Annual American Composers Update
Sharon Elery Rogers
"I am a graduate of the Hillsdale College
Sigma Mu SAI chapter in Michigan, did Masters work at
Wayne State University, and worked closely with teachers
who were members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
I have a web site made by my local hometown newspaper
at
www.venice-florida.com/artandculture/rogers.htm."
Sharon Elery Rogers**, with over 450 total publications,
was named by
Jeffers
Publishers as Composer of the Year with her handbell
piece
Caroling Medley having outstanding sales,
and she received her plaque award at the National AGEHR
Directors conference this summer, held at the Convention
Center in Dayton, OH. This year she was also awarded
her 35th consecutive monetary award from ASCAP. She
lectured at the Free University College Level Series,
held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Venice, FL, where
she critiqued Haydn's life and his oratorio
The Creation
with live performances and excerpts from that work.
For 2001 and 2002, Rogers has many newly commissioned
works and contracts.
Jeffers
Publishers has released her arrangements
Amazing
Grace, for solo handbell with keyboard accompaniment;
and
Ring Together American Sprituals, for 2 or
3 octaves of handbells. A 3-, 4- or 5- octave version
of the latter was introduced at a handbell conference
with many guest conductors, at Church of the Palms in
Sarasota, FL.
Premieres
At the First Presbyterian Church in
Venice, Rogers directed the massed choirs in the premiere
of Strong Stands the Church of God, an SATB choir
anthem. The SATB choir anthem Come, Dearest Lord,
Descend and Dwell was sung first at a Tom Mathis
music directors workshop.
Performances
Directed by Janet Daniels, Caroling
Medley, for 2 or 3 octaves of handbells, had several
performances at the Town Center Mall and at the Chapel
of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Boca Raton, FL. The
Entertainer, for 3, 4 or 5 octaves of handbells
and percussion, has been used several times by the JASRAC
choir of Japan. The choir of Calvary Bible Church in
Rogers City, MI played Jesus Shall Reign, for
2 or 3 octaves of handbells. At the Cecilian Music Society
Student Scholarship program in Venice, pianist Heather
Williams presented Sounds of the Sea. The Eighth
Annual Festival Conference at the Chapel of the Sea,
in Fort Myers, FL, included massed choirs in Palm
Sunday Majesty, for 3, 4 or 5 octaves of handbells.
Publications
De Gospel Train's A-Comin; 3,
4 or 5 octaves of Handbells; Harold Flammer --
Shawnee
Press.
Come Dearest Lord, Descend and Dwell;
2-, 3-, or 4-part choir anthem;
Morning
Star Music Publishers.
The New Holy Communion;
complete service; in
Voice
of the Rockies Service Hymnal, A Lutheran Homecoming.
Strong Stands the Church of God; anthem for SATB
choir; Coronet Presser Publ.
The Cross at Gethsemane;
2 octaves of handbells; AMSI Publishers.
Recordings
All publications listed are recorded
on CD by each publisher.
Further Information
