Westminster United Methodist Church premiered my latest composition, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!” this morning. Brian Stone, the Chancel Choir Director, commissioned me to write a cantata for his ensemble for their annual “Cantata Sunday.” It was a smashing success. Another race to the finish process. Luckily, I work well under pressure. (Or rather, much to my demise!) Brian hired my wife, Rachel, and me to be ringers in the choir. It’s always a pleasure for me to be intimately involved with performances of my works. The choir finally was “sold” on the piece by the last rehearsal or so. It seems a common occurrence with my writing. Maybe because I lack a wide reputation. Perhaps because their is no prior expectation to a premier. I’d like to believe it is because I stretched the boundaries of the choir’s typical repertory, throwing in a bit more “modern” harmonies now and again (only tastefully, of course!). In any case, the choir seemed committed to the piece and I think we offered a wonderful performance to the congregation. It was exciting to work with a new ensemble. Each experience is a new set of lessons for me as a composer, and as a businessman. I am grateful for the collaboration, and I would be thrilled to be involved with the choir again.

Thanks, also, to the members of Good Shepherd who came to hear the premier. Your faithful support is greatly appreciated.