Molly Ijames
Molly Ijames has been with Soundforth Publishing (now owned by Lorenz) since 2006. She’s a relative newcomer to the world of sacred music publishing, but she has quickly made a mark on it. In this podcast, we talk about her background, the current state of church music, and some of what goes on when a composer submits a work to be published. Find the link to listen to the podcast below. (more…)
Reba Snyder
Reba Snyder is a name you may not recognize. She’s been a mostly behind-the-scenes member of two evangelistic teams for the past eight years. Accompanying, playing the “invisible” prelude/postlude music, arranging, and quietly underscoring invitations all make up a sampling of what she’s done since graduating from Bob Jones University in 2004 with a degree in church music.
Now she’s making a move into the solo realm by releasing her first self-published book of piano arrangements. “Awake my Soul” is a collection of nine traditional hymns set in her distinct style. I’ve played several of Reba’s arrangements, but they have all been written as vocal accompaniments. This is the first time I’ve seen her songs arranged for solo piano. Read on for my thoughts on her book as well as a podcast with Reba. Plus, you can enter to win a copy of her new book. (more…)
An acquaintance of mine, Dave Mincy, has recently begun offering up a new series of arrangements on his site mincymedia.com. If you visit his blog now, you’ll find new sacred arrangements meant for student pianists. There’s no shortage of hymns arranged for students to be found at your local music store, so is there any reason to buy some of these offered individually by Dave? Read on to find out… (more…)
Just a sampling of some of the spectacular lighting seen at Greg’s concert on August 10.
Last Friday night I travelled with my family and two friends to Atlanta to attend Greg Howlett’s concert/recording session at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center. It’s not surprising to meet people who have never heard of Greg, but it is surprising for people not to appreciate his music after they’ve heard it. For someone to doubt his prowess after watching a concert like I saw would be inconceivable. Greg and his team of around 200 put together a live experience matched only in the highest circles of music performers. The audio-visual event was fantastic without being overkill. Of course, anything live is not without flaw, and surprising your audience can often backfire. First I’ll talk about the technical aspects of the concert: video, lighting, and audio. The second half will include opinions on the quality and originality of the music. In closing, I’ll share some personal thoughts on the experience as a whole.
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In this June edition of the Piano Animato podcast I talk with Mac Lynch. Mac, along with his wife Beth, have been with the Wilds Christian Association for 30+ years. They’ve traveled putting on duet concerts and music clinics in addition to their regular duties writing and organizing music for the Wilds’ recording and composing arm. Mac has an intense burden to see young people get the educational and spiritual training necessary for full-time church music work. Enjoy, and as always, please let me know who you’d like to hear on the next podcast. (more…)
Mark Hayes – Photo by Shawn Northcutt
I’ll still count this as May’s podcast since I recorded and edited it in May. I was able to talk with Mark Hayes, composer, arranger, and performer. Mark has some cool experiences to share from his 30+ years of composing for sacred and secular choirs. You’ll also hear some about his formative years and how his church played a major role in shaping his future music career. Can you guess what his favorite style of music to compose is? Listen below to find out! (more…)
I’m posting this just in time to still qualify as March’s podcast. In this third Piano Animato podcast I interview Larry Shackley. Larry has been involved in the music business in one form or another most of his life. He is best known for choral and piano compositions. I really had fun interviewing Larry. He’s an intelligent and quick-witted guy who has a little-known secret that he shares with me. Enjoy!
Please forgive my audio quality. My recorder decided to fritz out on me without me realizing it during recording. It clears up around 8:30, so try to endure or just skip my brief questions. (more…)
This month, I spoke with music pastor, arranger, composer James Koerts. He offered numerous anecdotes from his music training as well as some insight into his creative process. Enjoy February’s Piano Animato podcast embedded from Sound Cloud below. Let me know what you think, and I look forward to hearing suggestions on who you’d like to hear featured.
I’ve got March’s interview scheduled, so there’s more to come! (more…)
Last week, I spoke with pianist, arranger, and performer Greg Howlett. He offered some opinions on contemporary issues in church music, insight into his personal and musical background, as well as several anecdotes from his career in music. Enjoy the first Piano Animato podcast embedded from Sound Cloud below. Let me know what you think, and I look forward to hearing suggestions on who you’d like to hear featured. (more…)
