What’s New with Glenn Burleigh and the Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop?

See the New Music Clips page

Pianist-Composer-Conductor Timeline

This page gives a look at what’s been happening musically with Glenn Burleigh,? The Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop and Ministry and THE BURLEIGH CLAN.

Because of the numerous events we are involved in each year, we cannot list them all. We do want the supporters of this workshop to be aware of some of the work we do in this ministry. For many of these events we donate music, royalties or work at reduced rates to make it affordable to many more people. Even when we do this, God is still faithful to us and we are constantly blessed. Thanks to all of you who invited us to share with your school, university or church event this year. God bless you all.

Throughout the year my sister, LaVonne and I play and lead singing at nursing homes, she in the Dallas, Ft Worth area, and I in Oklahoma City. What a joy it is to see our senior adults so moved by simple hymns and patriotic songs showing love for God and country. Our dad, retired minister Nathaniel Burleigh is my biggest inspiration for writing as he sings and preaches to me, as I translate his words into sermons and songs. I thank God for my family and friends.

Events
  • April 2007
    Oklahoma Composer Thanks Oklahoma. 2007 marks the Centennial Year for my home state, Oklahoma. In 1989 I was commissioned to write a choral suite for the 100th anniversary of the Land Run, which was called OKLAHOMA LAND. Later, in 1996, Dr. Douglas Boyer of St Mary’s University of Austin, Tx commissioned me to do another large choral suite which I named LAMENTATION AND CELEBRATION and dedicated to the survivors and victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing and later to those tragically touched by “September 11”. This work has been recorded and presented in many parts of the country but not yet in Oklahoma. Thankfully I accepted invitations to conduct two major Centennial Concerts here in Oklahoma on Palm Sunday, April 1st and Good Friday, April 6th with some of my former classmates, college professors, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Ambassador's and outstanding guest soloists from around the country. I was so touched by these two events that I wrote a letter to the editors of several area newspapers thanking my fellow Oklahomans for sharing their talents with us on those special occasions.Because my first letter was a bit longer that many papers will allow, I shortened it a bit to accommodate the allowed space. However, I am printing both versions here so that people around the world can know how much I love and appreciate the wonderful people I work with right here at home. Enjoy as you read.
    Long Version
    Short Version

  • March 2007
    Maestro James Schatzman led the Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin and friends in a moving presentation of “Let God Arise”. ___Opus 35. Guest conductors were Mrs. Ella Washington of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Dr. james Kinchen, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Kenosha, Wisconsin
    This is the third major work by Glenn Edward Burleigh that Maestro Schatzman has conducted, spanning at least a dozen or so concerts All have been very successful
    And deeply appreciated the composer and varied audiences. Thank you Wisconsin.
  • January 2007
    Artist-In-Residence ___ Waterford Union High School, Waterford, WI Lectures, Coaching and Master Classes on The Nguzo Saba Suite (Kwanzaa Celebration) with the Conductor Derek Machan and the combined choirs of the Waterford High School A very lovely presentation of this seven movement choral suite celebrating Not only the African American holiday, Kwanzaa, but also love for Mankind, family, friends and God the perspective of an African American Christian man.
    Maestro Machan and the students took the music seriously and performed the entire suite from memory after having the scores for just a very few weeks. Mr. Machan did a masterful job in teaching the work and presented a wonderful concert that moved the audience, some to tears. One father of a two boys in the Choir had also heard an older son perform this same work at The University Of Wisconsin-Parkside under the direction of Dr James Kinchen. That family Is, by now, thoroughly “baptized” in the loving spirit of this music, complete with all ist scripture references and African rhythms and Harmonies of the Black community of this country. That is especially significant to me because these wonderful Anglo American students embraced this music with such love.
    Dr. Kinchen joined me in a lecture / rap session about the music and the holiday as well as race relations in this country and how this and other music can help promote healing. WOW what a beautiful group of kids these are............ WOW Mr. Machan, THANK YOU and THANK GOD FOR YOU SIR!



    2006 Events
  • Special Note: Much of 2006 was spent working on new commissions and new orchestrations.
  • December 2006
    Artist-In-Residence ___ University Of Wisconsin-Parkside Choral Department Presentation of The Nguzo Saba Suite by Glenn Edward Burleigh, Dr. James Kinchen, Conductor. Dr. Kinchen commissioned this work several years ago And is planning to conduct it in Carnegie Hall in November of 20007 with Choir and Full Symphony Orchestra with Glenn Edward Burleigh present as Guest Composer and Pianist. Guest Conductor-Composer, Annual Christmas Concert, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Memphis, Performing works of Dr Diane White, David Clydsda Allen Pote and Glenn Edward Burleigh. Featured the Metropolitan Choirs, Orchestra, Hand Bell Choir, Praise Dancers, With Mrs. Lavern Johnson and Mr, James Nelson as guest soloists. Both were well received and were a blessing to those in attendance.
  • November 2006
    Guest Composer, Church Music Summit, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Charlotte, NC Dr. Clifford Jones, Sr Pastor, Mr. Tony McNeill, Minister Of Music. Presented “Lay Aside Every Weight” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus (Burleigh arrangement) in the Sunday Morning Worship.
    Presented four Master Classes and Seminars
    1. The Music Of Glenn Edward Burleigh
    2. Music For Men’s Choir
    3. Music For Children’s Choirs
    (The Train Up A Child Series)
    4. Church Music and the Copyright Law
    Introduce a newly commissioned work for Choir, Orchestra, Handbells, Pipe Organ ( featuring the newly installed 100 rank Rufatti at Friendship) and Congregation. Festival Celebration on “My Hope Is Built” was written because The hymn is Pastor Jones’s favorite hymn. This new work should fill up Brand new Sanctuary (Cathedral) at the time of its World Premiere which should be announced soon.
  • September
    Our family celebrated the 80th birthday of my Aunt, Mrs. Roland
    Johnson, the surviving sibling of my late father, Rev. Nathaniel Burleigh. Food, fun and lots of love was shared. Her sons Elvis and Arnold Were very proud of their mom and I was proud to be in the family/ By the way, we call her “Aunty Roland”.
  • July 2006
    Guest Clinician ___ Children’s choir workshop and concert at the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church of Birmingham, AL, Mrs. Janice Wilson Director, DR- ___________ Sutton, Pastor. This amazing group of Youngsters was amazing as the studied music reading, tone production Bible verses, and vocabulary during that week. Mrs. Wilson has done a masterful job with them which mad my job so much easier.
    One thing, among many that impressed me was that she uses the best musicians of the church to accompany her kids. She says “my babies deserve good musicians like all of the other choirs.” And did they play!
    Also we had the largest group of twins in the choir and choir that I had ever seen in one place. There were girl twins and boy twins and girl-boyTwins. Janice is a twin and her twin sister came in from Texas for the concert.
    A number of parents in the audience were twins and the Pastor’s wife has A twin sister as well. I even have a friend who is a dentist in Birmingham Whose father Baptized me along with My Dad who was Jr Minister at the time I accepted Christ, and both our dads are named Nathaniel. I was touched
    by all that.................................................
  • June-July / November-December
    Artist-In-Residence for the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Memphis, TN Drt. Reginald Portor, Pastor / Mr. Eddie Pryor, Minister Of Music
    What great people!
  • March
    I've NEVER seen or heard anything like it. A Spiritual Tornado
    Swept through the Ithaca College Campus in Ithaca, New York earlier this month that flattened the notions that people of many races couldn't sing God's music together. It blew away the idea that Gospel Music consists of untrained people screaming to to top of their lungs with words NOT understood. It blew away the erroneous concept that people who read music don't have the heart to play or sing it................................ WRONG !!!



    Dr. Baruch Whitehead, of the Ithaca College Of Music realized his VISION and his DREAM as 120 students from the Baltimore - DC area joined forces with the Ithaca College Concert Choir and FULL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA to make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.



    Two faculty members of National reputation also conducted on the concert. Dr. Janet Galvan, who started the program with a BANG and Maestro Jeff __________ who lead the orchestra and chours in a moving presentation of Ujima (It Takes A Village To Raise A Child) from The NGUZO SABA SUITE by Glenn Edward Burleigh. Took the audience by storm.

    Special guests for this Celebration were several high school choirs and directors who prepared their groups under the magnificent direction of Mr Ron Johnson. Select students from each school were provided music, lodging, transportation and meals to participate in, what I'm sure, was a life changing experience. Choir directors and accompanying students include :


    Directors

    Dr. Emory C. Andrews, Oxon Hill H.S.
    Oxon Hill, Maryland

    Dr. Barbara Baker, Eleanor Roosevelt H.S.
    Greenbelt, Maryland

    Mr. Damon Gray, Duval High School
    Lanham, Maryland

    Ms. Linda Hall, Baltimore City College H.S.
    Baltimore, Maryland

    Mr. Ronald Johnson, D.C. organizer-Music Director Frist Baptist Church of
    Highland Park

    Ms. Leona Lowery- Hawkins, Northwestern H.S.
    Hyattsville, Maryland

    Mr. Stan Spottswood, Good Counsel High School



    Ithaca College Faculty
    Dr. Janet Galvan, Music Education choral Music Division
    Professor Jeff Grogan, Orchestral Studies
    Dr. Baruch J. Whitehead, Music Education/World Music
    Dean Art Ostrander, Dean School of Music

    Musicians

    Damon Gray- piano
    Judy Bowles- Piano
    Reginald Payne- Drums


    The two guest composers conductors - clinicians for the Festival were Dr. Diane White of Los Angeles, California and Mr. Glenn Edward Burleigh of Oklahoma City Oklahoma. What a treat to work with Dr. White and to hear our music so beautifully played and sung. Diane presented three of her inspired works and sang too beautiful solos. I was blessed to present five works, four of which with full orchestra. Our support one for the other made the concert special for both of us. I accompanied her on an old Gospel Favorite, "He knows How Much We Can Bear" and she sang the solo in "Order My Steps". Her anointed solo work and the powerful orchestra conducted by Dr. Whitehead transformed this standard of the Gospel repertoire into something so freash, so new and so anointed that even the composer had his hands in the air for most of the presentation.................... What that choir and orchestra did with Jesus Is The King left me in awe, in tears and in love with about 200 new friends. This is a composers dream. GOD IS AWESOME !!!

    If there would be any flaw in the concert, it would be that it was misnamed Gospel Festival Those young people sang so much more that what the general public considers to be Gospel. Spirituals, classical, contrapuntal, anthems, symphonic, and jazz idioms were all heard at some point during the concert. The orchestra was FANTASATIC (and some of the in tears). The lead singers were tremendous. Linda Hall's interpretation of Burleigh's Faithful Over A Few Things was Heaven directed....... and Stan Spottswood's conducting of his piece, My Lips Shall Praise Thee took us to a new place in Worship........... even on the college campus. What an experience. Diane and I both shared with each other that it is rare that we as composers hear our music the way we heard it as God gave it to us. All eight parts at times, all the colors in the orchestration with the right balance and enthusiasm and ministry going forth.

    People left the packed house with hands lifted up, inspired, encouraged, in wonderment, with new friends and some perhaps SAVED! WOW! It made me want to write more and play more and conduct more and listen to the music of other wonderful composers MORE.

    The Ithaca college of music is wonderful and again it would be my pleasure to work with Dr. Whitehead, Dr. Galvan and Maestro Jeff Grogan any time. We thank Dean Art Ostrander for his tremendous support and we salute those responsible for the funding to make such an event happen. Many wonderful people behind the scenes may not get mentioned in this writing or in the papers but be sure that God knows your sincere contributions and He will reward you accordingly.

    It is for YOUR GLORY dear Lord that every note was composed, arranged, sung, played, and conducted. You gave us the gifts. We do our best to bless others with them. All we can say is, THANK YOU!
  • January - February
    WOW! What a way to start a new year. I have recently experienced a composer's dream, a brilliant performance of his work by a wonderful musical organization. During the 2006 Wisconsin Choral Director's Association meeting in Appleton, WI, Nathaniel Dett Choral performed Glenn Edward Burleigh's NGUZO SABA SUITE. WHat an experience!



    The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is based in Toronto, Canada and is conducted by its founder Brainerd Blyden-Taylor. The group took its audience captive and held them hostage ( in a good way) for 35 minutes during the Burleigh work and for another 40 minutes performing other works by significant African-American composers. Hearing this music performed with such passion and power inspired the composer to continue writing. Words will not describe what we heard that night. YOU HAD TO BE THERE.

    The accompanying photos of this event are casual shots of some of the choir members as well as some Wisconsin supporters who have performed many of Burleigh's works including Maestro James Schatzman of the Choral Arts Society of Wisconsin, and Dr.Wallace and Mrs. Faye Cheatham of the New Jubilee Singers of Milwaukee who were instrumental in bringing the group to Wisconsin.


    Brainerd Blyden-Taylor, Glenn Edward Burleigh and Dr. James Benjamen Kinchen.

    The performance of this particular work had special meaning to the composer because it was commissioned by Dr. James Kinchen head of Choral activities at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Kenosha, WI. Dr. Kinchen is head of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Choral Director's Association. Because of Dr. Kinchen's vision, The Nguzo Saba Suite is being performed around the world. The famed Singing City Chorale, of Philadelphia, has taken it on a European tour, as well as the Maryland State Boy's Choir. Doctoral students in South Africa have used it as material for theses and Nia from the suite has been used in schools and colleges across the US. Nia is the largest selling piece from the Burleigh catalog in 2005-2006 to date. For this we THANK GOD. CDs are available through this site

2005 Events

  • December
    Making a half dozen or more trips to Wisconsin this year, Glenn Burleigh is invited back once again, this time to conduct his Christmas Cantata, BORN TO DIE. The 110 year old Calvary Baptist Church and friends presented the work on the campus of The University of Milwaukee on Dec. 19th. A team of local conductors lead the singers in a beautiful presentation as composer Glenn Burleigh and several other musicians accompanied. The standing ovation by the nearly packed auditorum gave a powerful vote of confidence to the composer and performers.
    Conductors included Ella Washington, Sheri Williams Pannell, Carol Haywood and Dr. Wallace Cheatham. The composer salutes each of you and expresses Praise to the Lord for your faithfulness. Beverly Njuguna, Esq, is Minister of Music and Dr. John R. Walton Jr. is Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church.
  • November
    "Reconciliation", a newly commissioned single movement choral work, was presented at the Baptist General Convention Of Texas (BGCT) Annual Meeting in Ft Worh, TX this month. The annual address delivered by Dr. Charles Wade, BGCT Executive Director, was amazingly parallel to the message of this piece............ using simllar scriptures and key points in keeping with the general theme of "One Family, One Mission". Although Dr. Wade and I had not spoken directly to each other, God had spoken to us both and the results were astonishing........ ALL PRAISE TO GOD.

    The special BGCT choir and musicians, from the Austin lifted High Praise To God as they expressed their desire to be united with one another as we are all "Reconciled to God".

    In these kinds of wonderfully blessed situations, I always Thank God and the wonderful people He sends to help make it happen. We thank you all for your contributions. I want to offer special thanks to several who were champions in making this a specia blessing for me and for believning in my gifts and my music. Some came through at the last minute and gave their all to make this Worship Experience something we all are grateful for and proud of. We praise God for:
    1. The Combined BGCT Choir, Orchestra and Musicians who willingly gave of their] time and talents. WHAT A FELLOWSHIP

    2. Dr. Charles Wade, Executive Director, BGCT

    3. Pastor Michael Evans, Director, African American Fellowship, BGCT and Pastor, Bethelem Baptist Church, Mansfield, TX

    4. Dr. Timothy Studstill, Team Leader, Music And Worship Team, BGCT

    5. Mrs. Ruth Davis Sauls, Minister of Music, and Mrs Edith McKinney, music staff, David Chapel Baptist Church, Austin, TX

    6. Mr. Martin Cherry, Minister of Music, Woodlawn Baptist Church..... Thank you Martin for securing your church as our rehearsal space and for gathering the orchestra for us. God bless you sir.

    7. Dr. Gloria Quinlin, Minister of Music, Ebenezer Baptist Church, Austin, TX Choral Director, Houston-Tillotson College, Austin, TX

    8. Mr. Joel Salazar, Minister of Music, Central Baptist Church, Livingston, TX, who sang the Spanish Solo portion of the commissioned worbeautifully.


    9. Mr Dorceal Duckens of Houston, TX who sang the English Solo portions of the commissioned work.

    And to anyone whom we might have mistakenly overlooked, just know that God knows your contributions and He will give a just reward........... We thank you all.

    As a special "love bonus" to the choir, I arranged the hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", and the choir sang it with power and anointing. Each of these pieces will have its own dedications and Premiere Edition copies of the music will be available before years end through the Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop Web Site and at some local stores. "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" will be available in three versions;
    1, Regular SATB Choir Octavos (as sung at the Convention)
    2. Men's Choir TTBB version
    3. Bass-Baritone solo version

    Also The Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop And Ministry Inc. expresses CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Michael A. Bell, President-Elect of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Dr. Bell is the first African-American to hold this position and we praise God for this blessing.

    What an honor it was for me to have been asked to write music for such a glorious occasion. Jesus Doeth ALL Things Well. Dr. Bell, we are brothers INDEED!
  • October
    Guest Composer-In-Residence for the Alumni Singers of St. Petersburg, FL, Mr. Robert Anders, Music Director. Workshops and musical presentation with The Alumni singers and the First Presbyterian Church Music Ministry, Dr. Rick Smith, Director of Music Ministries.

    Public School visits included Perkins Elementary School, working with the Combined Gospel and Concert choirs, totaling 150 youngsters. Also visited Gibbs High School, working with the Concert Choir and the Gospel Choir.

    Both were excellent. This fine school is now a magnet school for the performing arts and we found the students to be tremendously talented and enthusiastic and the faculty to be highly skilled, motivating and sincerely Interested in the students development. Congratulations to Perkins and Gibbs Schools and THANK YOU for allowing me to share my music with you.

    110th Anniversary, Calvary Baptist Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dr. John R. Walton Jr., Pastor. Choral work commissioned for the occasion was based on Psalm 90. The single movement work, “GREAT AND EVERLASTING GOD” is a musical offering of the entire 90th Psalm (KJV). Most verses are sung and several are spoken. I am grateful to have been a part of such a joyful celebration.

    Also as a special bonus, we all enjoyed a music workshop and concert Presented by Ruby Mann Pool from Chesapeake VA. The music was lovely and well received by the congregations. Mrs Pool also accompanied the choir in “Great And Everlasting God”.

    Special thanks goes out to Beverly Njuguna, Minister of Music, and to Carol Haywood, director and Ella Washington for preparing the choirs so beautifully prior to my arrival. Thanks to the Calvary church family for your hospitality and Congratulations for “hanging around” 110 years.

    “From Everlasting to Everlasting Thou Art God!”
  • August-September
    Final touches on new commissioned works.
  • July
    Another month of composition, reflection, meditation and study.

    Glenn Burleigh provided leadership for the 2005 African American Fellowship of Churches in the Baptist General Convention of Texas held in Ft. Worth, Texas,…. Michael Evans, Director.

    Guest clinician / composer, Unity Explosion of African American Catholic Churches for the Archdiocese of Houston-Galveston, Dallas and New Orleans, held in Houston, Tx.
  • June
    A month of Reflection and Meditation. During the month of June our Father, Nathaniel Mack Burleigh, went home to be with the Lord. A retired pastor, and chaplain for the Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop and Ministry Inc., Nathaniel will be missed tremendously.

    Two beautiful services were held in his honor. One, a quiet and peaceful graveside service with full military rites in our home town of Guthrie, Oklahoma and a Memorial Celebration at the Wildewood Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. My sister LaVonne, my brother Kenneth and I thank you all so very much for your kindness to our family during this time.

    Paying further tribute to this wonderful man, we intend to publish a second Edition of the book Nathaniel and I wrote together, “What Is Man?” It will include some of his choice sermons and reflections and joyfully, the final three sermons we worked on together just days before he was called home. And, certainly we want to include some of the favorite songs of “yours and his” from the Glenn Burleigh catalog. We are looking forward to its release in January of 2006. Thank You NATHANIEL for a job WELL DONE. Rest in peace dear man. You are not forgotten sir!
  • May
    Guest Pianist-Composer for two performances of the Alpha Mass, Opus 30 in Racine and Burlington, Wisconsin. Maestro James A. Schatzman conducted three combined choirs.

    1. Choral Arts Society of Wisconsin, Racine, WI, Maestro James A. Schatzman, Conductor.

    2. St. Paul Baptist Church, Racine, WI, Mr. Tim Johnson, Minister of Music

    3. The Jubilate Singers of Burlington, WI, Dr Ann Armetta, Conductor.

    Thanks to the citizens of Racine and Burlington for your support. Hats off to the s singers and instrumentalist for making beautiful music and special thanks to Maestro Schatzman for your insight into the music and for your masterful conducting. God bless you all.
  • April
    Guest Pianist-Composer-Conductor, New Jubilee Singers Concert on the campus of the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee........ Program of Glenn Burleigh Works, Dr.  Wallace Cheatham Principle Conductor

    New CD Recording and Concert with the New Jubilee Children's Choir of Milwaukee...... featuring Volume II of the Train Up A Child Series

    Artist In Residence / Guest Composer-Conductor in the Alpha Mass for SATB Chorus and Orchestra at ST John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. Guest   lecturer for several classes at St John's and St Benedict's and master classes for the combined choirs for both   schools, culminating in a worshipful and stirring presentation of Alpha Mass beautifully conducted by my dear friend professor Axel Theimer. The Orchestra played beautifully and the choir was excellent Thank you so much sir. Also Special thanks to Father Roger at St John's Abbey, Professors Ed Turley, Kim Kasling and Brian Campbell and to  "Father Bob". I loved ALL of your classes.  AND  to my special friends in "Johnnie Blend" ................ SWEET !
     
    Artist In Residence / Ebony And Ivory Program Racine, Wisconsin Nance DeKray, Director. Performances and Master Classes with schools colleges churchs and commuinity grouts some of which included UW-Parkside with Dr James Kinchen the Prairie Schol of Fine Arts, Pat Badger, and the Cops and Kids with Julia Burnie. There were at least a dozen events which led up to the culminating concert at First Presbyterian Church, Dr Randy Bush, Pastor. The groups performing in the concert were:
      1. Mt Pleasant Luthern Church ___ DR Josh Brown, Conductor
      2. First Presbyterian Church___ Adrian  Paffrath, Conductor
      3. Two Choirs from UW-Parkside Dr James Kinchen, Conductor
    4. Special guests,,,,,, The New Jubilate Ghorale from Milwaukee,
    WI Dr. Wallace Cheathan, Conductor
    5. The   Combined   choirs,,,,,,,,,,  Conducted by Glenn Edward
    Burleigh
     a. Three Simultaneous Spirituals    with    audience   and choirs
     b. Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land .............. WOW! Thanks again  Nancey DeKray but most of all THANK THE LORD !

  • March
    Rest and Composition

  • February
    Guest Pianist-Composer in the world premire of  "God Bless The Whole Wide World" commisioned by the Maryland State Boychoir, Baltimore, Maryland Frank Cimino, Founder and Artistic Director / Stephen Holmes, Music Director

  • January
    Guest Pianist-Composer_Conductor.........   Choral Arts Society of Washington DC at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Perfoming Arts....... conducing the commissioned work THE DREAMER with Choral Arts, Paul Gatling Ensemble and the Maryland State Boychoir of Baltimore with players from the National Symphony

2004 Events

  • December
    Guest Pianist-Composer-Conductor, Artist In Residence....... Langston University Annual President's Christmas Concert conducting Christmas Cantata "Born To Die" Several class lectures. Master classes with choir, concert band and soloists. Bonita Franklin, Chir of Choral Activities, Dr. Ernest Holloway, President

    Guest Pianist-Composer-Conductor, Holy Savior Catholic Church, Special Christmas Eve Mass Celebration.......... Mr Huron Breaux, Minister Of Music

  • November
    Guest Clinician-Composer-Conductor........   National Church Music Summit, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, North Carolina Tony Mcneill, Music Director, Dr. Clifford Jones, Senior Pastor

  • October
    Cuest Clinician....... Sacred Choral Music Workshop......Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas Mr Harold Tinsley, Director of Choral Activities THANK YOU HAROLD !

  • September
    Guest Pianist-Composer-Conductor    
              A. Catholic Worship Conference:   "My Being Proclaims" Held at Corpus Christi Church,  Oklahoma City, OK Midwest Regional Conference
              B. Chattanooga Choral Society 30th Anniversary Concert with Maestro Roland Carter Music Director and Conductor

  • August
    Rest and Composition

  • July
    GBCT (General Babtist Convention Of Texas) Church Music Conference, Music Director San Antonio, Texas Rev Michael Evans, Director Dr Timothy Studstill General Music Director

  • June
    Guest Clinician-Composer-Conductor for the Dallas Chapter of NANM, National Association of Negro Musicians. 250 voice chior and chamber orchestra, Dallas, Texas

    Mini concert  for  my dad's 80th birthday playing his favorite hyms  as he sang and enjoyed. What a blessing for us all His sister   Roland Johnson and my brother Kenneth and his sons Delven and Derreck were also there with cake and ice cream and hats and   other fun stuff. Praise God.

  • May
    World Premiere of new choral work ZionSong, celebrating the hymns of Dr. Charles Albert Tindley. Commissioned by the "Singing City" Chorale of Philadelphia, PA, MaestroJeffrey Brillhart, Conductor. This world class chorus, organized in 1948 by Elaine Brown, is the affiliate chorus for the Philladelphia Orchestra. Maestro Brillhart and the chorus performed several selections from the Burleigh Nguzo Saba Suite and plans to include several of his works on the 2004 European tour. Thank you Jeffrey and Singing City.
  • April
    Workshops with Singing City Choral in preparation for the May Primere of ZionSong.

    Workshop with "Spiriftul Voices Community Choir" of NW Oklahoma City, Maestro Sam Vladovich, Conductor. This season, this choir has performed Order My Steps and O Magnify. Many thanks to Maestro Vladovich and Spiritful Voices.

    Guest Clinician for the General Baptist State Convention of North Carolina in Wilmington, NC. ___ Dr. ________ Bulluck, President; Mr. David Eggleston, Director of Music.

    Twelve Glenn Burleigh compositions were presented to the adult choir and two for the youth. Also a special seminar led by Mr. Burleigh was presented to a number of children's choir directors. Featured music was volumes I and II of the popular "Train Up A Child Series". Our dear friends and colleagues, Amanda and Dewey Norwood from "N TIME MUSIC" in Charlotte, were also in attendance. Thank you Dr. Bulluck, Mr. Eggleston and NORTH CAROLINA.
  • March
    Guest clinician, Church Music Workshop, sponsored by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Choir directors, singers and instrumentalists from Baltimore and surrounding areas (some from DC and New York) gathered to study compositions by composer, Glenn Edward Burleigh. Dr. James Abbiington also presented compositions from the GIA catalog, a C Catholic publishing company in Chicago.

    The featured choir for the day was the Maryland State BoyChoir directed by Stephen Holmes and founder Frank Cimino. They were also accompanied and conducted by Glenn Burleigh in a mini demonstration workshop. At the end of the morning session, 110 or so young men, all dressed alike coming from many ethnic backgrounds marched in with pride and dignity and sang from memory a lovely classical piece and 3 Burleigh compositions. ALL IN SATB by the way !!!!!!!!!! 1. A very moving rendition of "Nia" from the Nguzo Saba Suite 2. The very contrapuntal and technically challenging "No Coward Soldier" 3. "Faithful Over A Few Things" from the Easter Cantata, Let God Arise. We thought we would have to call the fire department because thse gentlemen truly "set the house on fire!" The audience was on their feet and the composer was moved to tears. Glenn Burleigh looks forward to working with this fine group on an extended basis in the near future. Thanks again Brother Stephen and Brother Frank. Praise God for these awesome young men.

    Special thanks to Lorenzo Handy, Lucinda Williams, Karen Swanson, Allan McCullum (all of Baltimore and to Edith Glover of Houston, Texas for helping make this even such a success.
  • February
    Guest Pianist-Composer-Conductor-Clinician___Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, Daytona Beach, Florida......... Dr. Rebecca Steele, Conductor. This annual Choral Music Festival draws numerous high school and college choirs from across the state of Florida. What a beautiful sight to see a guartet formed by Dr. Steel over 30 years ago perform with students who only graduated a year or two ago. My former students bring their own choirs back to be a part of the stellar event. Each year Mr. Burleigh teaches several selections to the combined visiting choirs and does a special concert with the current Concert Chorale. Guest pianist, Phillip Hall of Houston, Texas has accompanied Burleigh at two of these events. The popular Burleigh arrangement of "Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land" is dedicated to Dr. Steele and the Chorale. This year we celebrate the magnificent contributions to the arts by retiring president ______________. The new fine arts facilities on your campus were a joy to behold. Thank you for your support of Dr. Steel and the Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop for so several years on your campus. Thanks to Jane Knight for her tireless efforts to always make our stay wonderful. Thank you Dr. Steele for inspiring so many of us to keep doing what we are called by God to do.
  • January
    Guest Clinician for Greenforest Baptist of Decatur (Atlanta), Georgia____ Dr. George McCalep, Pastor, Mrs. Thelma Battle, Minister of Music. Dr McCalep is known all over the United States for his books and workshops on church growth and he has a congregation that demonstrates this. One book in particular captured my attention because I have a song in my catalog with the same title, "Faithful Over A Few Things".

    Because our focus this year was on the union of choir and orchestra, we were please to include Mr. ________ Brown and the Greenforest Orchestra. Congratulations Greenforest !

2003 Events

  • DECEMBER
    Guest Composer-Conductor___13th Annual presentation of "Born To Die", West Point Baptist Church, Chicago, IL, Rev. L Bernard Jakes, Pastor, Ann Landon-Hawkins, Music Director. Special thanks guest conductors and accompanists : Dr Keith Hampton, Anita Greene, Tony Fisher, Thomas Jefferson and Mr. Frank Menzies and the William Jones College Prep Orchestra of Chicago. Mr. Burleigh conducted several rehearsals with the choir and held a special mini workshop for the guest conductors and musicians discussing interpretation and style from the composer's point of view. Much love to the choir and musicians and to Ann for helping keep this work in the hearts of the people of Chicago for so many years. Be blessed in all you do!
  • NOVEMBER
    Guest composer-clinician-conductor ___National Church Music Summit hosted by the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC. Rev.Clifford Jones, Pastor; Tony McNeill, Minister of Music. Other guest clinicians Dr. James Abbington of Morgan State University and
    Mr. V. Michael McKay of Houston, Texas. Mr. Burleigh did special presentations of his compositions with the Summit Choir and Orchestra. Special seminars held onthe union of voices and instruments in contemporary worship....... as well as classe in beginning and intermediate composition.
  • OCTOBER
    Surprise Guest Pianist / Composer / Conductor in concert with St Matthew's United Methodist Church Choir, Mr Eddie Quaid Conductor. Special guests were Barbara Johnson Tucker and her group, "A Chosen Few" assisted by Rev. Michael Pickett. Very wonderful concert.
    Later in the week Glenn Burleigh served as workshop clinician and guest conductor with CY-Fair High School Choral Music Department headed by Mr. Eddie Quaid assisted by Mrs. Judy Boyter. These kids are phenominal ! Excitment filled the school. One young student named Justin, learned a few "worship phrases" from his Black sisters and brothers and kept shouting "Can I get a witness" throughout all of the rehearsals and concert, which was packed with supporting parents and fellow students. Mr Quaid and the Cy- Fair community should be so very proud of its young musicians. I was especially glad to be able to use my piano skills at the concert using a Bach composition as the accompaniment to the contrapuntal gospel work, "No Coward Soldier. Barbara Johnson Tucker and Dorceal Duckens were the guest soloists. A sweet young lady named Lovie was the percussionist for the evening and a wonderful young man named Chad thrilled us with the bass guitar all night long.
    Just when I thought I had heard all of the possible arrangements and performances of "ORDER MY STEPS" that I could hear, Mr Quaid (who was my classmate at OU) rendered a sweetness into our spirits that gave new meaning to the song to me, and I AM THE COMPOSER !!!!! What a joyous night. God used those kids to change my life.................. AMEN
  • SEPTEMBER
    Surprise Guest Pianist/Composer/Conductor in concerts and services with the Goddard United Methodist Church of Ft Smith Arkansas, George Mann, minister of music. Barbara Johnson Tucker and her group, "A Chosen Few" of Houston, Texas were the special Guests. This series of five events presented music in a wide variety of sacred music styles, classical, gospel, praise and worship and a touch of jazz........... showed that people of diverse backgrounds and training can all bring their gifts to the Lord's table and all be a blessing to each other. As a comoser I've never been so moved by presentions of my compositions "Bless The Lord O My Soul" and ":With His Stripes We Are Healed' Healing and deliverance took place that weekend and those of us who shared in that Worship will never be the same. Our GOD Is Awesome !
  • AUGUST
    Guest Clinician for workshop with the historic Tabernacle Baptist Church Choirs of Augusta, Georgia, Rev Otis Moss III Senior Pastor, Mrs. Millicent Mazyck , Minister of Music. In addition to the adult Choir Workshop, the Children's Choir workshop was fantastic. This mixed group of pre teens and teens read from the printed score and the older children served as mentors for the very young ones. It was a beautiful sight and sound. The lovely city of Augusta was so relaxing and the people were full of southern hospitality. I even went to the church picnic and they served me, at my requist very blackened hot dogs and I had "Brim" fish for the very first time _________ DELICIOUS ! The workshop culminate with all of the choirs singing for the Sunday worship experience. God met us there and we were blessed.
  • July
    Music Director for the General Baptist Conference Fellowship of African American Churches (Southern Baptist), Rev. Michael Evans, Director, held in Houston, Tx. The conference choir met for class and fellowship each day and sang for the Thursday worship service and the Friday evening banquet. ` Thank you choir for a job well done. Praise and Worship was led by Dr. Ronnie Evans, father of our leader, Rev. Michael Evans
    Featured Composer/Conductor/Pianist in a special concert called the Maestros of Music sponsored by the Joesph Smith Christiam Music promotional organization, held at the St John Missionary Baptist Church. This city wide choir of over 200 members sang under the direction of Norma Noble, Glenn Burleigh, Herman Richmond and my mentor Kenneth Kilgore. What a blessing to be honored with such musicians as David Carter , Cordelia Bennett and Cory Gibson and the musicians mentioned above. We all thank you, Joseph Smith (who is tremendously talented in his own right) for thinking about us "old timers" We are the richer for it. The fellowship brought us all back together and we bless God for this opportunity
  • June
    Guest composer / conductor / instructor and the Hampton University Ministers Conference, Dr. James Abbington and Mr Royzell Dillard co conductors of the 2000 member choir. "Is There A Word From The Lord" (Send Your Word) sung several times during the conference. In addition to the classes, The Glenn Burleigh Music Workship And Ministry Inc. was a major exhibitor in "the tent". Our assistant, Edith Glover did a splended job in distributing music to choir directors and musicians from all over the country.. We praise God for His faithfulness and for your support.

    Guest Clinician and Composer for the annual workshop of NANM, National Association of Negro Musicians, Dallas Chapter. William Mitchell, founder / Serita Lattimore, president. The 250 voices that made up the choir were splended and the power in the room was too much to take at times. It is a composer's dream to have a choir than can read and sing and play everything presented. I LOVE YOU DALLAS ! It was my honor to have had four friends to accompany me to Dallas as guest soloists and musicians. The are: Mr. Phillip Hall, pianist from Houston, Tx / Rev. Michael Pickett, tenor-baritone from Houston, Tx / Mr Stan Blanchard, vibraphonist from Oklahoma City, OK and Rev. Dorceal Duckens, bass baritone from Houston, Tx. What a glorious experience for us all. Hallelujah !
  • May
    Time of rest, reflection, and preparation for coming events. THANK GOD FOR REST TIME !
  • March / April
    Workshops and presentation of "Let God Arise" Easter Cantata by the Glenn Burleigh Chorale formed for this Palm Sunday presentation, conducted by Dr. Wallace Cheatham. The 100 plus voice did a magnificent presentation. Glenn Burleigh was also guest clinicin, composer and conductor for the concert held on the University of Wisconson-Milwukee campus. Thanks to all who helped make this celebration a success. A highlight of this event was a workshop and performance with the children of Milwaukee. These very young people learned from memory several songs in three part harmony and they studied the written scors from this songs from my "Train Up A Child Series". I grew to love these youngsters and their parents so much during this very special time. God bless you all.

    Presentation of "Let God Arise" on Easter Sunday (Sunrise Service) at Zion Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. , Dr Emeal Thomas, pastor / Judith Allen, Minister of Music. This very well prepared choir (thanks to Ms. Allen) made this music speak to the hearts of the congregation that all in the house knew that "Christ Is Risen Indeed" Mr Sam Bonds, of the Ellington High School also conducted.
  • February
    Guest clinician / conductor for the Bethune-Cookman Concert Chorale, Daytona Beach, Florida, Dr. Rebeca Steele, Music Director. The annual Choral Music Festival was a tremendous success. Guest musicians, Mr Phillip Hall of Houston, Tx and Mr Stan Blanchard, Oklahoma City, OK.

    Guest Composer, Penn State University "Essence Of Joy" Conducted by Dr. Anthony Leach. This concert featured commissioned works based on "This Little Light Of Mine" featuring compositions by Roland Carter, Glenn Burleigh, Rosephyne Powell, Marvin Curtis, Robert Morris, Keith Hampton, and the late Moses Hogan.

    Dr Leach presented these compositions and several of the composers in three performances at the National ACDA Convention in New York City.
  • January
    Guest clinician in Workshop at Greensforest Baptist Church, Rev. George McCalep, Pastor / Mrs. Thelma Battle, Minister Of Music. What a wonderful presentation of "Jesus Is A Rock In A Weary Land" and "Faithful Over A Few Things" sung in honor of Pastor McClep's book of the same title.

2002

  • Five New CDs
    1. “Born To Die” Christmas Cantata Opus 25 perfprmed by “A Chosen Few”, the “Burleigh Project Choir” and selected soloists and musicians in the Houston area……Glenn Burleigh composer-producer___ Barbara Johnson Tucker, Executive Producer 2 Disc CD

    2. “Let God Arise” Easter Cantata Opus 35 Re release Graceway Baptist Church and the Ambassador’s Concert Choir of Oklahoma City
    2 Disc CD

    3. “Nguzo Saba Suite” Kwanzaa Celebration New CD version Dr. James Kinchen and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Choral Department___Kenosha, WI with the composer at the piano

    4. “Alpha Mass”___ Maestro James Schatzman and the Choral Arts Society of Wisconsin, Racine, WI with the composer at the piano

    5. “Lamentation And Celebration” ___ Maestro James Schatzman and the Choral Arts Society of Wisconsin, Racine, WI with the composer at the piano

    New Octavo Releases (2000-2002)
    1. “Lift Your Heads O Ye Gate” SATB Gospel (with classical
    introduction)
    2. “Jesus Is The King” SATB Gospel
    3. “If We Confess Our Sins” SATB Gospel
    4. “No Coward Soldier SATB” Classical-Gospel
    5. “If You Love Me Keep My Commandments” TTBB Jazz-Gospel
    6. “Nia”, from the “Nguzo Saba Suite
    4. “My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord” from “Born To Die”
    5. “Why Do The Heathen Rage?”
    6. “The Dreamer” SATB with children’s choir / brass choir, organ, piano, bass and drum set
    7. “Lamb Of God (Agnus Dei) from “Alpha Mass”
  • Concert Tour with LeMoyne-Owen College, Washington DC Shiloh Baptist Church / Metropolitan Baptist Church
  • Guest Pianist-Composer-Clinician, Gettysburg College combined choral department and orchestra, Dr. Sharon Davis Grotto, Conductor. Workshop and outreach to historical churches in the area on influences of Black Music in our past and present cultures. Concert presentation of “Let God Arise” with the composer at the piano.
  • Guest Composer, Hampton Minister’s Conference, Hampton University, Hampton, VA and Music Exhibitor at the conference
  • Guest Composer and Choir Director, Baptist Ministers Conference, African American churches of the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas__Lubbock, TX Rev. Michael Evans, Chairman
  • Guest Clinician-Composer Good Hope Baptist Church, Houston, TX
    130th Anniversary Celebration……..Rev. Derrick Cofield, Senior Pastor / Rev. Crawford W. Kimble, Pastor Emeritus.
  • Guest Clinician, Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale
    Annual Choral Festival, Daytona Beach, FL Dr. Rebecca Steele, Music Director
  • Hathorn-Hathorne-Hawthorn-Hawthorne Family Reunion, Guthrie, OK (family on my mother’s side ___ Iona Hathorn Burleigh)
  • Exhibitor, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Detroit, MI
  • Guest Pianist-Composer, Choral Arts Society of Wisconsin in a recording and two concerts of “Lamentation And Celebration” paying tribute to the victims and survivors of the 1999 Oklahoma City Bombing and the recent tragedy of September 11, 2001. Maestro James Schatzman, conducting with the composer at the piano.
  • Southern Nazarene University Concert Choir takes “Order My Steps” on tour to Russia
  • Jackson State University Marching Band steps to “Order My Steps” in the Southern Classic Football game half time show.
  • Born To Die? Scheduled for the following cities durirng the 2002 holiday season :
    Houston, TX Debut concerts presenting the New “Born To Die” CD
    Fairfield, AL
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Baltimore, MD
    Lafayett, LA
    Several Cities in North Carolina
    Washington, D.C. (Several Performances)
    Chicago, IL (Several performances in the Chicago Metroplex)

2001

  • Guest Conductor with LeMoyne-Owen Concert Choir and the Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir, Memphis, TN Annual Christmas Concert , Stephen Hayes, Conductor / Eddie Pryor, Minister of Music
  • Concert at St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral with LeMoyne-Owen Concert Choir, guest composer-conductor
  • Mini Workshop on “Born To Die” ___ Church of the Servant, Oklahoma City, Ok Larry Larson, Minister of Music ___ with Kenneth Kilgore , conductor and founder of the Ambassador’s Concert Choir, co clinician
  • Received Honorary “Doctor Of Humane Letters” from LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN Dr. George R. Johnson, President
    Inducted into the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame___Gospel Division, Tulsa, OK
  • Music Exhibitor, Gospel Music Workshop of America

2000

  • Commissioned for single movement work by the Choral Arts
    Society of Washington, D.C., The Dreamer, performed by the Choral Arts Society, The Urban Nation Hip Hop Choir, The combined Churches of God in Christ Choirs, Children’s Choir of DC, and the Brass Choir and Organist from the National Symphony. Norman Scribner, Music Director, Paul Gatling, Conductor.
  • Appointed to the Honorary Board of Directors of the Choral Arts Society of Washington, D.C.
  • Workshop ant concert with Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, Daytona Beach, FL Dr. Rebecca Steele, Music Director
  • Guest composer-conductor, Wheaton College Concert and Gospel Choirs, Wheaton, IL
  • Workshop and Presentation of “Let God Arise”, Israel Baptist Church, city wide 200 voice choir and orchestra, Washington, DC, Valeria Foster, Music Director
  • Valeria Foster takes “Let God Arise” on the road…….to Israel, Egypt and Jordan.
  • Workshop on “:Let God Arise” Antioch Baptist Church Choirs, Decatur, IL Rev. Joseph Greene, Minister of Music
  • Guest Clinician, Pennsylvania State MENC with Dr. Tony Leach and Dr. Keith Hampton
  • Guest composer-conductor LeMoyne-Owen College Concert Choir with Metropolitan Baptist Church Choir, Memphis, TN___Stephen Hayes, Conductor
  • Shavonne Burleigh (Niece) studies dance at the Interlochen summer dance program
  • LaVonnne Burleigh performs as a regular member of the Lone Star Chapter of Sweet Adalines
  • Received research grants to study the History of Gospel Music and its connection to the Catholic/ Episcopal Church……… Interviews with Dr. Horace Clarence Boyer / Dr. William Abraham (Southern Methodist University School of Theology) / Margaret Pleasant Douroux / Mimi Redd / Richard Smallwood / Evelyn Starks Hardy / Father Peter O’Brien / Sister Mary Elaine Genteman
  • Guest composer-conductor with Dr. David Morrow and the Morehouse Glee Club and Dr. Tony Leach, Penn State University Concert Choir and “Essence of Joy” National ACDA Convention, Chicago, IL Featured works by composers Adolphus Hailstork, Julius Williams and Glenn Burleigh with special guest organist, Kenneth Kilgore, Conductor, Ambassador’s Concert Choir, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Music Exhibitor, Gospel Music Workshop of America
  • Guest Organist in two presentations of “Born To Die” Chicago, IL

1999-2002

  • Artist-In-Residence, LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN
  • Workshop, True Vine Baptist Church, Oklahoma City, OK Jackie Wright Director of Music Five churches participating
  • Workshop, Mt. Olive Baptist Chruch, Oklahoma City, OK Charlotte Chapman, Chairman
  • Works selected for three hymnals:
    1. The African American Heritage Hymnal, published by GIA (Catholic)
    2. The African American Episcopal Hymnal, “Lift Every Voice And Sing”
    3. The 21st Century National Baptist Hymnal
  • Guest Lecturer- Composer-Conductor, Fagin Lecture Series, LeMoyne-Owen College, Memphis, TN
  • Burleigh works featured in numerous clinics and concerts by Dr. Barbara Baker, Washington, D.C.
  • Works featured by Professor Sam Bonds, Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C.



Check this page each month to see WHAT’S HAPPENING with the Glenn Burleigh Music Workshop And Ministry Inc. Thanks for dropping by and GOD BLESS YOU!!!