Ian Cook
Ian A. Cook (b. 1990) is a composer who writes for many kinds of ensembles, including solo, chamber ensemble, choir, orchestra, and wind symphony. His musical language is often melodically driven and blends traditional and newer styles.
Ian grew up in DeKalb, Illinois where he began playing percussion in fifth grade and trombone in sixth. Ian has studied the trombone under teachers such as Mr. Reuben Cooper, Jr., and Mr. Kirk Lundbeck. He began composing short pieces in fifth grade and has continued writing music until the present.
Ian graduated from St. Olaf College in 2012 where he studied Instrumental Music Education and Music Theory and Composition under teachers such as the ASCAP award-winning composer Dr. Justin Merritt, trombonist Mr. Larry Zimmerman, composer and conductor of the St. Olaf Viking Chorus and the St. Olaf Chapel Choir Dr. Christopher Aspaas, composer and conductor of the St. Olaf Orchestra Mr. Steven Amundson, and internationally acclaimed composer and director of the St. Olaf Band Dr. Timothy Mahr.
While at St. Olaf College he played trombone in the St. Olaf Philharmonia under Mr. Amundson and Dr. Martin Hodel, and euphonium in the St. Olaf Norseman Band under Dr. Paul Niemisto and in the St. Olaf Band under Dr. Mahr. He also sang in the St. Olaf Viking Chorus and the St. Olaf Chapel Choir under Dr. Aspaas. He is a member of Magnum Chorum under Dr. Aspaas.