Category Archives: Art Music

Binsey Poplars at Baylor University

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Greg Scheer

I was privileged to receive a commission from Baylor University to compose a piece on the Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, “Binsey Poplars.” The poem is an ode to Hopkins’ once-favorite, now-felled trees, but it is also a meditation on the … Continue reading →

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25, for orchestra (World Premiere)

Posted on July 21, 2019 by Greg Scheer

This spring, I had the great good fortune to compose a new piece for the Calvin Community Symphony’s 25th-anniversary concert. Below are the program notes: It may seem obvious—even unimaginative—to name a piece commissioned for a 25th anniversary concert “25.” What … Continue reading →

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#4 (piano miniature)

Posted on February 19, 2019 by Greg Scheer

In the past few years, I’ve played through almost all of Scott Joplin’s piano music. His music is intelligent, full of life, and simply fun. I wish I was more of a pianist, because I really don’t do his compositions … Continue reading →

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#3 (piano miniature)

Posted on February 5, 2019 by Greg Scheer

This third piano miniature is–not surprisingly–in 3/4 time. It reminds me a bit of Erik Satie’s whimsical compositions. While the meter is the “straight man,” remaining in an elegant waltz tempo, the harmonies never seem to land quite where you … Continue reading →

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#2 (piano miniatures)

Posted on February 5, 2019 by Greg Scheer

I was telling my son tonight that I feel like I’m working out my harmonic demons. Perhaps “demons” is too strong, but I do feel that I’ve been exploring a particular harmonic palette in depth lately. It’s not clear to … Continue reading →

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#1 (piano miniatures)

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Greg Scheer

I often take part in FAWM–February Album Writing Month–as a way of keeping the creative juices flowing. The FAWM challenge is to write 14 songs in 28 days. This year I plan to compose 14 “piano miniatures.” (I’ll think of … Continue reading →

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Blessed Be!

Posted on November 19, 2018 by Greg Scheer

It’s hard to believe that this piece is 23 years old! This setting of the song of Zechariah (Luke 1:67-79) was written when I lived in Pittsburgh and is performed here by the Duquesne University Choir under the direction of … Continue reading →

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Crepuscular Ray

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Greg Scheer

And the final sketch that lost to “Swampzilla”?: It’s called “Crepuscular Ray,” and is something of a minimalist piece for young players. The music sounded to me like shafts of light coming through the clouds at sunset. It turns out … Continue reading →

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Amber Waves

Posted on August 15, 2018 by Greg Scheer

I mentioned previously that the Rockford orchestras read through three sketches before choosing “Swampzilla.” You’re probably wondering which sketches lost to “Swampzilla” in the initial round of voting, right? Wonder no more! “Amber Waves” is a sprightly, festive piece that … Continue reading →

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Swampzilla at Rockford High School/Middle School

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Greg Scheer

I had the great pleasure of composing a new piece for the Rockford School orchestras this spring. Directors Erin De Young and Allison Holden wanted a piece that would work for their combined orchestras: 6th grade through 10th. That’s a … Continue reading →

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