From the Composer Podcast
Learn about the Excelcia Music Publishing composers, and their music. This podcast will present composers talking about their background and give insights into preparing and performing their music.
You can also listen to these informative podcasts on all of the major podcast services, like Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play.
Russell makes accessible choral music appropriate for each grade level. He is best known for arrangements of Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic periods as well as spirituals and multi-cultural.

Ed’s settings of tuneful melodies are passionate and audience-friendly while giving performers the chance to express their feelings and emotions. His music has been performed worldwide, including multiple performances at state conventions and the Midwest Clinic.

The music Blair creates for Jazz ensembles at all levels is engaging for the student and educationally sound. Writing for publication since 1988, his music has been performed internationally by student and professional groups. His compositions and arrangements appear on many state contest/festival lists and have been described as creative, innovative, and dynamic.

Valerie Laney-Rowe’s compositions are captivating and crafted to motivate students to create music while refining fundamental techniques. Her tuneful melodies coupled with fresh rhythmic motifs create an entertaining experience for both the performer and the audience member.

When writing her music, Yukiko creates great harmonies and melodies that are easy on the ears and remind you of times past.

Connor’s music emphasizes opportunities for connection, whether by an empathetic lyric, delicate and dynamic musical lines, or raucous, audience-captivating energy. No matter what style he writes in, he weaves together music that engages the performer, energizes the audience, and brings everyone a little closer together.

Drawing on 36 years of experience as a band director, Laura writes in a playful and witty, yet serious manner by emphasizing and reinforcing key musical concepts designed to aid in the development of young students. In her compositions, all instrument sections have opportunities to shine, with special consideration given to utilize the full capabilities of the percussion section.


Steve’s music is energetic and fun. Student’s will be captivated by his heroic film-score like music. He has a wealth of experience composing outside of educational music that brings an exciting freshness to his pieces.

Bursting with joy, drama, and hope, Amy Riebs Mills’ music is known for its melodic beauty, rhythmic intensity, and harmonic richness. Her worldwide performances as a US Air Force conductor, a regional orchestra conductor, and an educator bring a wealth of practical experience to the craft of writing music for all ages.

George incorporates many techniques and concepts of Twentieth Century Music into his works. His music is unusually sophisticated and emotionally charged while evoking the feeling of modern film music.

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