Annual American Composers Update

In 2001, Hubert Bird's spiritual arrangement Gospel Train for SATB choir and piano was heard first, with the Rhode Island All-State Choir, conducted by Thomas Brooks (April), and then sung, along with his arrangement of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, by the Gordon College Choir, Brooks conducting, at the group's spring concert and European tour (April-May). His spiritual arrangements Gospel Train and Ride on, King Jesus, both for SATB choir and piano, and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot and Steal Away, both for SATB a cappella choir, were published on the Schaffner Publishing Co. Thomas Brooks Choral Series.

Premieres

In October 2000, Robert Holden and other faculty members of the University of Central Arkansas, in Conway, premiered Six Songs of Solomon, for bass-baritone, oboe, French horn, and piano. Locus Iste, for SATB and SSA choirs and wind ensemble, was introduced at Providence (RI) College, Michele Holt conducting, April 2001.

Performances

A Kansas State University faculty recital, February 2001 in Manhattan included Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, with Tod Kerstetter and William Wingfield. Led by Terry Barham, the Emporia (KS) State University Choir sang Adam Lay Ybounden, for SATB a cappella choir, at the university, December 2000, and on its April 2001 Scandinavian tour. The Pittsburg State University Choir, Susan Marchant conducting, performed The Lark Sang, for SATB a cappella choir and soprano solo, March 2001 on its spring concert.

Publications

I Sought the Lord; SATB a cappella choir; Lux Nova Press.

Recordings

Fanfare, Pastoral, and Alleluia, for trumpet and organ; Steven Schaffner and Larry Schipull; Duo Concertante, for two trumpets and piano; Schaffner, trumpet, and Allen Bonde, piano; both on Schaffner Publishing Co. New Music for Trumpet with Piano/Organ, December 2001.

Further Information