Mike DiCuirci: Mike is a gifted trombone and euphonium artist, an experienced music educator, and author of band method books. After earning his M.M. from the University of Michigan, he joined the music faculty at Cedarville University, where he directs the Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, and serves as Coordinator of Instrumental Ensembles for the Music Department. Founding director of the Jackets Pep Band, Mike is affectionately known as “Mr.D” to an entire generation of students who have sat under his baton at Cedarville since 1979. An ordained minister of the gospel, Mike leads the worship program at Faircreek Church in Fairborn, Ohio.
Chuck Clevenger: Known for his brilliant sound, his tasteful interpretation, his easy manner at the piano, and his engaging interaction with audiences, Chuck effectively combines the roles of scholar, musician, and entertainer. With a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, he has an active career as a concert artist, studio teacher, public speaker, clinician, and contest adjudicator. Since 1982 Chuck has held a full-time teaching position at Cedarville university, serving as Chair of the Music Department for eight of those years, and lecturing in the humanities and CU’s honors program. In 2002 the student body elected him Faculty Member of the Year. “Dr. C,” as his students call him, is also a painter whose watercolors can be viewed on his website, www.clevengerstudios.com. His first love, however, is the piano, and performing for appreciative listeners of all ages. Chuck’s piano stylings are also available on his solo recording, “Soli Deo Gloria.”
About this recording: If you're looking for high-quality, professional sacred instrumental music, look no farther. This is some of the best sacred instrumental music available on the market today!
In the psalms, instrumental music is given a crucial role in worship; musicians are commanded to “praise the Lord with” the harp, the ten-stringed lyre, lutes, pipes, timbrels, in dancing, and with “everything that has breath.” The whole instrumental family is included: winds, strings, percussion! These instruments are not only commanded to accompany singers, but to lift their unique sonic beauty in wordless praise to the Almighty. For instance, in Psalm 33 the Hebrew phrase “with the harp” translates literally as “by means of the harp.” This opens up a world of possibilities, not just for musicians, but for us all – as you listen to this music, let it remind you that any skill God has placed within your hands can be turned to His praise, if done with excellence and offered for His glory.
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