News about a dear friend’s departure from this life is a difficult time. The news could come suddenly, or it might be expected. In this case, the passing of Bill Reyer, poet and teacher extraordinaire took all of us by surprise. Bill had just left his home in Tiffin to enjoy some time at his favorite place, the cabin at Burt Lake, Michigan; his partner Dave was with him. Bill and I had been in contact during that week concerning The Three Worlds, his latest published poetry

Augsburg/Fortress Press has released a new collection of my organ works, titled Heavenly Joy. The collection features settings of familiar hymn tunes that are appropriate for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons. Organists may order this new work through music stores everywhere or directly from Augsburg/Fortress Press. The link below will take you to the website where the new publication is introduced. It includes two sample performances of the 9 works that are featured

While I Run This Race: Music of Hope, Dedication and Celebration has been awarded a Bronze Medal in the Contemporary Classical Music division of the Global Music Awards. Established in 2011, by Thomas Eugene Baker, Ph.D., the Global Music Awards is a well-known international music competition which celebrates independent musicians. Global Music Awards is widely recognized by industry insiders as giving legitimacy to highly talented artists. The award honors the efforts of the

Poster design by Bri Clark It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing…..” - Macbeth , Act V, Scene 3 My recent projects for the Heidelberg School of Music and Theatre have been on the dark side, to say the least. Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure explored the depths of a would-be leader, one who wished to deprive his subjects of basic freedoms. There was some comedy on the side to balance things out, but perhaps this is why scholars refer to

Poster design by Bri Clark As a composer of theatre-based music, it is always a challenge to take on the plays of William Shakespeare. My association with director Karla Kash and the Heidelberg Theater program is giving me another chance. Two years ago, we collaborated on Measure for Measure . On November 13-16, 2025, we are taking our chances with one of the great tragedies, the so-called “Scottish play.” The real title appears above; traditional theater superstitions preven

W hile I Run This Race: Music of Hope, Dedication and Celebration, featuring the music of Doug McConnell will be released to the public on Friday, November 7, 2025. The music on the recording is inspired by aspects of Black American culture, from traditional spirituals to the poetry of Langston Hughes. While I Run This Race features Roderick George, tenor, Gail Levinsky, alto saxophone, Jackie Edwards-Henry, piano, Joan McConnell, organ, and the Helios Trio: John Fadial, vi

The Helios Trio records While I Run This Race, University of Wyoming November 7, 2025 is an important date for my work as a composer. On this day, While I Run This Race: Music of Hope, Dedication and Celebration will be released to the public by AMP Recordings ( https://www.amp-recordings.com ). CD copies are available for those who prefer traditional technology; digital copies and steaming opportunities will also be available through major services, including Bandcamp, Amaz

News and Updates: Organ, July 2025 Joan’s organ recital produces a new premiere Summers are usually the time for Joan to prepare for a fall organ recital. But this time, opportunity knocked in July, as she was invited to perform on a new summer recital series sponsored by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. Joan’s program on Sunday, July 13, was the second in a series of four concerts on the GDLA Choral Scholar Summer Recital Series. Each program helps t

"Discover 'Come, Beloved of the Maker' - a new choral piece by Doug McConnell with text by Susan Palo Cherwien, available now from Augsburg-Fortress Music. I am pleased to announce that Augsburg-Fortress Press in Minneapolis has released a new choral anthem, Come Beloved of the Maker . Written for SATB choir and organ, this anthem is suitable for the Epiphany season, Transfiguration Sunday especially. It also has possible applications during the Advent season. The anthem feat

Church musicians come in all sizes when it comes to background and training. Some have professional degrees in music, while others have...