Sparta musician wins international award

SPARTA — The International Acoustic Music Awards organization (IAMA) announced, on Feb. 6, that a Sparta musician has won first prize in the instrumental category of IAMA’s 2009-10 international music competition. Guitarist Ellsworth (“El”) McMeen won the award with his original guitar instrumental “Le Mans.” Three of McMeen’s compositions were among the finalists in the competition. Commenting on the award, McMeen said, “I am very pleased that my tune was appreciated by the judges in the competition.” McMeen describes “Le Mans” as an up-tempo racing tune. It is the opening track on McMeen’s “Breakout” CD. A performance by McMeen is on YouTube, at www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9seFSHFnCk “This tune arose out of a bicycle accident that happened to me in July 2001. I broke and dislocated the pinky finger on my left hand, and frankly I thought I might not be able to play guitar again. Yet, in the course of the healing process, and while I was wearing a splint on the broken finger, this tune emerged. Now, nine years later it wins first prize in an international contest. God restored my finger, and made it stronger than it was before, and this tune was born in the process.” As stated on its Web site (www.inacoustic.com), “IAMA promotes excellence in Acoustic Music Performance and Artistry. This competition is open to all amateur and professional musicians and songwriters and anyone regardless of nationality or origin. Winners will be chosen by a blue ribbon judging committee comprised of music industry professionals including A&R managers from record labels, publishers and producers. Entries are judged equally on music performance, production, originality, lyrics, melody and composition.” McMeen has recorded 12 solo guitar CD’s, and has given concerts throughoutthe country. His interests include Celtic, spiritual, pop, and originamusic. McMeen has written numerous books for Mel Bay Publications, publisher of music and instructional materials, and has recorded instructional and performance DVD’s (www.guitarvideos.com). He gives private lessons and workshops in Sparta and elsewhere. McMeen is a retired partner in the New York City law firm of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae (now called Dewey & LeBoeuf). He is married to Sheila, and they have four grown children. He is a trustee and serves as a lay ministry volunteer for Living Waters Fellowship, based in Newton. McMeen’s Web site is www.elmcmeen.com.