DOEMLAND, ED (1938-2012)

Composer Edward Doemland (born 1938 in Chicago - died 2012 at West Allis, Wisconsin) 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 Lawrence 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 was also an eclectic performing musician - organist, percussionist and jazz pianist. He continued to be organist for St. Peter's Episcopal Church in West Allis, Wisconsin, a position he held since 1963. His philosophy of composing was 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." In 2012 Ed was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Music Award from the Civic Music Association in Milwaukee.