I am grateful. With wonderful encouragement from family, teachers, and friends, I have been able to flourish as a musician since childhood.
My Grandmother was a major influence, herself a fine pianist, taking me to hear the pipe organ at Central Lutheran, (Minneapolis, MN) many a Christmas Eve. I knew I wanted to play the organ someday.
My Mother always had superb classical records playing in our home for inspiration and accompanied me to every concert that came to town.
The band director lead me to appreciate the beauty of various instrumental tone colors.
The church choir director expected excellence and offered me many opportunities, from section leader, to triple trio participation, to solo experiences.
When I heard the Concordia Choir, (Moorhead, MN) on Tour, I again knew, I wanted to sing in that choir some day.
The new pastor's wife had studied organ at Julliard, coming to town precisely when I was ready to take organ lessons.
Most of all, I cherish the experience of singing in the Concordia Choir under the direction of Dr. Paul J. Christiansen.
I share a duel appreciation, both of people and of the joy of music. It is a pleasure to pass my love of music along to my students of all ages, and along to others through my compositions.
I hope to continue to find musical opportunities for composing and performing through community ensembles, within local churches, through the Federation of Music Clubs, from the area Arts Council, and through the American Composers Forum.
Receipt of a Lake Region Arts Council Grant, funded by the McKnight Foundation, created the impetus to compose for the Lake Agassiz Concert Band. This superb 60 piece wind ensemble premiered my work "Moods on the Wind".
Composing since high school years, I blend my personal abilities, interests, and talents to write for musical friends, for my own usage, plus for grant funded and special commissioned works. My compositions have been performed in MN, ND,SD, WI, CO, AZ, CA, and for a family reunion in Sweden.
Continuing to grow as a composer is one of my major goals.
Thanks for your interest in my compositions.
