Header

February 2015 - Vol. 1 - No. 1


Greetings one and all!!

You are the first ones to be receiving this newsletter. In the past, I have tried my hand at blogging with weekly (more like biannually, if that) posts regarding my composer-in-residence program. Unfortunately, a challenge arose in always having something to post (due to the occasional creative slump) and feeling the need to write a novel, which this opening is coming close to becoming.

With that being said, I felt it was time to combine the multiple creative and vocational facets of my life into a singular structure. So, by merging four to five elements into a monthly newsletter format, I will be able to produce more out of less.

---

All things music and creative!

Some major updates are taking place. The biggest is the overhauling of my personal website. Wow!! What a process it has been. However, it will make for much easier updates and marketing in the future. Secondly, the start of a monthly newsletter and the formatting of the layout were completed. To peruse my website click here: www.theodorejander.com.

The Lutheran Church Composer-in-Residence Program began its fourth year just last month. A few projects are in the planning stages. One ongoing endeavor has been writing handbell hymn accompaniments, which I have been doing since 2013. “Jesus Loves Me, I Will Praise Him,” the final song of a compilation with a straightforward, Christian message geared towards children, was finished in late 2013. The piece was a real joy to compose, especially since my mom wrote the text.

The Greenleaf Singers, the group in which I sing and for which I am Artistic Director, finished 2014 and began 2015 with wonderful Christmas and seasonal performances. I had the privilege of composing a new piece entitled, “lullay my liking,”  for the women of the ensemble. I am very proud of the performances they gave for the premiere. We are currently on break until we begin rehearsing in April for the St. Louis Renaissance Faire and Shakespeare in the Park. Our website was recently revamped as well. Take a look here: www.greenleafsingers.com. If you’d like to follow us on Facebook, you can find us at: www.facebook.com/pages/Greenleaf-Singers/131953920169824.

---

Living Life to the +Plus!

As some of you know, nutrition and health have been a growing part of my family’s life. Over the past several years, we have been taking simple, small steps to eating healthier and being more active. Although, Connie, my beautiful wife, and my two fantabulous children, Ellie and Evan, have never had much difficulty in the moving and grooving side of things. One thing that we added to our health routine two years ago is Juice Plus. I cannot say enough about how important it is to eat those fruits and veggies on a daily basis. This segment will host pictures, quotes, tips, etc. of all matters having to do with physical health.

This past October, I began a new position at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Hazelwood, MO, where I have been Co-Minister of Music and Composer-in-Residence. In addition to these two posts, I am now Vibrant Faith Family Development Co-Director. My focus is that of the Vibrant Faith Ministry and its implementation into the worship life, behind-the-scenes (staff meetings, worship planning, group meetings, etc.) productions and the everyday home faith life of the congregation. I will post features, events, updates or inspirational scripture and other related quotes.

---

Be on the lookout next month for Vol. 1, No. 2. If you do not wish to receive further newsletters, click on the link below to "Unsubscribe."

I pray for God’s richest blessings for each of you in 2015.