Celebrated for her eclectic, vibrant and sometimes whimsical sound, composer Mary Denney explores the relationship between sound, music, and memory. More specifically, she is particularly drawn to the ways in which music can be used to shape one’s sense of identity. Mary finds inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including pop, indie rock, modern wind ensemble repertoire, minimalism, and free improvisation. Her music seeks to convey all aspects of the human condition, from its mundanities to its idiosyncrasies. 

An avid collaborator, Mary believes that the composition process does not end once the notes hit the page; she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and creatively-stimulating environment for performers and composers alike. She has collaborated with a number of esteemed ensembles such as Splinter Reeds, loadbang, FLYDLPHN, Newfound Chamber Winds, and Unheard-of//Ensemble; she has received commissions from Trio Seraphina, the 28/78 New Music Ensemble, and the University of the Pacific Percussion Ensemble. She has been a composition fellow at the Cortona Sessions for New Music, Longy’s Divergent Studio, the Valencia International Performing Arts Summer Festival, the Penn State New Music Festival and Symposium, and the Collaborative Composer Initiative. Performances of her work have taken place in art museums, churches, schools and public parks.

In addition to composition, Mary has worked as a sound engineer, bookseller, and teacher, and is a horn player. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she is currently a graduate student at the University of Michigan, and holds a bachelor’s of music degree in composition from University of the Pacific. Her favorite non-compositional activities include reading speculative fiction novels, video and tabletop gaming, perfecting her winged eyeliner, and befriending every cat she comes across.