Jane Ellen

Dear Friends,

I’m not sure what it’s like in your part of the world, but mine is triple digit HOT. I’m seriously missing the lush greenery, the cooling water, and the lovely humidity of northern Missouri where I stayed for a week to attend a Memorial Day weekend family reunion. Highlights included hanging with my cousin Bobbi (who took pictures of me getting my feet wet in the Mississippi), seeing a fox from only a few feet away, attending church at the Shrine of St Patrick whilst my Aunt Ellen played organ and my cousin Laddy served at the altar, meeting a cousin I didn’t even know I had (Mary Ann), having a great time with her and Bobbi (we “girls” giggled so much we nearly drove my Aunt crazy), and going four-wheeling with my cousin Cyndy. I hope to go back for another visit soon.

I am thrilled to announce that organist James Thomas David Gonder will be performing the Canadian premiere of my work Danse des Esprits in September 2010 as part of a concert in Toronto, Ontario. Progress continues as well on the indie film Lukisan Hati, which has seen a flurry of media attention after an official launch and press screening in Malaysia. Work continues on an English translation, and the film will soon be available for downloading via the Youngstreet website (www.youngstreet.com.my). I’ll be sure to keep you posted as more news develops. Continue reading June 2010

Dear Friends,

I hope you’re all enjoying the arrival of spring (or autumn, depending on your location!). I travelled by train to Santa Fe this month and was able to rest and recharge for a few days, but I am now back in Albuquerque with lots of news to share!

Excitement about the independent film Lukisan Hati continues to build. Trailers from this film, a touching story about love and friendship as seen through the eyes of five teenagers and which features my music, are now popping up on YouTube and Facebook. The producers are also working toward a television premiere, as well as screenings in Singapore. For those of you who have been asking, I’m happy to let you know that there will be an English version of the film available, and I will share the details as I get them. Continue reading April 2010

Dear Friends,

February was an amazingly busy month with so many things happening that I thought it best to wait until March to touch base again.

The official published announcement will be coming out this week in the annual Winter issue of Pan Pipes dedicated to the American Composer, so it is with mixed emotions I announce here that I am standing down as Director of the Sigma Alpha Iota American Composers Bureau. After three years of working as Coordinator of Admissions under then-Director Dr Dorothy Gross, followed by seven years working as Director, ably supported by the wonderful Pan Pipes team, it is time for me to pass the torch. I am blessed and privileged to have been in personal contact with not only some of the most gifted composers in the United States, but more importantly, some of the best human beings – several of whom have become dear friends.

Although this was an incredibly difficult decision to make, I know that it was the right one for me at this time. My leaving would not be complete without expressing my most heartfelt thanks to two dear fraternity sisters, Marcia Williams, who has served as Editor of Pan Pipes for many years, and SAI National Executive Director Ruth Sieber Johnson. Both of these extraordinary women have stood by me offering support and encouragement through some of the darkest and most difficult years of my life. “Thank you” isn’t enough – but sometimes those are the only words we know to say. Continue reading March 2010

Dear Friends,

As we enter not only another year, but another decade, I am reminded of how short and precious our time is on this little planet. I hope that none of you has been personally touched by the devastation in Haiti, but I also hope that you will make a contribution – no matter how small – to the on-going relief efforts. ASCAP and other professional arts organisations are collecting funds, as are Oxfam, Unicef, and any number of other groups.

Independent film Lukisan Hati from HS Maju Productions opens in Malaysia this month; the film brings to life the artwork of Anshari Mohd, as it translates his comic to the big screen. Lukisan Hati is a touching story about love and friendship as seen through the eyes of five teenagers. The soundtrack includes two pieces from my album Seasons of the Heart, ‘I Will Find You’ and ‘Promise of Spring’, as well as songs by the group Hyper Act. The film will also be available as an online download; many people expect this to become the norm over the next few years, as technology capabilities increase and the demand for immediate release intensifies. It’s an exciting time to be alive! Continue reading January 2010

Dear Friends,

As the holidays draw near, I wish all of you the happiest of times and hope you can find joy and peace in the season. This issue is later in the month than usual and will be brief, as I was holding back on publication in hopes of having official word on a couple of projects to share with you. The January 2010 issue is just around the corner and will have even more news.

My new CD Following My Heart has made its debut on Amazon.com with two five-star reviews, and is selling both in its entirety and as individual tracks in Canada, the UK, Europe, Israel, and the Philippines. Much to my surprise, the breakout single has not been ‘Raindance’, but the second track, ‘Keeper of My Heart’. Be sure to stop by and support KC Café Internet Radio which is dedicated to bringing you the finest in original music from around the world. Currently the station is playing tracks from both the new album and my seasonal album Flowers in Winter. As always, you can order copies of my CDs directly through me, or by accessing the links to your favourite retailers via my website. Continue reading December 2009