Remarks for Nebraska MEA

 

REMARKS FOR NEBRASKA MEA

Emily Crocker

www.emilycrockermusic.com


I was told that when I was three years old, I could sing for three hours without repeating a song. So, I think that is where I got my start in music. My mother sang around the house, we had the radio, and we had church, so I was always around music. When I was seven, I started piano lessons which I continued through high school. In junior high, I joined the band and the choir.

Interesting side story, my 8th grade choir teacher was Joyce Eilers, who later went on to become a well-known writer for young choirs. So later on, it made me think... “You know, if Miss Eilers can write music, maybe I can write music!”

I’ve had other experiences that contributed to my world, when I was 19, I toured American Military Bases in Asia with the USO. I’ve played in bands, sung in choirs, founded and conducted choirs, and for almost 30 years, I was head of choral publishing at Hal Leonard.

I believe that a composer’s voice comes through in their music. For me, my early pieces are rooted in the general music classroom, folk songs, game songs, nonsense songs, movement music, and these themes continue to the present day.

Cripple Creek

Charlotte-town

Down in the Valley Two By Two

My interest in languages, particularly French and Spanish.

J’entends le moulin

El Vito

Compositions for young choir that lead to traditional classical choral works:

Gloria Festiva

A Jubilant Psalm

Lately, I have been composing works based on poetry or poetic themes:

Fire and Ice

Winter Eve

I’ve had a wonderful career in music, it’s a great friend!

My personal goal is to just keep composing as long as I have good ideas, and I hope that my composing style remains popular. I'm just hoping to still be valid among the youngsters!

I am also enjoying encouraging young composers with Hal Leonard and the Texas Choral Directors Association. We have an award called the Emily Crocker Emerging Composer Award, which we've awarded for several years now, and we're looking forward to keeping that going. And I’m also working on a choral music education scholarship at the University of North Texas, which we hope will be awarded soon.

NOTE: here’s an 11 minute video interview I did recently with Kenney Potter of Galaxy Music. 

https://youtu.be/A7Kcm9UyX1A?si=58Ek9apIW33zOD_E

 

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

New Choral Music for 2025-2026

Image
New Emily Crocker Publications So glad to enjoy another year of friends and music! And happy that I've had a creative year of composing and arranging. Thankful to all my *helpers* who edit, engrave, record, publish and promote my music! (You know who you are!) And especially Jack, who provides hours of entertainment during periods of writer's block!  Africa (TB and piano, Hal Leonard) This one started out as self-published, but Hal Leonard has taken it into their catalog. There are lots of popular arrangements of this Toto hit, but no TB voicing. This one is easy and fun for middle school and up, with a high (cambiata) tenor part.  CLICK HERE Down in the Valley  (TB, with piano an opt. harmonica or other obbligato instrument, Shawnee Press) I've always loved this song, and grateful that Greg Gilpin found a place for it in the Shawnee Press choral catalog. Crafted to be in the vocal sweet spot for range and tessitura, this nostalgic American folk song is arranged for begin...
Read more

Now available for UIL PML

Image
 Texas Choral Prescribed Music List I'm pleased to share that several titles from the Texas choral PML that have been POP are now again available. They are all available from Sheet Music Direct and J.W. Pepper. I have put links to each in the descriptions below. Here is a complete list of Crocker PML titles as of 2023-2024 for your reference. Crocker UIL PML titles Rejoice, Alleluia - Grade 1 Mixed 3-Part Mixed with piano or opt. a cappella by Emily Crocker Set in a buoyant 6/8, this concert/festival piece will let developing choirs with changing voices showcase their skill and style. Variations in texture and dynamics add flare! Available at  Sheet Music Direct  or  J.W. Pepper I Will Sing the Goodness of the Lord - Grade 2 Mixed SATB with piano by Emily Crocker This setting of Psalm 89 for mixed voices and piano is a buoyant expression of joy that's ideal for both concert and festival programming. Available at  Sheet Music Direct  or  J.W. Pepper Glo...
Read more

EMILY CROCKER MUSIC

Image
  November 2024 Newsletter If perchance you are still looking for a last-minute title for your winter concert, browse below.  CANDLEGLOW This tender selection paints a picture of flickering candles on a cold winter's night. The harmonies and scenes of this reflective original evoke the celebration of Hanukah, making it ideal for school and community performances. SATB, SAB, 2-Part Browse scores and audio here ON CHRISTMAS DAY This beautiful setting of the well-loved “Sussex Carol” presents carefully developed musical lines for the younger choir.  Now available with new audio and accompaniment tracks. Preview 3-Part Mixed score & audio Preview 2-Part score & audio OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOOD The arrangement captures the fun and excitement of the winter holidays with a jazzy treatment. It's easily learned with extremely accessible part-writing and lends itself to the fun of choreography. Preview TB score & audio Preview 2-Part score & audio Visit...
Read more