Howard Tappan

Three Lively Spirituals arranged by Howard Tappan

I Got a Home in-a That Rock

Way Over in the Promise' Land

Wake Up! Jacob

Howard Tappan (1924-2002) grew up and had his early musical training in Binghampton, New York. He received a Bachelor's Degree from the Eastman School of Music, a Master's Degree from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. from Florida State University. Dr. Tappan taught in public schools and colleges for 30 years, principally in Rochester, New York, where he became director of choral activities for the public school system with a staff of 30 music teachers. After retiring to Penny Farms with his wife Elinor, he directed two choirs, performed on piano and organ, and continued to compose and arrange music, including works for piano, duo-piano, orchestra, various chamber and vocal ensembles, and chorus. Howard was a long-time friend of The Orange Park Chorale and served on its board. Clay County's Concert on the Green named its first-place scholarship award after him, in honor of his contribution to that annual event as well as for his lifelong dedication to the arts.

About today's pieces Dr. Carole Clifford notes: "Three Lively Spirituals were [Dr. Tappan's] last published works (by Oxford University Press) and were perhaps inspired by a new Southern influence on his compositions and the sand in his shoes!"

--Intermezzo Sunday Concerts, November 19, 2006 (The Orange Park Chorale: Music of Local Composers)