1072 W. 15th St. #3 San Pedro, CA 90731 Phone: (310) 548-7260 apetker@gmail.com
Jo-Michael Scheibe
Jo-Michael Scheibe chairs the Thornton School of Music’s Department of Choral and Sacred Music at the University of Southern California, where he conducts the USC Chamber Singers, teaches choral conducting and choral methods, and supervises the graduate and undergraduate choral program. In 2008, he assumed a new post as National President Elect of the American Choral Directors’ Association. No stranger to
the ACDA, Scheibe previously served as the organization’s Western Division President (1991-1993), as well as National Repertoire and Standards Chairperson for Community Colleges (1980-1989). Ensembles under his leadership have sung at six national ACDA conventions (1985, 1991, 1993, 1997, 2003, 2007), as well as two national conventions of
the Music Educators National Conference (1996, 2000), and various regional and state conventions.
Scheibe’s artistic collaborations include choral performances with Luciano Pavarotti, José Carreras, Salvatore Licitra, Maria Guleghina and Kenny Loggins, as well as preparation of choruses for Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst and the Cleveland Orchestra, Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony and conductors Jahja Ling, Edoardo Müller, James Judd, Max Valdez, Thomas Sanderling and Alain Lombard, among others. Recordings of ensembles under Scheibe’s direction have been released on the Albany, Cane, Naxos, Arsis and ANS labels.
A champion of contemporary music, Scheibe regularly commissions and performs new works of choral literature. He has helped to launch careers of promising young composers and to promote music by international composers largely unknown in the United States. Music publishers Walton, Colla Voce Music and Santa Barbara distribute the
Jo-Michael Scheibe Choral Series internationally.
Fall 2008 marks Scheibe’s return to USC after a 15-year tenure as director of Choral Studies at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music (1993-2008), as well as previous faculty appointments at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff (1985-1993), Long Beach City College (1978-1985), Vintage High School in Napa, California and
Huntington Beach High School. Scheibe received his D.M.A. from the University of Southern California and his B.A. and M.M. degrees from California State University at Long Beach, where he was presented with the distinguished alumnus award.
Scheibe has served as music and artistic director of several community choral organizations, including the Master Chorale of South Florida, the Tampa Bay Master Chorale and the Long Beach Master Chorale. He has directed music ministries in churches as well, most recently at Coral Gables Congregational Church, where he conducted the Chancel Choir and Vocal Ensemble, which appeared at the 2002 ACDA Southern Division Convention in Nashville. A member of Chorus America, the International Federation of Choral Music, and several other professional and education organizations, Scheibe is in frequent demand internationally as a clinician, conductor and adjudicator for choruses at the university, community college, community and secondary levels.
African Noel
Composer: African Folk Song
Arranger: Ken Berg
Author/Lyricist: African Folk Song
Voicing: SATB
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2010
Difficulty: Medium Easy
Listen
We proudly announce the new Jo-Michael Scheibe Sacred Choral Series with this invigorating arrangement by Ken Berg. In Dr. Scheibe's words, ''This series is committed to providing the finest crafted sacred choral music possible with the objective of ensuring that it may be used in worship and in schools when appropriate.'' This setting does not disappoint. A cappella voices with dynamic percussion instruments make this a great concert opener. Excellent for church or school as promised.
Autumn
Composer: Kevin A. Memley
Author/Lyricist: Thomas Hood
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2013
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Listen
Kevin Memley’s artistry paints pictures with music in this setting of 19th century poet Thomas Hood’s words. High school and college choirs will be enraptured by the beauty of this selection. One can hear the rain begin to fall at the opening and the longing for summer’s song by the end. Kevin Memley is one of the newest and most popular composers to attract the attention of the ACDA community.
Cantate Domino
Composer: Allan Robert Petker
Author/Lyricist: Allan Robert Petker
Voicing: SATB, Divisi
Released: January 2014
Difficulty: Advanced
Listen
"Sing a new song" is the translation of this song's Latin text and it's most appropriate in this minimalistic setting. The short motivic phrases pulsate with energy, building in dynamic chord clusters and vibrancy. A great concert opener for high school, college and community choirs.
Dai Di Di Dai
Composer: Traditional Chassidic Nigun
Arranger: Coreen Duffy
Voicing: SSATB
Released: January 2016
Difficulty: Medium Easy
Listen
This Chassidic Nigun brings a Jewish cultural tradition to the choral community with history and fun. The ''song without words'' uses a syllable sound with historic roots that are explained in the performance notes. It enables us to enjoy a taste of an 18th century practice that is both entertaining and meaningful. Perfect for high school or college, easy to sing.
For The Fruit Of All Creation
Composer: Welsh Folk Tune
Arranger: Jonathan Rodgers
Author/Lyricist: Fred Pratt Green
Voicing: SATB
Season: Thanksgiving
Released: January 2015
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Listen
The text can stand easily on its own as one of the greatest poems by Fred Pratt Green. Jonathan Rodgers has set it to the Welsh folk tune (best known as ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT) with such superb craftsmanship that it can serve as a powerful church anthem or a stirring concert piece. Selected for the Jo-Michael Scheibe series. Thanksgiving, praise, or benediction. It is medium in difficulty but worth every moment of practice. Easy.
I Want To Walk As A Child
Composer: Kathleen Thomerson
Arranger: Tom Trenney
Author/Lyricist: Kathleen Thomerson
Voicing: TTBB
Released: January 2017
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Performed at the ACDA National Convention in 2017, this fabulous hymn was composed in the 1970's by Kathleen Thomerson. Already a popular song in churches throughout the world, Tom Trenney's arrangement has the charm to make it a popular concert piece as well. The message is enriching and the tune inspiring, yet Trenney makes it soar to new heights. The sacred text keeps it most fitting for churches, but like a Spiritual, it may find its way into the concert hall as well. Medium.
Invictus
Composer: Daniel J. Hall
Author/Lyricist: William Ernest Henley
Voicing: TTBB
Released: January 2016
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Selected for the Jo-Michael Scheibe series, this may be the most powerful song of encouragement for men's choir on the planet. The William Ernest Henley poem sets the stage, but it is the dynamic musical writing for both voice and piano that rocks the house. Opening with a gentle chant establishes the theme, but the surprise hits as the keyboard assumes control. Superb choice for a dedication, graduation or concert program. Medium in difficulty.
Love Came Down At Christmas
Composer: David C. Dickau
Author/Lyricist: Christina Rossetti
Voicing: SATB
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2013
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Christina Rossetti wrote a wonderful text that has inspired many great composers to set her words to music. David Dickau is one of today’s most celebrated composers and he has brought new loveliness to this time-honored poem. High school, college and community choirs will enjoy the way he weaves his vocal parts so tastefully.
Once More A-Lumbering Go
Composer: Michigan Lumberjack Song
Arranger: Jed Scott
Author/Lyricist: Michigan Lumberjack Song
Voicing: TTBB
Released: January 2018
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Selected for the Jo-Michael Scheibe Male Chorus Series, could a lumberjack story be any more appropriate for the men's choir? Premiered at an ACDA conference to great applause, the writing of this Michigan folk song is strong and rewarding, with some Barbershop strains to boot. Great for all TTBB choirs. Easy to medium in difficulty.
Personent Hodie
Composer: Piae Cantiones
Arranger: Clif Hardin
Author/Lyricist: Piae Cantiones
Voicing: SATB
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2011
Difficulty: Medium Easy
Listen
It is the Latin rhythm under the old Latin Carol that catches your imagination. How fun! Jo-Michael Scheibe selected this piece for his sacred series. Not only does this piece work well for church or school, it is also a superb festival number.
THE BLESSING OF LIGHT
Composer: Mark Sirett
Author/Lyricist: Ancient Scottish
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2018
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
It was time for a new piece to serve as the concert closer and this is it. Selected for the Mike Scheibe Choral Series, this benediction uses the text of an ancient Scottish blessing that is delightfully generic in nature. Warm, deep and melodic, this is a benediction that can be used anywhere - church, school, college, community. Provided with both a piano and optional organ accompaniment (available separately), this selection is a precious end to any event. Easy to medium in difficulty.
THE CLOUD
Composer: Kevin T. Padworski
Author/Lyricist: Sara Teasdale
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2018
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Listen
If there ever was a piece that describes a text in song, this is it. Sara Teasdale's descriptive words about the clouds become sound in this exquisite composition. Accompanied by piano and celesta, a glockenspiel part is also provided for those who have no access to a celesta. Great for festivals or a concert at any season, this is a piece that is a joy to share. Medium in difficulty.
The Road Not Taken
Composer: David C. Dickau
Author/Lyricist: Robert Frost
Voicing: TTBB
Released: January 2013
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
“The Road Not Taken” is one of America’s favorite poems from Robert Frost, one of America’s favorite writers. Respected composer David Dickau has given a new tune to this classic text. The musical writing matches the text superbly and with the melodic and harmonic flavor which are hallmarks of Dickau’s compositional style. High school and college choirs will love this American classic. Also for SATB, P1459.
The Road Not Taken
Composer: David C. Dickau
Author/Lyricist: Robert Frost
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2013
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
“The Road Not Taken” is one of America’s favorite poems from Robert Frost, one of America’s favorite writers. Respected composer David Dickau has given a new tune to this classic text. The musical writing matches the text superbly and with the melodic and harmonic flavor which are hallmarks of Dickau’s compositional style. High school and college choirs will love this American classic. Also for TTBB, P1460.
There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue
Composer: Kevin A. Memley
Author/Lyricist: English Traditional, c 1420
Voicing: SATB, Divisi
Season: Advent, Christmas
Released: January 2012
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Listen
Selected for the Jo-Michael Scheibe Sacred Choral Series, Kevin Memley brings new life to a classic Christmas text. The textures, the harmony, the word coloration, these are the elements that lift this setting to compete with the established settings in the choral canon. College choirs and high school choirs will love it, and many church choirs will as well.
Those Who Wait Upon The Lord
Composer: Kevin A. Memley
Author/Lyricist: Isaiah 40:31
Voicing: SATB, Divisi
Released: January 2011
Difficulty: Medium
Listen
Once you begin hearing this piece you are drawn in...you want to sing it. The ''eagle's wings'' text is one of the most frequently set to music, and yet this one sounds like it has always been there, just not revealed until now. The essence of ''wait'' is captured in the opening section, which gives way to a new tempo, building with the ''mounting on wings.'' The true soaring takes place with a 12/8 meter, the voices building in triumph. A final return to the ''waiting'' theme provides an assurance that has permeated the entire composition. Excellent for church and school.
To This Day
Composer: Jason Shelton
Author/Lyricist: Jason Shelton
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2017
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Listen
Majestic and compelling describe the opening fanfare, which moves without hesitation to a rhythmic, driving, almost jazzy section. The drum part is a must. As different as each day can be, the piece changes tempo and mood many times - into a slow-warm section, a chorale section, and returns to the fanfare and jazzy sections before concluding joyfully. Brass and organ parts are available separately, P9077. Medium in difficulty, this piece works almost anywhere, church, school, concert, college, community, and festival.
Tonight In Bethlehem
Composer: Misc. Carols
Arranger: Nathaniel J. Fryml
Author/Lyricist: Phillips Brooks
Voicing: SATB, Divisi
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2017
Difficulty: Medium Advanced
Listen
Sometimes a familiar story can be told so well it demands to stand on its own. Nathaniel Fryml's artistry is the extraordinary type that takes simplicity and makes it elegant, even astonishing. ''O Little Town of Bethlehem'' is there, as are quotes from 17 other beloved carols, but the music is actually new and beautiful. The choral writing is exquisite and the piano part evocative. The violin, which is optional, is written for a well-trained player but worth every note. A worthy piece for community and college choirs, medium difficulty.
THE CLOUD
Composer: Kevin T. Padworski
Voicing: Celeste or Glockenspiel part
Released: January 2018
If there ever was a piece that describes a text in song, this is it. Sara Teasdale's descriptive words about the clouds become sound in this exquisite composition. Accompanied by piano and celesta, a glockenspiel part is also provided for those who have no access to a celesta. Great for festivals or a concert at any season, this is a piece that is a joy to share. Medium in difficulty.
To This Day
Composer: Jason Shelton
Author/Lyricist: Jason Shelton
Voicing: Full Score/Parts
Released: January 2017
Majestic and compelling describe the opening fanfare, which moves without hesitation to a rhythmic, driving, almost jazzy section. The drum part is a must. As different as each day can be, the piece changes tempo and mood many times - into a slow-warm section, a chorale section, and returns to the fanfare and jazzy sections before concluding joyfully. Brass and organ parts are available separately, P9077. Medium in difficulty, this piece works almost anywhere, church, school, concert, college, community, and festival.
Tonight In Bethlehem
Composer: Misc. Carols
Arranger: Nathaniel J. Fryml
Author/Lyricist: Phillips Brooks
Voicing: FS and Vln. part
Released: January 2017
Sometimes a familiar story can be told so well it demands to stand on its own. Nathaniel Fryml's artistry is the extraordinary type that takes simplicity and makes it elegant, even astonishing. ''O Little Town of Bethlehem'' is there, as are quotes from 17 other beloved carols, but the music is actually new and beautiful. The choral writing is exquisite and the piano part evocative. The violin, which is optional, is written for a well-trained player but worth every note. A worthy piece for community and college choirs, medium difficulty.
Listen