Before I began composing, I spent my time as a vocalist. Born and raised in a Catholic household and son of a music director, I would often sing Schubert's Ave Maria for various masses or services. Even now as a music director in Charlevoix, MI, the piece is much-requested for parishioners' funerals. Even the other well-known versions — Caccini, Bach/Gounod, etc. — have been close to my upbringing, and close to my heart.
To give back to the world of sacred music, I composed my own Ave Maria for SATB Choir & Organ (piano version included). This piece was not commissioned by any specific ensemble. I simply wrote it to write it, as it's been on my "composer bucket-list" for as long as I can remember. However, I am grateful to my volunteer choir at St. Mary's in Charlevoix for workshopping it as I composed it, as well as the St. Francis High School students in Traverse City, MI, for performing its world premiere.
