R. Douglas Helvering

Welcome to the Homepage of Dr. R. Douglas Helvering

Current News and Upcoming Events

Newest project, In Tempore, completed!
I am truly excited about my newest major work, commissioned by the Antioch Chamber Ensemble. The work, titled 'In
Tempore' (In Due Season) uses a new poetic treatment on the seasons by poet Pam Winn. The work is scheduled to be
premiered in the spring of 2010 and presented at the group's concert at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. It is
scored for mixed chorus (divisii) with piano in six short movements (Prologue - four seasonal movements - Epilogue).

Coming To Colorado!
I will be in Colorado Springs in late January for the All-State music festival. The Western State College Concert Choir,
conducted by Heather Roberson, will be performing "When The Night Finds You Lonely" at the conference. If you're
going to be at the conference, look me up and say hello!

New publication upcoming with Colla Voce
I am happy to announce that my unaccompanied choral work "When The Night Finds You Lonely" will be published in the
popular Z. Randall Stroope series with Colla Voce Music. This secular benediction, using text by contemporary poet
Deborah Simpson, is suitable for mixed ensembles from upper-level high school through professional levels.

New Stroope Orchestration Announced
In yet another collaboration with my teacher and mentor, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, I have orchestrated his new
anthem just released with Morningstar, All Who Dwell in the Shadow of the Lord, for chamber orchestra.
Details on availability will be released as soon as they are available.

"Nettleton" Arrangement for Mixed Chorus
Written as a gift to my new church choir at Prince of Peace, NJ is an arrangement of the lovely Nettleton tune,"Come Thou
Fount Of Every Blessing". This well loved traditional hymn gets an updated harmonic treatment and is set for mixed voices
and piano. At a performance time of 3:30, it is a perfect option for church ensembles of all sizes. Contact me for details!

Faculty and Ministry Announcement
It is with great pride that I formally announce that I have relocated to New Jersey, joining the faculty of my alma mater,
Westminster Choir College, as adjunct assistant professor. I am teaching in the theory department. In addition, I am
thrilled about being called to the leadership of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Princeton Junction, NJ as their minister
of music. Both posts commenced at the beginning of September, 2009.

New Hymn Arrangements
The William Baker Choral Foundation commissioned arrangements of two classic hymns for orchestra with organ and
congregation/choir. The two hymns are "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" and "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
(Hyfrydol). Both are designed to be performed in a service setting and are compatible with most hymnals. The orchestral
instrumentation is double woods, double brass + tuba, timpani, percussion, organ, and standard strings.

Te Deum orchestrated
By popular demand, I have orchestrated the fifth movement of my Te Deum, "Vouchsafe, O Lord." The chamber orchestra
instrumentation is scored for 1 flute, 1 oboe, 1 bassoon, 2 horns, and strings. The vocal parts are unchanged from the
original organ version. Contact me for more details!

New church anthem announced
"That The Church May Be One", written for SATB chorus and organ, is designed for traditional ensembles in a church
service setting. The piece was composed for John Schaefer, Canon Musician at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in
Kansas City and Mark Ball, Music Director at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, KS, in honor of their great
commitment to church music ministry at the highest level of artistry.

Arrangements of popular Stroope works
I have completed new arrangements of four works by my teacher and mentor Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. They are: Homeland
(Colla Voce Music), Ode To Joy (Alliance Music), Omnia Sol (brass quintet - Heritage Music), and Lamentations of
Jeremiah (Alliance Music - for both wind ensemble and orchestra). Contact the publishers for more information!

www.rdouglashelvering.com

Dr. Helvering's mission as a composer is to create artistically crafted music for all to enjoy. He
believes in the healing and moving power of music, and his goal is to provide musical satisfaction to
all that listen. As a specialist in choral/vocal music, Dr. Helvering's composition style is varied,
calling on past practices and styles and creatively weaving them into a uniquely communicative
sound for the 21st century listener.

A Message From R. Douglas Helvering

Thank you for visiting my website. It is my hope that you will find what you
are looking for here. This site contains a current bio, a complete portfolio,
recordings and video clips, relevant links, pictures, and valuable information
on the commissioning process. If you have any questions or don't find access
to all that you need, please feel free to contact me directly.
Thank you for your support of the arts!