N. Lincoln Hanks Selected to Compose Music for National Music Honor Society

N. Lincoln Hanks, a Seaver College professor of music, was recently selected to compose an original piece of classical chamber music for the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society’s Biennial Convention, which will take place in Washington D.C. from November 7 to 9, 2024. 

“I'm very excited to be selected for this honor,” says Hanks. “I love this organization. Pi Kappa Lambda has been really helpful in motivating Pepperdine students to achieve, and I’m glad to be able to participate in the national conference and premiere some new music.”

Hanks was selected out of a pool of applicants. Throughout this summer he has dedicated himself to the composition process, thinking through different inspirations and themes that might jumpstart the writing. At present, Hanks plans on premiering three different movements based on the story of God’s creation of Eden. These movements are titled “Planting in the Time of Completion,” “Knowledge,”  and “Life and the Four Tributaries.”

This new music inspired by the creation story will be performed by a quartet featuring a violin, clarinet, cello, and piano. In order to refine the piece prior to the November concert, Hanks has shared the music with the musicians who will eventually bring it to life. This collaborative approach allows for a productive exchange, assisting Hanks in editing and revising the initial drafts of music.

“With a new piece, there's always issues,” says Hanks. “I can quickly address the musicians’ notes and make some little edits here and there. I take that part of the process very seriously, and I appreciate the feedback.”

The Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society was created in 1918 by Northwestern University. Its chief goal as an organization is to promote American musical achievement and scholarship. Today, there are 270 Pi Kappa Lambda chapters located across the nation that feature student and faculty participants. 

“Pi Lambda is one of the only music honor societies that's nationwide,” explains Hanks. “I enjoy seeing my students get involved with it; when they join they are members for life. The students that we induct into the society have really great GPAs, and they also are advancing supremely well as musicians.”

The request to compose a piece of chamber music for this large and scholarly honor society distinguishes Hanks as an important American composer. He hopes that this latest original work, which he is in the process of completing, will move audience members through the narrative of Eden while introducing them to new and unique musical themes.

“I write music that I'm not hearing in pop or classical genres these days,” he says. “I hope that the audience is willing to explore these new compositional ideas with me.”