Jilin Zhang

(b. 2005) is a new music composer currently studying at the University of North Texas. Coming from a wind band background, he writes primarily for large ensembles and instrumental mediums, having his works played by ensembles like the UNT Wind Orchestra, Green Brigade, and the Four O’ Clock Lab Band, but he also writes chamber works as well as electronic and electroacoustic works, and music for media.

As a composer, he enjoys experimenting with new musical material and techniques that expand upon traditional compositional methods. His compositional interests include evocative, rich harmony and complex rhythmic and metric patterns. His influences include modern wind band repertoire, multiple sub-genres of jazz, and electronic dance music, and his music reflects and uniquely fuses each of these differing styles of music. He aims to write inspiring and challenging music for advanced ensembles and solo musicians involving inventive techniques, complex rhythmic devices, and rich harmony, taking on a more modern sound.

Outside of composition, he performs as a multi-instrumentalist, primarily playing the clarinet. Having played clarinet for nearly a decade, he has performed with prestigious ensembles like the North Texas Wind Orchestra. He has also conducted his own works in performances and guest conducted several ensembles in concert.

Jilin is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music from the University of North Texas where he plans to graduate in 2027, with a major in composition and minors in music theory and music business. His teachers include Jonathan Cziner, Sungji Hong, Ben Damann, and Alvin Leung.

@jilin_is_epical on Instagram
@jilinzhang on YouTube
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