Bragging Rights!

I'm going to take some time to brag about my husband for a minute. Michael's first published arrangement, Joy to the World, was recently reviewed in the ACDA Choral Journal (a national publication of the American Choral Directors Association, which has a membership of 30,000 conductors). Michael did not know that his piece would be reviewed and was shocked to find it in the journal this month! Here are some snippets from what the reviewer had to say:

"Michael Culloton has arranged a fresh and modern version of the perennial favorite Joy to the World. The composer's primary innovation is the use of mixed meters which gives the traditional melody a festive lilt."

"Aside from the divisi requirements, this piece is very accessible for a host of ensemble types. High school, church, college, and community choirs should be able to perform this delightful version with ease if they have the forces needed and can correctly perform the changing meters."

"Culloton has demonstrated that new arrangements of old favorites can be inventive and modern, yet preserve the original intent of the source material. Those who choose to add this joyful arrangement into their holiday repertoire will find that they will be caroling in style."

Reviewed by Jamey Kelley, Nashville Tennessee

I'm going to hope that this leads to more arrangements/compositions in the future. Michael definitely has a talent that he just needs to take the time to tap in to. Also, this was great publicity for the Matthew & Michael Culloton Choral Series through Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. Hopefully, more copies of this piece will be sold very soon! :)