Samuel R. Hazo, recipient of the National Band Association's 2001 Biennial Composition Award, has received commissions at the professional, university, and public school levels, in addition to composing original scores for television, radio, and the stage. His original symphonic compositions include performances with actors Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, David Conrad, and Richard Kiley. He has also written symphonic arrangements for three-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams. Mr. Hazo's works for wind ensemble have been premiered at State and National MENC, The Midwest Clinic, the National Band Association Convention, the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention, and aired in full-length programs on NPR. Premiering performance ensembles include a variety of professional, university, all-state, and honor bands.

Mr. Hazo has served as a music teacher on each educational grade level, including tenure as a high school and college band director. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Duquesne University, where he also served on the Board of Governors and was awarded as Duquesne's Outstanding Graduate in Music Education. Mr. Hazo is a clinician and is currently on the music faculty in the Upper St. Clair School District. He resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife and two children.