Work by UT Tyler Student Composer Selected for State UIL Music List
Christopher L. Rahn
TYLER, Texas (September 14, 2026) – Three original compositions by Christopher L. Rahn of Tyler, a senior music composition major at The University of Texas at Tyler, have been selected for inclusion on the University Interscholastic League Prescribed Music List.
The UIL Prescribed Music List is the official database of musical works that have been approved for entry into student solo, small ensemble and large ensemble contests in Texas. Selection is based on a formal submission and rigorous review.
“We are incredibly proud of Christopher,” said Dr. Sarah Roberts, UT Tyler School of Performing Arts director and professor of saxophone and jazz studies. “This accomplishment gives his music an opportunity to become part of the educational repertoire studied and performed by young musicians across the state — an especially meaningful achievement for an undergraduate composer.”
The selected works are:
- “Adventures of Dreams” – Saxophone Quintet
- “Plastic Thing” — Clarinet Quartet
- “Mysterioso” — Trio for Flute, Trumpet and Piano
An active composer, arranger and music entrepreneur, Rahn’s music has already been performed by UT Tyler student musicians and at numerous conferences and festivals, including the Helen Elbert Collaborative Music Festival, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, College Music Society South-Central Conference and International Trombone Festival.
“Having multiple selections for the PML is a high mark of quality and external review,” said Dr. Kyle Gullings, UT Tyler professor of music composition and Rahn’s faculty adviser. “Ever since his first semester at UT Tyler, Christopher has always proven to be very proactive in his approach to music entrepreneurship, including actively soliciting performances of his compositions on and off campus and networking with area business owners.”
Rahn will graduate in May 2027, with a Bachelor of Music degree in composition. He holds an Associate of Music degree from Tyler Junior College. Memberships include the College Music Society, American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Texas Music Educators Association and Young Band Directors of Texas. He also is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and currently serves as president of UT Tyler’s Lambda Pi chapter.
With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 11,500 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.