23-year-old graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), is set to walk across the stage on Saturday, May 3, 2024, to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a concentration in instrumental music education. Throughout his time at UAB, Rodgers-Johnson has distinguished himself as a talented composer and arranger, contributing to various musical ensembles and earning multiple accolades.

During his undergraduate studies, Rodgers-Johnson was actively involved in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music. His participation included roles in the Symphony and Wind Symphony Concert bands, as well as the Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble. He also served as the drum major for the Marching Blazers in 2023, a position he achieved after overcoming previous rejections during his audition process.

In addition to these groups, he contributed to chamber ensembles such as UAB’s Trumpet ensembles and the Blazer Brass Quintet. Rodgers-Johnson’s musical journey began in sixth grade when he first picked up the trumpet, later playing actively in multiple bands at Hoover High School, from which he graduated in 2020.

Upon graduation, he plans to pursue music composition and has already been accepted into graduate programs at two institutions. His experience at UAB has equipped him with teaching methodologies and strategies aimed at inspiring future music students. Rodgers-Johnson has shared his diverse skills in various capacities, having worked in band camps and served as visiting band staff for Hoover High School, Gardendale High School, and UAB during the years spanning 2022 to 2024.

Academic Honors and Recognition

Rodgers-Johnson’s academic achievements are notable; he graduated with high honors from the UAB Honors College, where he also earned distinguished accolades in Global and Community Leadership. He received several scholarships, including the Global and Community Leadership Honors Program Dean’s Scholarship and the UAB Marching Band Dean’s Scholarship. Moreover, since 2021, he has provided support as a resident assistant at UAB, helping fellow students connect with valuable resources.

Musical Compositions and Competitions

Initially drawn to music composition during high school but lacking theoretical knowledge, Rodgers-Johnson found his niche during his college years. He won his first composer’s award during the spring of his sophomore year, solidifying his passion for composition. Since then, he has been a finalist in the Young Composers Competition held by the Alabama Music Educators Association every year since 2022. Additionally, he achieved semifinalist status in the 2024 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards Competition.

Rodgers-Johnson’s compositions have gained recognition, leading to commissions such as “Impetus,” written for brass quintet at the request of Alabama Symphony Orchestra President Mark Patrick. His piece “All Shall Come” was recognized in the Call for Scores for Diversify the Stand/Trumpeter’s Multitrack Competition in 2023. Furthermore, “An American Outcry” was performed by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Wind Symphony at the National Council on Undergraduate Research’s annual conference in 2023.

Future Goals and Community Impact

Looking ahead to his graduate studies, Rodgers-Johnson aims to deepen his understanding of music composition history and traditions. He expresses a strong desire to give back to the music community that has supported him throughout his journey. His dedication to both personal and communal growth underscores his commitment to the art of music and the importance of mentorship in education.

With a promising future ahead, Cameron Rodgers-Johnson serves as an inspiring example of how dedication and passion in the arts can lead to significant achievements and opportunities.