Mary Ellen Childs

Mary Ellen Childs (b. Lafayette, April 13, 1957 - ) -- Composer. Early on, Childs performed as a dancer and would later incorporate dance rhythms and theatrical movement into her compositions. Based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, she has composed in a variety of genres, especially instrumental chamber music and percussion ensemble. Childs writes for her own percussion ensemble Crash, which has performed in four continents including Russia (three times) and Cuba. Many of her works for Crash include a strong visual element, and the players incorporate unconventional playing techniques and move around within the performance space. Childs has received commissions from Kronos Quartet (Four of One of Another), the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Opera America, the Dale Warland Singers, and Live Music for Dance NY/NJ.