| Composers |
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| DALEY, SALLY - (b. 1941) |
 Sally Daley, QM is a native of Allentown, Pennsylvania, born on October 24, 1941. Her musical studies culminated with a degree from Northwestern University School of Music in Evanston, Illinois. As an organist, liturgist and creative composer, Sally has embraced the new era of electronic music wholeheartedly. When a leaky roof at her church rendered the pipe organ unplayable for about two months, she built a MIDI "organ" out of two synthesizer keyboards, MIDI pedalboard, and a stack of synthesizer modules which served the parish very well during the interim. Daley is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon International Professional Music Fraternity and has twice won honorable mention in the fraternity's International Original Composition Contest. She is a member of the National Pastoral Musicians and a professional artist member of the Creative Musicians Coalition. Sally Daley is a vowed member of a Franciscan religious order called the Queenship of Mary (QM). She believes that helping people to relax and get in touch with the Lord is the greatest thing that anyone can do. Her music is intended to get people away from the hectic rat-race of today's world, let them calm down, and put them in a mood to pray. Professionally, Sally Daley a liturgical music minister serving Chicago area churches. Since 2007, she is music director and liturgist at St. Mary Goretti Church/School in Schiller Park, Illinois. (email - SDaley7411@aol.com) |
| DALL, CAMERON M. - |
 LASSUS TROMBONE - Henry Fillmore/arranged by Cameron M. Dall for Brass Quintet/Choir - AP-350 - Set - $17.00 |
| de BOISMORTIER, JOSEPH - (1689-1755) |
 Joseph Bodin de Boismortier (23 December 1689 28 October 1755) was a French baroque composer of instrumental music, cantatas, opéra-ballets, and vocal music. Boismortier was one of the first composers to have no patrons: having obtained a royal license for engraving music in 1724, he made enormous sums of money by publishing his music for sale to the public. In 1724 Boismortier and his wife moved to Paris where he began a prodigious composition career, writing for many instruments and voices. He was prolific: his first works appeared in Paris in 1724, and by 1747 he had published more than 100 works in various vocal and instrumental combinations. His music, particularly for the voice, was extremely popular and made him wealthy without the aid of patrons. He died in Roissy-en-Brie. Boismortier was the first French composer to use the Italian concerto form, in his six concertos for five flutes op. 15. (1727). He also wrote the first French solo concerto for any instrument, a concerto for cello, viol, or bassoon (1729). Much of his music is for the flute, for which he also wrote an instruction method (now lost). His op. 91 for harpsichord obbligato and flute derives from Rameau's Pieces de clavecin en concerts and is dedicated to the flutist Michel Blavet. A notable piece of Boismortier's that is still often performed is the Deuxieme serenade ou simphonie. The violinist Jean-Marie Leclair the elder (1697-1764) cultivated both solo and trio genres with charm although with less profundity. Boismortier and Rameau both lived during the Rococo era of Louis XV and upheld the French tradition, composing music of beauty and sophistication that was widely appreciated by the French musical public. |
| DELANEY, S.F.O., ANNE - |
 Franciscan Sister Anne Delaney, S.F.O., is a sacred music composer, "an inspired and gifted songwriter" (All Things Czech), and lyric soprano. Her lyrics offer a rich integration of devotional verse, biblical imagery, poetry, and spiritual depth, combined with a sensitivity to social justice. Delaney has recorded two albums: Wool on The Lamb (Resource Publications, Inc.) and On Your Behalf (Pilgrims Progress). Through her music Delaney proclaims the Lords Gospel message with hope and heart. Delaney has received many awards including Music City Songwriters Festival (Gospel/Contemporary Christian Song Division, Nashville), and the Bank of America Award in Music; individual artist grants from the National Association of Composers (NACUSA), United Technologies Corporation, and Peninsula Community Foundation; and various sponsorships including Ampex Corporation, Pratt & Whitney, and The Women's Philharmonic (CA). Her music has been featured on radio stations (KFAX, KKUP, PRAHA), and in many articles and book chapters including "The White Blossom in Burgundy" from Who Needs Dreams? Following an invitation from the Missionaries of Charity, Delaney sang two of her compositions at the Memorial for Mother Teresa, M.C. in San Francisco, CA, and has composed commissioned liturgical hymns for Roman Catholic churches. Currently, Delaney is invited to compose the film score for ICON, featuring her most notable composition, King of Hearts. In 1989 Delaney composed Trilogy of Hopea trinity of songs inspired by the Holy Spirit. The year 2009 marks the twentieth anniversary of the three events leading to the compositions. Army of Peace was inspired by Martin H. M. Schreibers prints of the major socio-political confrontation on St. Wenceslaus Square in Prague on November 4, 1989. Responding to the rally of reform on November 17, President Vaclav Havel exclaimed, They had arms; we had the truth. To have "true peace now reign," to live the Gospel in freedom and solidarity, remains a holy struggle. Mr. Havel received the gift of Army of Peace May 2009. [Recording: On Your Behalf] At 5:04 PM on October 17, 1989, the San Francisco Bay Area shook from a massive earthquake. Eighty-nine hours later, a radio announcer exclaimed: We have a miracle. Trapped in concrete, Buck Helm had been pulled from the collapsed Cypress freeway. I Have Waited (89 Hours) is a song of remembrance of this former schoolteacher and longshoreman rescued from the rubble. Mr. Helm heard the recording the night before he crossed over into Eternal Life on November 18, 1989. [Recording: On Your Behalf; published: 21st Century Music and Pilgrims Progress] King of Hearts is Delaneys devotional hymn in honor of the Infant Jesus of Prague, inspired by Daniel A. Lord, S.J.s Infant of Prague Novena honoring both the Lords Kingship and His childlike simplicity. He is "humbled as a servant, sent to set us free from bondage." Delaney produced a cassingle, King of Hearts, for the Czech Catholic people. Cardinal Frantisek Tomasek of Prague received the gift on February 14, 1990. The world premiere of Srdcí Král (translated by Czech poet, Jirina Fuchsová) was sung in Czech during the opening liturgy for the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague at the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Prague, Czech Republic, May 18, 2003. On May 25, 2003 Delaney sang the hymn for the closing procession to the Infant Jesus of Prague. [Recording: On Your Behalf; published: Alliance Publications, Inc. (Srdcí Král, Czech), Pilgrims Progress (English) and Cooperative Ministries, Inc. (Rey de Corazones, Spanish)] The original Prazské Jezulátko (Infant Jesus of Prague) statue is cared for and housed at Kostel Panny Marie Vítzné (Church of Our Lady Victorious) in Prague. The Installation and Dedication of the Infant Jesus of Prague replica statue was celebrated on Christ the King, November 25, 2007 at Delaney's home parish, Church of the Nativity, Menlo Park, CA. To continue the "Little Mission for the Little King," Delaney also founded the Infant Jesus of Prague Society at her parish. Members pray a novena on the 17th of each month, and offer prayers for true peace, salvation of souls, and health of persons and nations. In 2002, Delaney founded Interval: The Next Step, a music and drama school. She serves as teacher and mentor for students of voice, piano, musical theater, opera, choral, theory, and sacred music composition. Her compositions list is available on www.music-usa.org/nacusa. Delaneys music is most striking and reflective...The minor mode suggests the stillness and repose that are fruits of meditation. (Resource Publications, Inc. Music Reviewer). Delaney hopes the music God moved her to compose will further unite the worshipping community, inspire one to "become a prayer," and draw each soul nearer to the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All Glory and Honor be to God. "The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you!" As the Infant Jesus of Prague spoke these words in 1637, the message remains true for all ages. |
| DETTBARN-SLAUGHTER, VIVIAN - (b. 1955) |
 Vivian Dettbarn-Slaughter, born on November 3, 1955, is a native of Santa Barbara, California. Dr. Vivian Dettbarn-Slaughter is on the music faculty of the University of Findlay, and holds a joint faculty appointment as Professor of Sacred Music at the Graduate Theological Foundation and Cloverdale College. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, early studies included voice at the Music Academy of the West with Natalie Bodanya, piano with Peter Yazbeck and English avant-garde composer Mildred Couper, and harpsichord with John Gillespie. She has worked with many distinguished voice teachers and coaches, including Beverly Hay, Sharon Papian, Birgit Nilsson, John Wustman, Martial Singher, Grant Wenaus, Christine Schadeburg, and Robert Behan. Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter has been an Artist-in-Residence with Toledo Opera and was a winner of the Friedrich Schorr Performance Prize in Voice, as well as the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Post-Advanced Awards, and study awards from Atlantic Records. She has performed with orchestras, opera companies and in recital as a singer, chamber musician and pianist in the United States, Canada and Europe. ((She holds a bachelor's degree in piano from the University of California Santa Barbara, a master's degree in music education from the Appalachian State University in North Carolina, a doctorate in sacred music from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana, and completed postgraduate studies in vocal performance and music history at the University of Memphis. Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter was music department chair at Adrian College, where she taught applied music, music history, opera and theatre workshops, and honors courses dealing with music and society. She has also taught at Appalachian State University, Memphis State University, and the ASU-affiliated Cannon Music Camp. She has been a classical music announcer and on-air personality with the Memphis NPR Affiliate, WKNO. Dr. Dettbarn-Slaughter has worked in Michigan as Director of Music for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, as Organist and Director of Youth Music at the First Presbyterian Chuch in Adrian, and in various churches in California, Tennessee and North Carolina. She is a member of The National Association of Teachers of Singing, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and Sigma Alpha Iota Professional Women's Music Fraternity. Her choral music is published by Alliance Publications, Inc., and additional published work can be found at Lulu.com. Her son is flutist Ryan Dettbarn. vdettbarn@gmail.com 1401 Melvin Street Ypsilanti MI 48198 T- 661-972-4259 http:llviviandettbarn.freeservers.com/
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| DEYPALAN, NOVE - (b. 1966) |
 Nové hails from the small town of Victorias, Negros Occidental in the Philippines born November 8, 1966. His higher education began at the College of Music, University of the Philippines and continued in the United States at Chapman University in Orange, California where he completed his Bachelor of Music degree in conducting. His graduate studies began at the University of Southern California where he obtained a Master of Music in conducting degree magna cum laude. Currently, Mr. Deypalan is concluding the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of South Carolina. Deypalan is a prolific musician. He recently concluded his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall in New York on February 3, 2012. He conducted a world premiere of Mandy Fang's "DREAM OF A HUNDRED FLOWERS commissioned and performed by the PRISM saxophone quartet and Music from China. Deypalan's recent performance as conductor of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, on March 16, 2011, with the USC Symphony Orchestra was hailed by the Columbia FreeTimes, (S.C.), as a fearless performance...first class music-making. As a conductor, Mr. Deypalan relentlessly endeavors to master the art of conducting. He was a recipient of the Bruno Walter Foundation scholarship in the 2010 Cabrillo Conducting Workshop led by the renowned Gustav Meier and Marin Alsop, conduc-tor of Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Deypalan's latest quest was to be recognized in the International Conducting Workshop and Competition in Macon, Georgia on January, 2012. He won the top prize. Deypalan's ebullient and sunny disposition inspires those around him with his pure love of music and the joy he feels in working with people. Before his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall, he led his ensemble twice at Carnegie Hall as chorus master for John Rutter. He led the same ensemble at Vatican City for Pope John Paul II. As a composer, in June 2008 he conducted a world premiere of his original composition, Libera Me for solo baritone, chorus, and orchestra at Pasadena City College. Deypalan's compositions are managed by Alliance Publishing Inc., in Sinsinawa, Wisconsin. Deypalan is very grateful to his family and friends for their continued support. He is indebted to his music and conducting teachers, Dr. Larry Livingston, Dr. Jane Hardester, Patrick Goeser, Donald Brinegar, John Farrer and Dr. Donald Portnoy who inspired him to bring his insatiable desire and his life long commitment of making music to its finest and highest level of creativity. Nové Deypalan is humbled to be of service in the preservation and advancement of classical music. In addition to his devotion to music, Nové advocates healthy living. He enjoys California red wine and supports health fitness. He ran the Los Angeles Marathon in 2002. |
| DIEKER, NICOLE - (b. 1981) |
 Nicole Dieker, born November 4, 1981, represents a contemporary group of budding American composers. Nicole is currently a graduate student at Illinois State University, and wrote this piece while an undergraduate music composition student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. This composition was written for the Miami University Choraliers, for whom Nicole was both vocalist and accompanist. She wrote "I Wish You Peace" for the Choraliers in the spring of 2001 for SSAA a cappella choir. In 2006, she had requests for a SATB edition. This request enabled her to reharmonize the work for mixed choir. Later on in 2010, teachers asked for a 2-part edition. It is a secular benediction specifically designed to celebrate the diversity so apparent in todays choral ensembles. It is particularly appropriate for high school as well as for college and university ensembles. "I Wish You Peace" is written for four-part voices (treble or mixed) with a brief additional descant. The 2-part edition is suitable for middle school choirs. "I Wish You Peace" Editions - SATB AP-1995, SSAA AP-1449, Two-Part AP-10279 |
| DOEMLAND, ED - (b. 1938) |
 Edward Doemland (born 1938) combines a variety of interests and careers together: music, science, performance and teaching. Piano lessons begun earlier than five years old with Edna Nelson Hanson of Chicago, Illinois, formed the basis of his musical development. Doemland studied music theory with Perry Crafton (Chicago, Illinois) and percussion with Jake Jerer (Des Plaines, Illinois). While at lwarence College, Appleton, Wisconsin, he majored in chemistry and participated in many musical activities. Doemland has been teaching chemistry at West Allis High School since 1963. Doemland's principle compositions include Symphony in F minor for large jazz ensemble (1959); various pieces for percussion ensemble (1954-1976), music for church choirs, hymn tunes, and music for use by jazz ensembles in worship services. Doemland is also an eclectic performing musician - organist, percussionist and jazz pianist. He continues to be organist for St. Peter's Episcopal Church in West Allis, Wisconsin, a position he has held since 1963. His philosophy of composing is this: "Every composition to be written is a puzzle to be solved. The composer solves the puzzle only if the resulting piece of music is interesting for the performers to play and for the audience to hear." PRELUDE AND FUGUE FOR PERCUSSION QUARTET - Ed Doemland/edited by Joel Blahnik - AP-703 - $15.00 |
| DOMINIC, FRANCIS J. - (b. 1926) |
 Francis J. Dominic was born on February 1, 1926. The study of music composition and performance has served as a creative outlet throughout his years of priestly ministry while serving as pastor of rural parishes in the Madison, Wisconsin diocese. He enjoys playing his violin with the Sinsinawa String Orchestra in residence at Sinsinawa Mound or singing with the Community Chorus. Privately, he enjoys the piano for which the majority of his compositional output has been directed. He remembers his musical mentors with much gratitude: Pearl Gunderson, charter member of the Madison Symphony Orchestra with whom he studied violin for five years. Doris McCaffrey, member of the Dubuque, Iowa, Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, with whom he studied classical organ for eight years. Dr. Rosemary Clarke, Prof. Emeritus of Organ and Composition at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with whom he studied composition for nine years. Last but not least is Sr. Francine Rosen, O.P., violinist and composition mentor at the Dominican Motherhouse, Sinsinawa Mound Center, Sinsinawa, Wisconsin who provided invaluable assistance in proof-reading his scores and suggesting ways of improving the them for publication. |
| DONCEANU, FELICIA - (b. 1931) |
 Felicia Donceanu (pronounced Dun-CHAH-noo), b. 1931, is considered one of Romania's most important composers. She resides in Bucharest, and has for many years been a leading member of Romania's Union of Composers and Musicologists. She has composed music in many forms for a wide variety of media, both instrumental and vocal. Original and fresh, spontaneous and fluid, her music is highly ideomatic and rewarding to both performer and listener. While her name is well-known in Romania, her music is yet to be discovered elsewhere. She received the 1998 Romanian Composers Award for her composition, "The Bells," a large work for mixed choir and percussion based on the poem by Edgar Allen Poe. "Ritual" was awarded the 1987 distinguished Composition of the Year Award by the Romanian Union of Artists. It too features mixed choir with percussion and piano or celli. It is a pleasure to bring this outstanding sample of her work to a new audience. |
| DOUSA, EDUARD - (b. 1951) |
 Czech composer, Eduard Dousa, was born August 31, 1951 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. His musical studies took place in Prague at Charles University where he studied musicology, graduating in 1971. He did his graduate and doctoral degree- music the ory and composition studies under Professors Dvor#a;c#ek, Laburda, Sommer and V. Dobia;s#/ at the Academy of Musical Arts in Prague graduating in 1977. He is a Professor of Music at the Conservatory of Music and at the Department of Musicology of Charles University in Prague. Dousa's compositional style follows the tradition of western European music and the Czech music composers of the last quarter of the 20th century (Bartok, Britten, Hindemith, Borkovec, Krejci , Martinu). For him, the most important thing about composition is having an understandable form, harmony and expressive melody. He often writes for particular musicians, eg. violinist Jaroslav Sveceny, trumpet players Vladimir Rejlek or M. Lastovka, Panocha Quartet. Bohemia Quartet, etc. Among his many compositions are works for: Orchestra Sinfonietta meditativa, Concertino per tromba, Concerto per 4 sassofoni, Melodia gioia per orchestra da camera Solo Instruments Comeback for piano, Sonata per pianoforte Chamber Music Jazz tones for 4 saxophones I., II., Uno per quattro (flauto, oboe, chitarra, violoncello), Divertimento I., II. per 2 clarinetti e fagotto, String quartet Piano Music for Children Miniatures for piano, Suita postmoderna for piano, Little music for 20 fingers (piano - 4 hands), Sonatina per clarinetto e pianoforte, 3 little suites for guitar, Summer Sonata for saxophone and piano, Variations on a barock theme for strings, and many compositions for Czech Radio over 100 compositions for fairy tales, mini-opera for children, songs for children, etc. eduard.dousa@centrum.cz edousa@zabukem.cz |
| DRUMMOND, R. PAUL - (1947-2007) |
 R. Paul Drummond was Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri. Dr. Drummond held music education and choral conducting degrees from North Texas State University (BA), Eastern New Mexico University (MM), and the University of Northern Colorado-Greeley (DA). He was President of the Missouri American Choral Directors Association (1993-95) and Vice-President of Membership (1995-97) and has served as Missouri Secretary and Editor of Common Times, the newsletter of the seven-state Southwestern division. He received the 1994 Outstanding Music Educator Award from the National Federation of High School Associations at the 1995 MCDA Convention. He served the Southwestern ACDA division as President-Elect from July 1996-98 and President for 1998-2000. Dr. Drummond's publications include a book entitled A Portion for the Singers, choral editions, arrangements, compositions and a very successful program for teaching music reading, Death to the Dragon. If interested in these publications, contact Alliance Publications, Inc. publisher of the Drummond Choral Series. AS I WAS WALKING ALONG THE SEASHORE - TBB - AP-1008 - $1.25 AULD LANG SYNE - SATB - AP-195 - $1.25 DRIVE DULL CARE AWAY - SATB - AP-196 - $1.25 HISTORICAL HYMNS for Harmony Plains Singing School - SATB a cap - AP-1007 - $2.25 NONE OF US CARED FOR KATE - TBB - AP-1011 - $.25 PSALM 34 - SATB - AP-1009 - $1.25 RIVER OF THE BIG CANOES - SATB - AP-1013 - $1.25 SIGH NO MORE, LADIES - SSA - AP-1010 - $1.25 THE LUTE IN WINTER - SATB/Flute - AP-1016 - $1.25 THREE LOVELY THINGS - TBB - AP-1012 - $1.25 |
| DUNKER, AMY - (b. 1964) |
 Amy Dunker (born December 23, 1964 Jackson, Minnesota) is a composer, author, trumpeter and improvising artist. Amy Dunker's musical gifts developed first as trumpet performer in the Jackson High School Band and then at Morningside College from which she received a BME in Music Education and then continued on to the University of South Dakota for an MM in Trumpet Performance. The strongest musical influences came, however, through her professors at Butler University, namely Michael Schelle and Stanley DeRusha where she continued performing but began serious study for an MM in composition. Dunker's creative spark was lit and so she continued to persue composition work for a DMA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music under James Moberley, Chen Yi and Robert L. Cooper. Amy Dunker's compositions ranged from works for wind ensemble, orchestra, and a host of instrumental solo and chamber works which have been performed throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico and the Ukraine. Neo-Romantic, sometimes minimalist, always creative, her music is written for certain performers, ensembles, inspirations from live experiences with people, places and events. Her series for young orchestra players, Strings Around the World, involved emulating music from a wide variety of cultures as well as incorporating opportunities for improvisation. Amy's use of extended techniques, theater and performance art in her solo improvisations have garnered her speaking and performance opportunities at Bowdoin College, Muskingum College, the University of Northern Illinois and Henderson State University, among others. Her music can be heard on the ERM Media, NextAGem and Centerpoint labels. Amy Dunker has been a teacher in Iowa and South Dakota as well as an Arts Partner Composer in Residence in the Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri schools. An enthusiastic educator, she is currently an Associate Professor of Music at Clarke College where she teaches composition, theory, ear training, trumpet and conducts the new music ensemble. Music by Dr. Amy Dunker published by Alliance Publications, Inc. CHORAL
VOCAL SOLO
PIANO
STRING SOLOS-DUETS
BRASS SOLOS-ENSEMBLES
WOODWIND ENSEMBLES
PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES
BAND - CONCERT BAND
STRING ORCHESTRA - Grade 1-3
BOOKS
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| DVORAK, ANTONIN - (1841-1904) |
 Antonin Dvorak (1841-1904) lived in America for only three years (1892-1895), but left us musical masterpieces with an American flare that have endured the test of time. Jeannette M. Thurber, a New York society leader and arts patron (who had established the National Conservatory of Music of America) requested Antonin to come to America and serve as Director of the National Conservatory of Music. He accepted and arrived in New York on September 27, 1892. His wife, Anna, daughter Otilie and son Antonin accompanied him while the four youngest children were left home in Prague, Bohemia. Thurber hired Dvorak to teach, conduct, and write music in New York. During this time period, Dvorak tried to sort out some theories about the possibilities of music in the New World. He wanted to write music that would represent America, the "New World." Many of his works from Bohemia were rooted in simple, half forgotten tunes of the peasants. Since America was a melting pot of nationalities and there was not a true folk culture to draw upon, he turned to the Negro spirituals and plantation songs to inspire him. However, he missed his friends and younger children and was not happy in Manhattan. He complained frequently of poor health and preferred to spend his evenings with his English tutor, secretary-friend, Josef J. Kovarik whom Dvorak met while Josef was studying music in Prague. Josef's home was in Spillville, Iowa. It was Josef who persuaded Dvorak, when lonesome for Bohemia, to come to his hometown in Spillville to see the real America instead of taking his family back to Bohemia during the summer months. Dvorak accepted and gladly sent for the remainder of his family to spend the summer of 1893 together in the Czech-speaking village of Spillville. Dvorak liked Spillville and the surrounding towns as they reminded him of his home. He had come from peasant stock, the son of a butcher from Nelahozoves, and maintained a rural retreat south of Prague in Vysoka, near Pribram. His health improved and he became quite content and productive. His day began at 4 a.m. when he would walk through the woods to listen to the sounds around him and watch the sunrise after which he would compose for a couple of hours. By 7:00 a.m., he was on the organ bench in Saint Wenceslaus Church playing for Mass. His first professional job in Prague was as an organist. The remainder of the morning was spent at his compositional tasks. In the afternoon he took solitary walks through the woods, fields and along the river banks or ride through the surounding countryside to nearby towns. Wherever he went, he carried a notebook to jot down notes from the natural music he heard. While in Spillville, he touched up the orchestrations of the New World Symphony, completed a new work, the "String Quartet in F Major" and composed a chamber work in July, the "String Quartet in E-flat." The second movement of this Quartet contained echoes of a group of Algonquin Indians who performed some of their native dances for Dvorak during his Spillville visit. While in the Midwest, he also traveled to the Czech communities in Omaha, Nebraska and St. Paul, Minnesota. At Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis, he was melodically inspired and wrote ideas down on his cuff for lack of paper. Once back in New York, Dvorak composed a violin and piano sonata for his children and used part of the notes he had written on his shirt cuff in the piece. It was later published as "Sonatina in G," opus 100. After the summer, Dvorak returned to New York and worked on the "New World" Symphony with Anton Seidl, the New York Philharmonic's German conductor. The piece was first performed December 15, 1893. It was reviewed as one of the great symphonies performed since the death of Beethoven and critics analyzed its American-ness. Dvorak did not use actual melodies of the Negro or Indian cultures, but adapted them to his own original constructions. Dvorak spent the next summer in Prague and returned in the fall to complete his contract with Thurber. At the end of the season (April 1895), he went home to Bohemia. He lived nine more years til 1904 and concentrated his works on nationalistic themes. Dvorak's greatest contribution to American music lay in the demonstration that great music was not restricted to Old World Europe but could be inspired and written in America as well. GOIN' HOME - Antonin Dvorak/arranged by Joel Blahnik
LARGO AND FINALE - Antonin Dvorak/arranged by Joel Blahnik
LULLABY - Antonin Dvorak/adapted by Anita Smisek
THREE SLAVONIC DANCES - Antonin Dvorak
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| DVORAK, ROBERT JAMES - (b. 1919) |
 Robert James Dvorak was born in Chicago of Czech and Norwegian parents on October 3, 1919. At age 8, his interest and introduction to music study was guided by Czech composer-arranger, Frank Mulacek, who gave him piano lessons and exposed him to quality music literature. At 12 years of age, he began French horn lessons with Chicago conductor and brass instrument instructor, Karel Husa. Later, he was tutored by Chicago Symphony players, Josef Mourek, Max Pottag and Philip Farkas. During his high school years 1933-1937, of greatest importance was music teacher, Louis M. Blaha, a Czech who emigrated from Vienna in the 1920's. As Director of Orchestra and Band music in the J. Sterling Morton High School and College in Cicero, Illinois, Blaha inspired his students as he introduced them to the music of the worlds great masters. In addition, he guided them in future pursuits. He encouraged Robert's beginning music composition efforts and advised his application for a scholarship to the original Chicago Musical College Conservatory in downtown Chicago. It followed that young Dvorak was awarded a full scholarship in composition and theory to study with composer, Max Wald. Now he had the tools to progress in his endeavor to create quality music. It was an unexpected surprise when a career was offered with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with whom Robert had frequently played extra horn parts. However, at this time (August of 1941) and after only three years of conservatory were completed, a call to military service subverted his goals. He was drafted and assigned to West Point, New York, where he played solo first French horn in the United States Military Academy Band and served as organist and choirmaster at the Protestant Post Chapel. Composing vocal and instrumental music continued during this period until December 1945. Following World War II, Master Sgt. Robert J. Dvorak returned to the Chicago Conservatory in 1946 and completed his Bachelor and Master degrees in composition and theory. During these student days, his music activities included singing second Bass with the Tudor Madrigal Singers. Under William Ballard's scholarly direction early and contemporary madrigals, including some of Robert Dvorak's (eg. "Piping Down the Valleys Wild", "The Life of the Year") were performed. Eventually the group travelled on concert tours to various colleges and universities in and out of Illinois and successfully recorded its endeavors. In 1947-1948, Dvorak founded and directed the Chicago Manuscript Society through which newly written choral and instrumental works were presented in Chicago's downtown performance centers and judged by the city's music critics. As a result, some of the talented composers whose manuscripts received performances went on to achieve prestigious awards and commissions to write new music. For two years, Robert Dvorak taught music appreciation and music theory at Wilson Junior College in Chicago, taking extra church jobs to support himself and a family. At this time, he received his first commission: a Christmas cantata for soloists, chorus, and orchestra. In December of 1949, Robert Dvorak's newly written cantata, "The Nativity," was performed by soloists and 350 voices of the Christian Choral Club of Chicago and the Chicago Christian High School Choir at the annual Christmas concert at Orchestra Hall, assisted by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The choral conductor, James Baar, had commissioned the composer only six months prior to the December 20 concert. The music received rave reviews and bravos. "Dvoraks music was exhilarating...it was like a fresh breath of spring in the program." This success gave him a name and reputation as a composer. Another unexpected turn came to this aspiring music composer-educator. Because of the Korean War, he was again called into military service. This time it was for three years. 2nd Lieutenant Robert Dvorak was appointed Assistant Bandmaster of the US Military Academy Band at West Point, New York, under Captain Francis E. Resta. This special band, in addition to regular duties at academy functions, performed at prestigious ceremonies for American Presidents, Heads of Foreign Countries, Ambassadors, Generals, and Members of Congress. Since preparations were already beginning for the West Point Academy's sesquicentennial year of 1952, Lt. Dvorak, along with a number of composers in America and abroad, was requested to write appropriate music for the band. His composition, although originally conceptualized for orchestra, was arranged for band. It was a three-movement symphony West Point Symphony based on themes of the Academy. Today the third movement, "Allegro Spiritoso," has become a classic in band literature. Because of the music's popularity and in anticipation of the Academy's 200-year celebration in 2002, Mr. Dvorak has also orchestrated Movement III as well as Movements I & II for symphony orchestra. Upon returning to Chicago in 1952, he became a prominent music educator. Robert Dvorak accepted a position in the Music Department at Chicago Teachers College. However, the untimely death in the summer of 1953 of his high school music director-mentor, Louis Blaha, precipitated his becoming the Head of the Music Department of J. S. Morton College and High School. This administrative-teaching position was paved by Blaha himself who with his students already had been performing many of Robert Dvorak's band compositions such as "Concerto for Trumpet" and "Concerto for Trombone and Band." And so, influenced by popular demand, Robert Dvorak became the Director of Fine Arts for the J. Sterling Morton College and High Schools of Cicero and Berwyn, Illinois, a post he held from 1953-1980. This was an instructional complex in the western suburbs of Chicago serving the six townships of Cicero, Berwyn, Lyons, Stickney, Fairview, and McCook. His Visual Arts and Music Staff consisted of full-time teachers plus vocal and instrumental specialists including Chicago Symphony players who gave private lessons and coached sections of the outstanding Morton District's Symphony Orchestra and the Concert Band. In 1955, Mr. Dvorak founded and directed a summer youth music camp at Camp Lake, Wisconsin, for incoming first year music students and high school students. The project was co-sponsored by the district school board and an organization of the music parents, some of whom also served as counselors in the camp. The project continued to function successfully even following his retirement in 1980. For three summers, Dvorak also taught at the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Michigan. He conducted the National High School chorus and taught music theory and music appreciation. From 1966-1969, Robert Dvorak served two terms as President of the Illinois Music Educators Association. During that term, he encouraged and guided 300 specially selected Illinois All-State students to France to perform for the International Society for Music Education Conference held in 1969. The audience, representing over 50 nations, included many Communist countries. This being 1969, it was not surprising that many in attendance suspected clever political motives and CIA connections after hearing the Illinois All-Staters' superior performance of the music of living mid-western American composers. Following this experience, he was elected President of the Chicago and Midwest Chapter of the International Society for Contemporary Music and served for two terms (1970-1974). Focusing on the Morton Schools once again, Dvorak enjoyed taking his students, as well as community members, on a music appreciation and performance tour to Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Hungary in 1975. Because Chicago was often the site of many conventions hosted by the professional organizations of which he was a part as well as other music groups, Mr. Dvorak usually assisted with some type of leadership role. He is a member of the American Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). The recipient of numerous honors, he values most that the music educators and professional musicians of Illinois selected him to be their 1976 Illinois Bicentennial Composer. Mr. Dvoraks musical life included performing as pianist, French horn player, accompanist in vocal and instrumental recitals, and in theatre pit orchestras. As an organist and choir director, or both, he served in churches of different denominations. He guest conducted vocal and instrumental festivals of combined groups of high schools, and appeared in that capacity on many college campuses. He also lectured on various topics dealing with music and performance. Living in London for four summers brought much enrichment to him through contacts with musicians and enjoyment of symphony, opera, ballet, musicals, plays, band concerts in the park, and art exhibits. Composition studies in New York with Vittorio Giannini at the Juilliard School of Music and in Fontainebleau and Paris with Mlle. Nadia Boulanger, contributed much to his value as a teacher, as a practicing musician, and as a composer. Since 1990, Robert J. Dvorak lives close to his son, Robert H. and two grandchildren in Richmond, Texas and pursues his "passion" which is composing meaningful music and participating in the Czech Cultural Center Houston. |
| DWORAKIVSKY, WALTER - (b. 1929) |
| Walter Dworakivsky, was born on April 7, 1929 in Mt. Carmel, Pennsylvania, to Anastasia and Paul Skrobiak, both immigrants of the Ukraine and named Vladimir Skrobiak. His father, Paul Skrobiak, worked as a teacher of languages, and as a cantor and choir director. In 1933, when Walter was four years of age, his father died. Anastasia subsequently married the Very Reverend Andrew Dworakivsky. In 1955, Vladimir legally changed his name to Walter Dworakivsky. While growing up, Walter enjoyed music and studied the clarinet and piano. He attended Ambridge High School and upon graduation, enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh. Surprisingly enough, Walter originally did not major in music. He spent his first two years as a pre-dental major but after discovering his lack of interest in this field, transferred to Duquesne University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music and Music Education. During his college years, he performed with the Duquesne College Band, various dance bands, and served as principle conductor of Duquesne Universitys US Air Force ROTC Band. Upon completing the Air Force ROTC program, Walter was duets, quartets and concertos, as well as works for stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for two years, receiving the rank of Second Lieutenant. While at Lackland, he had the opportunity to study composition with renowned composer Roy Harris. Following his two-year Air Force service, Walter enrolled in Columbia Universitys Masters Program earning a Masters of Science in Music and Music Education, and completing fifteen credits toward a PhD, While at Columbia, he studied composition with Dan Harrison. As an educator, Walter taught music at the high school level for 39 years, first in Heightstown, New Jersey, then in As a musician, Walter was a House Pianist as well as a member of the Charlie Burns Band at Skytop lodge in Skytop, PA for more than ten years. He also served as Solo Pianist at the Goumet Chalet for five years. After retiring from teaching in 1994, Walter joined the Allentown Marine Band and played Solo Clarinet for seven years. Today, Walter continues to perform at various venues in the Lehigh Valley with two local bands, playing clarinet and tenor saxophone. As a composer, Walter began writing classical piano compositions during high school and continued throughout his college years at Duquesne University, at which time, two of his French Horn solos, Melody in F Minor and Melody in C Minor, were published by Volkwein Publications. Since that time, Walter has composed a broad range of works, including instrumental solos, orchestra and band and choral compositions. In his retirement, he continues composing with pleasure. Walter Dworakivsky is a member of ASCAP. |
| DYER, BOB - (1939-2007) |
 Robert "Bob" Dyer was a popular songwriter and performer from Missouri. As part of the Missouri Artist-in-Education program and Young Audiences, Inc., he conducted residencies, assemblies and workshops in many of Missouri's public schools, and performed in a number of other settings. From 1999 until 2002 he was employed as "Riverlorian" for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company working on their boats the Mississippi Queen and the American Queen. He had a master's degree in English and taught college English for 15 years prior to embarking on his career as a "Songteller." He had his own recording company, Big Canoe Records. RIVER OF THE BIG CANOES - SATB - arranged by R. Paul Drummond - AP-1013 $1.25 |
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