Hehmsoth garners 2024 ASCAP Plus Award for work as composer

Hank Hehmsoth, an associate professor of practice in the School of Music at Texas State University, has received an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Plus Award as a composer for 2024. 

The ASCAP Plus Awards program rewards ASCAP writer members of children's music, concert music, jazz and musical theatre with a value beyond the scope of performance surveys. The awards are determined by an independent panel of distinguished music experts who are neither members nor employees of ASCAP.

An independent panel of composers reviewed his compositions in 2023, written for the jazz ensemble Double Vision, and selected Hehmsoth for the award based on the spirit of his work and importance to the world community of artists.

Double Vision is a jazz performance ensemble made up of Hehmsoth and composer/arranger and saxophonist John Mills. With their combined experience of more than 50 years in the Austin jazz scene and award-winning credentials as jazz composers, Double Vision offers a unique musical experience that showcases the members’ original compositions and exceptional artistry. 

Hehmsoth is known for his innovative approach to composition and improvisation. He draws inspiration from classical, world and avant-garde jazz. In addition to his unique approach to jazz composition, Hehmsoth’s works often include a visual aspect. He is a painter of abstract artwork which accompanies his compositions, integrating large-scale art pieces that contribute to his creative vision. Notable works that showcase this combination of music and visual art include “Chernobyl Cha Cha” (2022), “Circling In” (2022), “Cabo” (2023) and “Code Blue” (2023).   

Hehmsoth is the MacDowell Norton Stevens fellow in composition and a National Endowment for the Arts fellow in jazz composition. He placed first in the 2010 National Association of Composers USA Texas competition. He was a member of the Austin-based Christopher Cross group, which won five Grammy Awards as well as an Academy Award for best song, and he is a voting member of the NARAS Grammy Awards.