Emmanuel Joy – A song for our times
If you would like to hear a high energy, joyous song that highlights the justice issues in the Christmas story, then this is for you. “Emmanuel Joy” is the third track from my CD, “All Are Welcome Feel the Spirit! Eight World Music Choral Anthems for Youth, Adults and Congregation.” It is my gift to.. read more →
Be Thou My Vision – New Lyrics
Brothers and Sisters, As a composer, I have never discussed in public a composition until it was completed. But this time is different. I am in the middle of composing an Afro-Celtic fusion piece which will be premiered in February, 2016 in Cary NC. Am incorporating two famous tunes, one Irish, Slane, and the other,East.. read more →
World Music to Celebrate World Communion Sunday
On Saturday, September 19, at Albright United Methodist Church, I held a workshop for Music Directors and Church Musicians, who want to add some “world spice” to World Communion Sunday worship and throughout the year. In the first section – Play the Parts – I taught different rhythms on various African, Afro-Latin, Asian, and Native.. read more →
Playing in Puerto Rico
My Brothers and Sisters, This Sunday, I am playing at la Iglesia Evangélica Unida (United Evangelical Church), in Rio Piedras, PR. Rio Piedras is part of the Greater San Juan area. I feel honored to be playing in the church where my cousin, the late Rev. Juan Antonio Franco, used to preach. Among the songs I will.. read more →
How Good, Lord, To Be Here!
Brothers and Sisters, ELW 315 (LBW 89) is a popular hymn for Transfiguration Sunday. I have always loved the text, but the setting never spoke to me. If you like the old setting, may it continue to bless you. If you’d like to try something new, my new setting is a type of contemporary Cuban.. read more →
To Our Grandchild: Fruit of the Fruit of Our Love
Brothers and Sisters, My life recently changed. My wife’s life changed, too. We became grandparents! Our lovely daughter, Elise, and wonderful son-in-law, John, gave us an absolutely adorable granddaughter, Mila Gabriela, whose presence in the word inspired the song, “Fruit of the Fruit of Our Love.” The lyrics and piano vocal score are available on this site:.. read more →
Children at the Border – Lead Sheet and Piano Vocal Score now available
Brothers and Sisters, I was blessed to be the musician in residence for the Summer Missionary Conference of the ELCA which was held in Naperville, Il this past July. Actually, I’ve been blessed to be the musician for this event for the last dozen years or so, and it is always one of the highlights.. read more →
“All Are Welcome! Feel the Spirit! Eight World Music Choral Anthems for Youth, Adults and Congregation” is now available!
Exciting news! The spiral bound edition of the book and CD can be ordered online or purchased locally at several locations in Milwaukee, including White House of Music and Netzow’s Pianos, both in Wauwatosa The paperback edition can be also be ordered online or through any retail book store. Please visit the store on our.. read more →
New Collection of Choral Anthems, “All Are Welcome! Feel The Spirit!”
My Brothers and Sisters, IT’S FINISHED! My new collection consists of eight anthems for youth, adults and congregation. This collection of flexible mixed voice anthems provides opportunities for children, youth, and adults to participate in fun, intergenerational music making. Together with the congregation, the entire worshiping body contributes to the musical offering. These choral works.. read more →