On Monday, Nov. 2, the Sterling College choirs will have the unique experience of performing a renowned composer’s work under his direction during the Sixth Annual Composer Festival. David Schwoebel, the composer of over 150 published works, will direct the College’s four vocal ensembles, the Highland Singers, Men’s Glee, Women’s Glee and Choral Union, in performing a mixture of his original pieces and his interpretation of other works such as “Come, Thou Fount” and “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Culbertson Auditorium.

“The Composer Series is always an exciting part of our year. It’s a great opportunity for the students to get connected with someone that has experience in the music business. We have incredibly talented students, and I’m excited to see how they interact with a very gifted composer like David Schwoebel,” said Mark Clark, assistant professor of music.

During his time at Sterling College, Schwoebel will also be a guest speaker in two workshops on Monday, Nov. 2. He will discuss music composition in the morning and will lecture on composing church music and going into the music business in the afternoon. Schwoebel will also spend time on Nov. 1-2 with the choirs, refining and rehearsing the pieces that they have been working on all semester.

David Schwoebel is an ordained minister who holds the title of minister of music/composer in residence at Derbyshire Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He currently oversees a comprehensive music ministry of six choral organizations, four handbell choirs and a 32-piece orchestra. Schwoebel regularly composes works for congregations, universities and community choruses.

Schwoebel received a B.A. in Voice and Organ Performance from McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, and a Master of Church Music with an emphasis in Composition from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He has served as the Virginia ACDA Music and Worship Chair, Celebrating Grace Handbell Supplemental Music Resource Chair, Musical Arranger for the Celebrating Grace Premiere Concerts and as an adjunct instructor of music at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. Schwoebel has published works with 16 different publishers in multiple mediums including piano, organ, handbells, instrumental and choral music for all ages.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.