Shawn Kirchner

Voice part: Tenor

Season you joined the Chorale: 2001-02

Birthplace: Iowa (and proud of it!)

Education/Vocal Training: MA in Choral Conducting (University of Iowa) ; BA in Peace Studies (Manchester College)

Do you make your living as a musician? Yes

If so, where else do you gig/teach/conduct/sing/perform? I am a composer/arranger and songwriter. My choral pieces are available through Santa Barbara Music Publishing, and I have also lately set up my own publishing company for my newer choral works, vocal jazz pieces, and other songs (available through www.shawnkirchner.com) I also have a jazz quartet, do some free-lance piano work around town, and also do some voice teaching/coaching.

Where else do you sing NOW? I serve as organist/pianist at the La Verne Church of the Brethren.

Recent solo roles or guest appearances: Tenor duo for the Master Chorale's presentation of Ariel Ramirez' Missa Criolla. Also, a member of a solo sextet for the Master Chorale's collaboration with Meredith Monk.

Recordings/TV/Film: Meet Me on the Mountain, a self-released album of original bluegrass/country songs, performed by top LA instrumentalists and LAMC singers; soundtracks for Horton Hears a Who, License to Wed, Lady in the Water, and National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Highlights of your musical career: directing music for the 2004 CBS Christmas Eve Special, Enter the Light of Life; also the honor of having the LA Master Chorale perform my choral pieces in various concerts

My favorite choral work: Bach's St. Matthew Passion

A defining moment or favorite onstage experience: The Master Chorale's first Duke Ellington Sacred Services concert, with the Luckman Jazz Orchestra and Darius de Haas

What are you listening to these days? Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway's gospel duet, "Come Ye Disconsolate"

Anything you'd like to add about yourself? I enjoy a variety of "extracurricular activities" including organic gardening, pie-making, political activism, reading James Herriott books, hiking, and attempting to learn foreign languages.