I recently shared on social media how I often create demo recordings of new compositions so I can hear and feel what works in the piece and what doesn’t. The example I used was from my piece “From the Stone Age” for SSA choir, piano, cello, and flute.
Do you already use recording devices and apps to practice and test out new works you’re learning or writing? If not, whether on your phone or in a dedicated recording studio, record yourself. Then, play it back and harmonize with your own voice – it’s great practice, and it’s fun.
Click the button to order the score and listen the complete demo recording for “From the Stone Age.” I still love how this piece turned out.
A quick Google search yields many fascinating points about the cultural and scientific significance of prime number 47. One of my favorite factoids is that it was often used as running gag or an easter egg found in dialogue, on tech displays, and in shield percentages in Star Trek episodes. Here I am, referencing Star Trek (TNG, always)! I mean, this is full-on middle age.
Turning 47 feels like entering a new era of life. It feels like a new beginning, like starting from scratch. As I refine and redefine myself and my purpose, I feel like a child in a big scary world. And yet, I can feel myself growing. 46 was one of the most difficult years of my life. Disappointment, loss, and despair seemed to increase around me daily. But I’m entering my 47th year with the knowledge and experience to weather storms like never before.
Become a ZSR Singer, and join me, along with other outstanding choruses from both school and community programs, for rehearsals and an unforgettable performance of Shawn Kirchner’s SONGS OF ASCENT, accompanied by professional orchestra and enhanced by stunning artistic projection.
Under the direction and artistic vision of yours truly, participating singers will take the stage at world-renowned Carnegie Hall (pictured) in New York City – an inspiring milestone that builds confidence, and strengthens musicianship.
We have a location! We’ll be hosted by Church of the Good Shepherd in Arcadia, and registration opens June 1. Here’s the updated flyer:
Singing
Here’s a snap shot of what it can be like to sing choir music together for fun with people you love!
For Fun
Happy May!
Sing with Shawn and Zanaida at Carnegie Hall… (see above)Guava flowers on our miracle tree mean lots of guavas this fall.Biking along the river across the street.I got an award from my alma mater! CSULB’s “49 Under 49” Award for Distinguished AlumniArchie, the weird and lovable
April 26, 2026 will be my final day serving as Director of Music for Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church in Pasadena. The decision to leave was truly difficult, as Neighborhood Church has been place of musical and spiritual nourishment to me for almost 8 years. The time seems right for this transition as my focus has shifted toward embracing new opportunities to compose, teach, sing and conduct on a larger scale.
I am deeply grateful for Neighborhood Church and for all the blessings that came with serving as its music director. To be able to conduct, sing, compose, and play handbells while serving this community has been a true blessing and a joy. The Neighborhood Church music community is special due to its rich legacy that extends many decades before my time here. And I know Neighborhood Church music programs will flourish long after I conclude my service as music director.
Composing
While I’m still reading and studying a lot about composition and orchestration, I’m starting to turn my attention toward summer publishing, hoping to get 4 new works out into the world: Winter Branches for SATB voices a cappella, premiered in December 2025 by Kantorei under Joel M. Rinsema; The Root for SATB voices a cappella, premiered in May 2025 by Sacred and Profane Chamber Chorus under Rebecca Seeman; Beautiful for SSA voices and piano, premiered in May 2025 by Spirito Singers under Carling FitzSimmons; and LA River Scenes for solo piano, premiered in December 2025 by Aron Kallay for Piano Spheres‘ “30 for 30” concert series.
Singing
Creating demos and doing session work remains a great joy of mine. More, please!
Our amazing Harvard-Westlake performance in Costa Rica
Ready for multiple rides on Ghost Rider at Knotts Berry Farm!
Visiting my alma maters:
First I visited Audubon Middle School to re-connect and learn about their current music programs.
Then I visited USC Thornton and heard the USC Concert Choir with beloved teachers and friends: L to R, Marisa Rawlins, Bruce Rogers, Cristian Grases, Paul Smith:
Also, hugs and deepest thanks to Dr. Tram Sparks (not pictured) for exquisitely conducting my “Veni Sancte Spiritus”.
Actually, I think all performing artists are athletes. Think about the implications – the importance of health and fitness, the hours of practice and rehearsal, the training, the coaching, the performances, the injuries and ailments, the competitions, the tears of failure, the tears of triumph. What other parallells do you see? When I think about the parallells between arts and athletics, I feel more open to the possiblity of connection beyond my music circle. The possibility of deeper, broader connections in the greater community excites me and gives me hope for the future.
Singing
On Sunday, March 28 at 10am, I’m singing “Precious Lord” for a special Truth and Reconciliation service at Neighborhood Church. Being able to sing this special song from the bottom of my heart while in the context of my church work is a blessing I never take for granted.
Composition
While I’m working on 3 new commissions at the moment, orchestration and composition studies are occupying much of my time. Taking lessons, reading Piston and Adler, studying works by various orchestral composers, and working on foundational assignments to help improve my compositional process – it’s humbling but rewarding.
Conducting
We’re on tour in Costa Rica, where I’m conducting the Harvard-Westlake choirs in 3 concerts over 6 days. Pura vida!
For Fun
Memories from the Western ACDA Regional Conference in San Jose:
With conductors Kevin Tyson, Jeffrey Benson, and Scot Hanna-WeirWith singer/composer/activist Melanie DeMorePromoting my compositionsI’m on an advertising poster!
At the river’s edge – such beauty and energy just a 5 minute walk from home.
I conducted my piece “The Summit is Nigh” along with “Bogoroditse Devo” by Rachmaninoff and “Pal-So-Song” by Hyo-Won Woo at the University of Redlands High School Choir festival on Friday February 20. I’m so proud of my students!
A huge thank-you to Dr. Nicholle Andrews for hosting and to Dr. Hyejung Jun for being our clinician. Many thanks to my friend and collegue (and chaperone extraordinaire) Ms. Bladen for the pic.
And in Arizona…
The legendary Jazz Madrigal Festival in Flagstaff, AZ was pure magic! I was exhausted after adjudicating and doing clinics with 26 choirs over 2 days, but it was some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done as an educator. Plus I met some of the most amazing educators in the country and even saw a live performance by the New York Voices that blew my mind! Thank you Dr. Ryan Holder, Dr. Tim Westerhaus, and the wonderful students of Northern Arizona University for inviting me and making me feel welcomed. I hope to do more of this kind of work in the future.
On Tuesday January 26, I got to sing with a bunch of incredble artists, including fellow LACHSA alumnus Prez Blackmon during the Education Through Music-LA Awards Gala honoring legendary song writer Diane Warren.
For Fun
I borrowed my daughter’s shoes for the ETM-LA gala. They were fabulous!
