Richard McKinney
Lives in Missouri, United States
My education includes a masters in education with emphasis in composition. I have publised with Jenson, Hal Leonard, Heritage, Shawnee, and Concordia.
I completed undergraduate studies at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa, USA, and
graduate studies at Northeast Missour State University now Truman State, Kirksville, Missouri, USA.
My last paid position was for twelve years as director of music for First United Methodist Church of Honolulu, HI, USA.
I have served as a consultant, coach, and/or clinician for a number of soloists as well as ensembles. I was, for six seasons, music critic for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin for the symphony and opera performances.
I have moved to Kirksville, Missouri in 2003. I directed the Chancel Choir for the First United Methodist Church for a couple of years, but resigned as of January 2008. I am in my fourth year as director of the Kirksville Community Chorus. Since I took it over it has grown from a 30 singer chorus to around 60 singers. We perform to standing room only audiences and have been featured on a national television show that features small town activities.
I continue to write and arrange music, mostly for choral ensembles. My community chorus has spawned two smaller ensembles: a treble group of 9 - 11 women, and a mixed quartet of young people who sing jazz arrangements of standard ballads and other lighter material. Both are excellent groups and perform frequently in the community for various service groups and church services.
I am a lifetime member of American Choral Director's Association
I was formerly a vocalist but am now a laryngectomee.
I am a piano keyboard and choral music specialist. I have been retired since about 1998, but still stay very active. I maintain a close relationship with a number of students who studied with me as much as 40 years ago.
I enjoy cooking, reading and travel. I write most of my music using the Finale program, so I'm pleasantly surprised to have had pretty good success on this site. |
