Norman Scribner facts for kids
Norman Orville Scribner (born February 25, 1936 – died March 22, 2015) was a talented American musician. He was a conductor, composer, pianist, and organist. He is best known for starting The Choral Arts Society of Washington. He led this group for more than 45 years.
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Norman Scribner's Early Life and Music Journey
Norman Scribner was born in Washington, D.C. on February 25, 1936. His father was a church leader in Maryland. Even in high school, Norman loved music. He would wake up early, sometimes at 4 a.m., to practice the organ at church.
After his father passed away, Norman needed to find ways to earn money through music. He took on church jobs. He went to the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. He studied organ and music theory there. He graduated with honors in 1961. While still a student, he even started the Baltimore Choral Society. He was very focused on making the music perfect.
Starting His Career in Washington
In 1960, after serving in the Army, Norman Scribner took on several important music roles. He became a musical assistant at the Washington National Cathedral. He also became the choirmaster at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. He was also the chapel organist for the St. Albans School for Boys. He worked at St. Alban's Church until he retired in 2007.
He also taught music at American University from 1960 to 1963. Later, he taught at George Washington University from 1963 to 1969. He also taught at the College of Church Musicians.
How Norman Scribner Became Well-Known
Norman Scribner first gained public attention while working at the Washington National Cathedral. People quickly noticed his talent. A review in 1963 said he was a young musician who would become a musical leader.
That same year, Scribner became a keyboard artist for the National Symphony Orchestra. He held this job until 1967. He also started conducting the Symphony's yearly performance of Handel's famous Messiah. The main conductor, Howard Mitchell, was very impressed by Norman's skill.
A newspaper article in 1964 described him as a 28-year-old who looked like a football player. It said that music was his whole life. He performed as a pianist, organist, and harpsichordist. He also directed choirs and taught music.
By 1970, many people saw Scribner as the most important person for choral music in Washington. People praised his deep musical knowledge. They also loved his friendly nature and his passion for excellence. Other musicians were amazed by his keyboard skills. His organ playing was almost legendary. In 1970, the Choral Arts Society received grants. This allowed them to pay Scribner a full-time salary. He could then focus all his time on leading the group.
Big Moments in His Career
In 1971, Norman Scribner put together a special choir. It was called the "Norman Scribner Choir." This choir performed for the very first time Leonard Bernstein's MASS. This important piece of music was written for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
He also worked as the chorus master for the Washington National Opera for one season. He was also part of the Choral Panel for the National Endowment for the Arts from 1974 to 1976.
An interesting event happened on August 25, 1972, at the Kennedy Center. Scribner was conducting a piece by Ravel when a pedal on the harp broke. He calmly asked the audience, "Is there anyone in the house who repairs harps?" He then changed the order of the concert. Luckily, a harpist from a military band was there. He went home, got his own harp, and came back. The concert was saved!
On September 12, 1974, Norman Scribner played the piano at the White House. He accompanied violinist Eugene Fodor. They performed for President Ford and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin at a special dinner.
The Choral Arts Society of Washington
Norman Scribner started The Choral Arts Society of Washington in 1965. He was its artistic director for 47 years. A choral society is a group of singers who perform together. Under his leadership, the Choral Arts Society became a very important cultural group in Washington, D.C.. It is now one of the largest choral groups in the United States.
As the artistic director, Scribner led the chorus in many concerts. They performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and other places. He also prepared the chorus to perform with the National Symphony Orchestra. They also performed with other orchestras from around the world.
He led the chorus on seven international tours. They visited countries like Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Italy, and Russia. The Choral Arts Society also made at least sixteen recordings during his time there.
Norman Scribner retired from the Choral Arts Society on August 31, 2012. Scott Tucker took over his role. Norman Scribner passed away on March 22, 2015, at the age of 79.
Norman Scribner's Musical Compositions
Norman Scribner also wrote his own music. Here are some of his well-known compositions:
- The Nativity (1975) – This piece was first performed on December 20, 1975. The Choral Arts Society of Baltimore performed it.
- Love Divine (1984) – The United Methodist Church asked him to write this piece. It was first performed at their conference in Baltimore in 1984.
- Song for St. Cecilia (1988) – The British Institute asked him to write this. It was performed at the Supreme Court of the United States in 1988.
Awards and Honors
Norman Scribner received many awards for his musical work:
- He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1973 with Leonard Bernstein.
- The Choral Arts Society won a Grammy Award in 1996 for a performance he prepared.
- He was named a Washingtonian of the Year by Washingtonian magazine in 1984.
- He received an honorary degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2002.
- He received the Peabody Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006.
- In 1998, he received the District of Columbia Mayor's Arts Award. This award recognized his excellent work in music.
