Carl B. Staplin***

Carl B. Staplin continues as Professor of Organ and Church Music at Drake University (IA). He has led an extremely active performance year throughout 2005. Staplin was the pianist for a February 26 concert at First Christian Church, Des Moines, IA, celebrating Leonard Bernstein’s Artful Peacemaking – A Celebration of his Music and Humanitarian Spirit with special guest Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the legendary composer. Ms. Bernstein’s commissioned choral work for the occasion was sung by a massed choir from Des Moines churches, under the direction of Judith Clurman of the faculty of the Juillard School, NY. On March 21, Staplin served as organist for the AGO Hymn Festival using the newly renovated organ at First Christian Church, Des Moines, IA, and on May 28, he was the organist for Des Moines University’s commencement ceremonies, along with a brass quartet consisting of Robert Weast, Al DeGooyer, Cindy Short, and Mike Short at the new HyVee Hall. He was also the organist for a Gala Concert at First Christian Church featuring Metropolitan Opera singer Simon Estes and other artists from the Des Moines area.

Performances

O Clap Your Hands, All Ye People for mixed voices was performed during the 2005 West Coast tour of Luther College’s internationally-known Nordic Choir, under the direction of Dr. Weston Noble. The Nordic Choir presented the same piece for its homecoming concert in Decorah, IA.

***Sigma Alpha Iota National Arts Associate

Further Information

• 2003-2004 American Composers Update
• 2002-2003 American Composers Update
• SAI's Composers Bureau Online