Jessie Montgomery received a Joyce Award to work with Detroit’s Sphinx Organization to compose, produce and perform “Banner!” a tribute to the 200th anniversary of the “Star Spangled Banner.” With the goal of reflecting diversity in American society and culture, the composer will draw influence from rock, jazz, and folk music. “Banner!” will premiere in October 2014 and perform nationally through the Sphinx Virtuosi Tour, which reaches more than 10,000 people a year. As a member and leader of the Sphinx Virtuosi, Montgomery will expand the reach of “Banner!” through special performances for schools, community centers and churches in underserved areas in each city, as well as Detroit.
Jessie is a New York native violinist, composer and music educator. She received a 2014 Joyce Award to compose a tribute to the Star Spangled Banner, which will premiere at Sphinx in Detroit and travel extensively throughout the country.
Jessie was a co-founding member of PUBLIQuartet, an ensemble made up of composers and arrangers, featuring their own music as well as that of other New York based composers. She was also a core member of the Providence String Quartet from 2004 - 2009, quartet in residence of Community MusicWorks. Ensemble experiences have lead to collaborations with The Orion String Quartet, The Miro String Quartet, and The Knights. Jessie has also collaborated with several avant-garde artists such as clarinetist Don Byron, Butch Morris and William Parker. She is currently a full time member of the Catalyst Quartet.
In 2011-2012, Jessie was the Van Lier Composer Fellow at the American Composers Orchestra, with performances of her works for small ensemble showcased throughout New York City in the SONiC Festival, and the Composers OutFront! Series. She was in Residence at the Deer Valley Music Festival under the direction of American composer Joan Tower in 2008 and has served as resident composer for the Providence String Quartet, with performances throughout the Providence and Boston areas. Her music has been premiered by the Vinca Quartet, Providence String Quartet, JACK Quartet, Catalyst Quartet, and members of the International Contemporary Ensemble. Bachelor’s degree in from The Juilliard School in violin performance. Masters Degree from New York University in Scoring for Film and Multimedia. Teachers and mentors include Sally Thomas, Ann Setzer, Joan Tower, Derek Bermel, Mark Suozzo and Ira Newborn.