University of Missouri graduate student Stephanie Berg (pictured) has won this year’s award in the “Young Artist” category of the Missouri State Division of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) composition competition.

Berg, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in clarinet performance and composition at Mizzou, was recognized for her piece “Of Air Sweet and Water Deep.” The work was composed in 2010 for the Mizzou New Music Ensemble and premiered at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis as part of a tribute to the Garden’s President Emeritus, Dr. Peter Raven.

“Of Air Sweet and Water Deep” now will be entered in the national MTNA composition competition, which offers a first place prize of $3,000, plus a performance at the Winners Concert during the 2012 MTNA National Conference, March 24–28 in New York City.

A native of Parkville, Missouri and graduate of Park Hill South High School, Berg earned her Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance from Mizzou in 2008. She was the recipient of the 2009 Sinquefield Composition Prize, which resulted in the commissioned work Motive and Reflection for full orchestra.

In addition to her work as a composer, she performs in the Mizzou New Music Ensemble, the University Philharmonic, and the Columbia Civic Orchestra, playing B flat, A, E flat, and bass clarinets. Berg also has served for three years as project manager for the Mizzou New Music Initiative’s Creating Original Music Program (C.O.M.P.).