Inspiration

“Community of Unity” is an exciting and uplifting piece written specifically for civic and municipal events. Beginning with a lyrical, unison verse, the soundscape opens up to a chorus in 3 part harmony. A driving, rhythmic piano accompaniment propels the piece throughout. There is a 4 measure a cappella section near the end, and two […]

BENEDICTION was written in February-March of 2013 for my friend Keith Haan upon his retirement as Director of Choral Activities St. Ambrose University. The “threefold blessing” seemed perfect for the occasion as we gathered to wish our colleague well on his way. I used the latin text because I wanted that elevated sound those open […]

An exuberant Magnificat is paired with an appropriately reflective Nunc dimittis that together have subtle musical connections.

2016 Idaho All-State, 2018 Arkansas All-State selection “If I Can Sing, I Still Am Free” was the winner of the San Diego choir SACRA/PROFANA’s 2014 composition competition. It’s an ideal piece for festivals and large ensembles, with a text that champions inner strength in the face of adversity. It has quickly become one of Campbell’s […]

“Puzzle” is a 2-part, SA choral piece for children’s choir/ elementary choir. There is also a combined choir (SATB) version. Lyrics by Linda Trott Dickman. How can we resolve our disagreements? “Puzzle” suggests there is a way. The text begins “How to get along together / it’s a puzzle / Will we understand each other […]

This work was commissioned by the Jane Froman Singers of Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri, under the direction of Nollie Moore.

“We Will Shine Like The Sun” is an uptempo, 2 part piece for treble voices. The empowering text inspires imagination with optimistic lyrics that are ideal for young singers. The score includes a driving piano accompaniment, a clapping section, and an optional tambourine part. The rousing ending makes it especially suitable as a program opener […]

This work won special commendation in the Phoenix Choral Composition Competion (UK) in 2010. It was premiered by the Phoenix Singers of Shrewsbury in St. Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, England in April 2011.

Composer’s Note: “The Red Wheelbarrow,” an innovative environmental/imagist poem I first read as a teenager, struck me as an alluring and joyful means to immerse in a commission by Austin’s Inversion Ensemble for their Planet Home project. The score blossomed during a fellowship at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, a pastoral setting that […]

Anselm of Canterbury (c. 1033 – 21 April 1109), a benedictine abbot and philosopher and theologian, left significant writings, some of great complexity. Others, like this simple prayer, convey a deep longing for a closeness to God. This setting was composed for joint performance by the Caritas Chamber Choir (Canterbury, UK) and the Saint Mary’s […]

“Celebrate A New Day,” is an uptempo, rhythmic piece that was composed for the 75th Anniversary of the Australian Boys Choir. It is ideal for special occasions like graduations and is suitable for all young treble choirs, mixed children’s choirs, as well as boys and girls choirs. The work received the “Audience Favorite” award at […]

This setting of the Gloria text in English is excerpted from a longer Anglican communion/mass service — Communion Service in D — also published on Swirly (including settings of the Hosanna, Benedictus, and Agnus Dei). The Gloria is a simple, tuneful arrangement that can be performed as a general-purpose anthem or during the Christmas season. […]

Emily Dickinson’s poem, “Hope is the thing with feathers” is one of the most beloved among her corpus of work, and for good reason. This setting is an expression of the poem’s sweetness as well as its dramatic intensity, with a “tune without the words” established early in the piece that returns after the harrowing […]

This setting is ideally suited for a good chamber choir with a high soprano soloist. Julie Myers’ beautiful poem suggests to the composer a journey from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and this is reflected in the music, which should be performed simply, but with expressiveness and conviction.

“Prelude and Cherubic Hymn” was commissioned by the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin, to mark the 25th anniversary of their annual Advent services held in Berlin Cathedral. It was performed by joint choirs, drawn from students, parents and faculty, and choir members of the American Church in Berlin on 29 November 2017. The piece […]

Golden Apples Of The Sun (SATB, unaccompanied) is a joyful, rhythmic piece with lyrics inspired by a Yeats poem. Accessible, uptempo and exhilarating, it is ideal for civic events and celebrations. It is a dynamic work that is exciting for both performers and listeners. Winner of the Celebration Singers 80th Anniversary Composition Competition.

The author of the text of this composition, Norbert Čapek (1870-1942) was the founder of the Unitarian movement in what is now the Czech Republic. Originally destined for the Catholic priesthood, he converted to the Baptist faith; however, his views gradually became more liberal, and he was forced to emigrate to the United States. After […]

Neapolitan Carol evokes the starry night in Bethlehem, as three travelers from afar arrive to pay homage to the newborn child. Sung in the original Neapolitan, the arrangement also includes an optional English text by the composer. At a glance: SATB • piano • c. 2’15” Difficulty: easy-moderate For HS, university, community choirs Neapolitan pronunciation […]

A request by Artistic Director Susan Glass for a new choral work addressing climate change resulted in the creation of “Planet Earth Lullaby.” Composer Rich Campbell contemplated and determined the piece would be both an alarm for help and a call to action. For over a century the internationally recognized distress signal has been the […]

This is a simple a cappella setting of William Blake’s poem, ‘Little Lamb, who made thee?’ The two verses are set for SATB, with an optional soprano solo at the beginning. It was written for Sutton Coldfield Chamber Choir, but is suitable for a group of any size, from quartet upwards!

“Voices Taking Flight” is an uptempo and energetic piece written for youthful male voices. It is rhythmic, dynamic, and contains accessible harmonies throughout. It’s a lively concert opener, appropriate for civic & community events and ideal for adding movement & choreography. The lyrics are empowering and inspiring. The ranges of each part are limited, making […]