International Counterpoint was formed in August 2016 and is comprised of graduate students from Georgia State University. The name 'International Counterpoint' represents the bringing together of the three nationalities represented by the trio members: Canada, Serbia, and the United States. International Counterpoint is dedicated to furthering chamber repertoire for flute, clarinet, and saxophone through commissioning new works and performing already existing pieces for this unique instrumentation.

 

Originally from Kragujevac, Serbia, Jovana Damnjanovic received her Bachelor of Music and Masters of Art in flute performance from the Academy of Arts (Novi Sad) and is currently in the studio of Sarah Ambrose. Lauren Murphy is originally from Powder Springs, Georgia and received her Bachelor of Music in music therapy and clarinet performance from Illinois State University. Lauren currently studies under Dr. Kenneth Long and teaches privately in Alpharetta, Georgia. Originally from Medicine Hat, Canada, Megan Bauman received her Bachelor of Music in saxophone performance from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently studying under the tutelage of Dr. Jan Baker.

 

Despite their relatively short time together, International Counterpoint has already commissioned two works, premiering one of the pieces at the 39th International Saxophone Symposium at George Mason University. The trio has expanded the instrumentation of this group to include baritone saxophone, bass clarinet, and alto flute alongside the traditional soprano clarinet, C flute, and alto saxophone to create an expansive medium for composers to write for. International Counterpoint has already received praise for their work from composer David Gillingham stating that "I am absolutely wild about this performance!" of his American Counterpoint.

 

Individual awards and prizes amongst the trio members include First Place in Canadian Music Competition 2016 (Woodwind Category), First Place in National Music Festival Canada 2014 (Woodwind Category), First Prize in Great Composers Competition 2016 and 2017, Scholarship Winner for the International Summer Academy at the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst (Vienna), and Second Prize in American Protege International Woodwind and Brass Competition 2015.