Mary Denney

Composer

She/Her

Celebrated for her eclectic, vibrant and sometimes irreverent music, composer Mary M. Denney explores the relationship between sound, music, and memory. More specifically, she is particularly drawn to the ways in which music can be used to shape one’s sense of identity. Mary finds inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including pop, indie rock, modern wind ensemble repertoire, minimalism, and free improvisation. Her music seeks to convey all aspects of the human condition, from its mundanities to its idiosyncrasies.

An avid collaborator, Mary believes that the composition process does not end once the notes hit the page; she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and creatively-stimulating environment for performers and composers alike. Her music has been workshopped and performed by Chartreuse Trio, Splinter Reeds, RE: Duo, loadbang, and the 28/78 New Music Ensemble; she has written extensively for all types of ensembles, ranging from solo works, brass choir, and heavy metal orchestra. Mary has been a fellow in the bespoken Music Mentorship Program, the Women Composers Festival of Hartford Composers’ Workshop, the Cortona Sessions for New Music, Longy’s Divergent Studio, and the Valencia International Performing Arts Summer Festival. Her piece, Starcatching, was selected for the College Music Society 2024 Southwest Regional Conference Call for Scores.

In addition to composition, Mary has worked as a sound engineer and plays horn and piano. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she will begin her master’s degree in composition at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude, from University of the Pacific. When not composing, Mary can be found reading speculative fiction novels, video and tabletop gaming, perfecting her winged eyeliner, and petting every cat she comes across.

Email: marydenney@gmail.com