Complete Catalogue

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Schmidt is able to adapt his writing for many skill levels, and enjoys utilizing a variety of styles in order to better convey the message of each text.  Having sung in the Maryland State Boychoir for ten years as well as church choirs professionally, he has the experience which allows him to distinguish which techniques work best for composing in the choral idiom.  He would love to discuss commissions with those who are interested.  Please send a message via the contact page.
Set Me as a Seal
​(SATB a cappella, 4'30")

​The pain of losing a loved one fades slowly, if ever.  But there is comfort in the words, “Love is strong as death.”  2018 Chorus Austin Young Composers Competition Winner.
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This commission for the Maryland State Boychoir is in memory of fellow chorister, Maxwell Landbeck.  Singing at his funeral with the choir was an experience I will never forget.  As any father might, he wished he would have been able to hold his son just one more time and let him how much he loved him.  The pain and suffering from the tragic and unexpected loss of a friend (and a son) manifests in the minor sections on p. 3-4, and returns again for the climax of the piece at the bottom of page 6, ms. 65-67.  However, the majority of the piece lives in a positive atmosphere, reflecting on all the wonderful memories of his life, and how he irreparably altered our lives for the better in the short time he spent with us.  We all loved him, faults and all.  His family, friends, and his brothers in song are all better people for knowing him.  And his memory will stay with me forever.  Although Maxwell is no longer with us, he lives on in our hearts: and we are better men for knowing him. Rest in peace Maxwell, we will never forget you.
Wessobrunn Prayer
​(SATB a cappella, 4'30")
A spectacular piece to showcase your advanced choir; 1st place winner in the international 2016 Carl Orff Competition.

Wessobrunn Prayer is a medieval poem about the creation story. This setting of the historic text is founded on chant but also branches out into modern harmonies, creating an innovative piece while capturing the essence of the choral tradition of old. Simultaneously archaic and contemporary, it maintains a certain quality of timelessness. Examples of imagery include the rocking waves of the “sea” mirrored by the chordal movement hovering around E minor, and the tenor drone which imitates the void before creation.  From that moment of emptiness, the music gradually builds to the climax of the piece, which pays tribute to the awesome power of God, while evoking the child-like wonder people experience when trying to comprehend all that he is.

Upon reading the Wessobrunner Gebet for the first time, I knew instantly that I could make some incredible music with it. But little did I know that something I wrote in only two weeks time would go on to win first prize in an international competition! The 2016 Carl Orff Competition received over one hundred entries from around the globe, and only ten composers had the privilege of traveling to Munich, Germany to hear their choral settings of the old German prayer performed.  A combination of jury and online/audience voting determined the finalists, and then the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.  
Wessebrunner Gebet (translated from Old High German)
​
This I learnt among mortal men as the greatest wonder,
That there was neither the earth nor the heaven above,
Nor was there any tree nor mountain,
Neither any star at all, nor did the sun shine, 
Nor the moon gleam, nor was there the glorious sea.

When there was nothing, no ending and no limits,
There was the One Almighty God,
Of all beings the greatest in grace, and many glorious spirits with him.
The Holy God. 
Old Poets
​(SATB a cappella 4')

​A candid piece that contrasts young and old writers, advocating for the wisdom of the latter. 
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Old Poets is a charming poem which invites people to contemplate different perspectives.  There are benefits and drawbacks of getting older: although young people can have great new ideas and energy, they often lack the wisdom and insight that comes from a few more years of life experience.  Kilmer portrays the young poet as consumed by their feelings –so determined to speak their mind that they won’t stop to listen.  In contrast, the old poet is content, has peace of mind, and refuses to worry.  These days it is easier than ever to get so caught up in everything that’s happening in the world that we lose sight of the things that are most important to us.  For me, Old Poets is a reminder to take a step back, and also to learn from those who have seen a thing or two.
Alma Redemptoris Mater
(SATB a cappella, 3')

Commissioned by the Choir of Mt. Calvary Church, Allen Buskirk, Director.
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 Holy mother of our Redeemer, thou gate leading to heaven and star of the sea; help the falling people who seek to rise, thou who, all nature wondering, didst give birth to thy holy Creator. Virgin always, hearing the greeting from Gabriel’s lips, take pity on sinners.
Teach Me, O Lord
(SATB a cappella, 4')

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.  (Psalm 119:33-40)
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"Teach Me, O Lord" conducted by Schmidt
Psalm 131
(SATB a cappella, 3'45")

Commissioned by the Choir of Mt. Calvary Church, Allen Buskirk, Director.
Oh Lord, my heart is not proud, nor haughty my eyes.
I have not gone after things too great, nor marvels beyond me.
Truly I have set my soul in tranquility and silence.
As a weaned child on its mother, as a weaned child is my soul within me.
Oh Israel, wait for the Lord, both now and forever.
None Is Righteous
(SATB a cappella, 4'30")

This sobering setting of the condemning passage from Romans 3 is sure to leave an impression on the audience, religious and non-religious alike.
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​None Is Righteous evokes the sense of depravity and desperation we face in light of all of humanity being condemned as completely and utterly evil. The piece delves deeply into challenging and complex harmonies, combining them with speech-like rhythms —both in service of portraying the text with greater intensity. From the start, every phrase is composed to accentuate the most crucial words. “And the way of peace…” is a moment of fruitless hope imagining what might have been if sin hadn’t existed. This thought is quickly overwhelmed by the reality of our rebellion and banishment from God’s presence. The remainder of the piece is a lamentation: a struggle to come to terms with our ultimate failure to ever live up to God’s standards through our own efforts.
Reflection
(SATB & Piano, 3'45")

​To honor the skill and foresight of Vesely's use of bold words to enhance his poem's message, this technique is mirrored in the second section of the piece by using the same pitches in the choral part for each word as before.  Let's just say making that happen took long enough that I'm very pleased with the results.
by Garrett Vesely

This morning I sink, seated
in the rain-trampled mud
at a pond’s edge--
I think of how Woolf & Berryman &
Plath & Jerrell & Sexton &
Hemmingway & I
consider the love of words
and the solemn darkness
of shadows on a page.
I revise poems much like I
revise myself. I drown them,
and whichever words
refuse to die & resurface,
I keep; for me what remains
is that I write.
Open Your Eyes
​(SATB & Piano, 6')

This poem emerged as my response to the seemingly ever-increasing polarization and hostility in American politics, particularly in our interactions online.  
As I watched others (and myself at times) fall into arguments, I became convinced that a change of priorities was in order.  The solution is not to stop having these difficult conversations altogether.  Dialogue must continue, but it needs to be underscored by an honest desire to understand those with which we disagree, and a commitment to love them despite our differences.  We need to quell the desire to vilify our opponents as evil and instead remember our common humanity, striving for reconciliation at every opportunity.  We must honestly consider opposing views, being careful not to remain stupid, as Benjamin Franklin said.  We must be diligent to discern the ever-blurring line between fact and opinion in journalism, identify bias, and curb the spreading of misinformation.  We need to stop allowing social media and truth-obscuring publications to exploit our outrage for profit.  We must heed the words of Abraham Lincoln and scripture (1st Corinthians 13:1-8, James 1:19).  We must open our eyes to love.
Christmas is an Act of War
(SAB & Piano, 3')

​This poem by Brendan Beale refutes the peaceful narrative of the Christmas nativity, remarking how Jesus' arrival on earth is actually an invasion in the battle between the powers of heaven and hell.
Anthem for Uncertain Times
​(SATB & Piano, 7')
A simple yet powerful proclamation of hope, this inspirational piece promotes rallying together in unity during times of trouble.

This text comes from a devotional book president Lincoln owned called The Believer's Daily Treasure. An underlying message of hope transcends the religious nature of the text. It was particularly striking to me in the fall of 2017 when I began composing in the midst of hurricanes, NFL protests, cases of Hollywood sexual abuse, and a political climate as polarized as ever.  In spite of all the pain, division, distrust, and hate we may experience today, we cannot be disheartened when we struggle to see through the storm. In our darkest moments, we must remember that every tomorrow is a new day. I believe in the true spirit of the American People: the strength that comes when we choose to set aside our differences and fight for what we believe in, together as one. When we have faith in each other, the state of our union will grow stronger. Lincoln knew all too well the challenges of uniting a nation divided against itself, and sadly he paid the ultimate price for his efforts. In the end, no matter what each of us puts our trust in, we must all have the courage and conviction to continue fighting for all that is right and good in the world.
Oh let my trembling soul be still,
While darkness veils this mortal eye,
And wait thy wise, thy holy will
Wrapp'd yet in tears and mystery:
I cannot, Lord, thy purpose see,
Yet all is well - I trust in thee.
Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis
​(SATB & Organ, 4' & 2'30")

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Commissioned by the Choir of St. David's Episcopal Church, Douglass Buchanan, Director & Organist.
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St. Joseph
​(SATB & Organ, 3')
A piece celebrating the contribution of Joseph to faithfully provide and care for Mary and Jesus.
Interestingly, the Bible does not include any spoken words of St. Joseph the carpenter; this despite his importance in raising Jesus alongside Mary.  This poem is a reminder that even those with some of the most significant jobs don’t get all the spotlight, and that’s ok.  “His silence is a music heard on high, and understood.”  Even if our work or contributions are not recognized by others on earth, we still know their importance, and can be confident our efforts are not in vain.
PROMO: "Pay when you can, share when you can't"
Earn a $25 credit towards your commission fee by sharing your commission experience with a fellow director colleague! (Limit up to 5, totaling $125 off, inquire for more details).  All local commissions include one rehearsal visit & attendance at the premiere, schedule permitting.
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