Over my many years as a musician and director, I have put my degrees in composition to use, most often writing choral music. Currently, I have four of these choral pieces published and available for sale through SheetMusicPlus.

Christmas Collection:

On This Darkest Night (SATB) — “On this darkest night, in the deepest shadow, there will be a light to lead us to the dawn of day.” Dealing with themes of isolation and loneliness, the despair of night, and the hope that Christmas brings, “On This Darkest Night” is a Christmas song for the church in today’s times. A sweet ballad with gospel undertones, the piece is approachable and moving. Listen to it on YouTube.

The Shepherds’ Song (SATB) — A lovely original Christmas piece based on the gospel of Luke. It imagines the shepherds on the hill, the appearance of the angels, and the emotional journey of that moment. Full of introspection with a sparse accompaniment, I absolutely adore this piece, and hope you will too.

Go and Tell It (SATB) — A medley of “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “Children Go Where I Send Thee.” This song is a super upbeat song with a gospel flare that is sure to get hands clapping on your holiday program or Christmas service. It has a big finish which is great for a closing number.

I Will Not Stand Idle (SAT) — Written in a driving gospel style, this advent number reminds us of the work we must do to bring about Christ’s kingdom on earth while we await his arrival. It uses call and response between a soloist and the choir for the verses, and has a great syncopated bridge. The piano drives the whole thing with an accented eighth note pattern. A bass part can easily be added by doubling the soprano melody down an octave.

In the Bleak Midwinter (SSA) — One of my favorite Christmas hymns, originally written by Gustav Holst. This arrangement for SSA choir accentuates the cold and bitter feeling through the harmonies in the piano while being approachable in the choral writing.

A Child is Born (SATB) — this jazz standard, originally written by Thad Jones upon the birth of his daughter, is often played in the jazz Christmas repertoire. It’s a beautiful and under appreciated song.

Other Choral Works:

Invictus (SATB) — The poem, Invictus, by William Ernest Henley, received renewed popularity after the Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman movie of the same name. This setting of the text starts in the depths using the lower register of the male voices, and drives slowly and steadily to a stunning climax. The piece uses some unison and approachable harmonies, and the divisi at the end can easily be simplified for smaller choirs. It’s a great piece for a rousing 11th hour moment in any concert. View a performance by the Bowie Senior Chorale!

Siyahamba (SATB) — With a pounding rhythmic piano part reminiscent of African drums, this arrangement of “Siyahamba” elevates the simple song into something worthy of an anthem. To date, it’s been my most popular seller!

You are Welcome Here (SATB) — An original pop-style song that works in secular or religious settings about the power of being welcoming and making space for people. “You are welcome here. You are free to live your truth right here. ‘Cause the differences we’re speaking of evaporate in the face of love, and love lives in the song of You are welcome here.” This has been my most popular and requested song to date.

Star Spangled Banner (SATB) — The perfect balance between a traditional arrangement, but with enough moments of interest in the harmonies and the arrangement to keep it interesting!

I Believe in Music (SATB) — An arrangement of the classic Donnie Hathaway song for SATB choir

Psalm 121 (SAB) — Here is a beautiful, lilting arrangement of Psalm 121 written in honor of the 40 years of dedication and service by Judy Petersen as Organist and Senior Choir Director at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Kendallville Indiana. This arrangement is an approachable SAB setting that works equally well for small choirs or larger ensembles.

Instrumental and Solo Pieces

Great Run, Tatum (Intermediate Piano Solo) — This short piece in ABA form is designed to teach students pentatonic runs in the style of Art Tatum in the right hand, and the left hand part develops the stride pattern.

First Light Fanfare (Beginner Trumpet and Piano) — A short fanfare perfect for beginning trumpet. It was written for Easter services, but would work in any number of settings.

Old Town Road (String Orchestra) — Old Town Road for orchestra, written with elementary students in mind. The second part for each instrument uses simple rhythms and notes to be accessible for more beginning students. The first part for each instrument includes some of the more complicated melodies. The arrangement is flexible so that you can adapt it to work with your group.