Earl Wentz

Earl Wentz is a pianist, composer, and musical director, most noted for his creation in 2000 of the American Composer Series, an ongoing performance series in the cabaret format, paying tribute to the greatest composers of popular American music on the American scene, particularly those composers associated with Tin Pan Alley and the American Songbook. [ [http://www.americomps.com] About the American Composer Series] As of 2008, under the direction of Wentz, the American Composer Series had created some 13 original revues, many of them returning for multiple runs over the years. Composers saluted in the series so far include Milton Ager, Harold Arlen, Nacio Herb Brown, Hoagy Carmichael, Sammy Fain, Ray Henderson, Victor Herbert, James V. Monaco, Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne, and Harry Warren. [ [http://www.americomps.com] About The American Composer Series] In 2006, the producers of the series broke the format somewhat for two performances to pay tribute to the series’ founder in “An American Composer Series Special Event.” [ [http://www.americomps.com] ]

Additional Career Highlights

A native of Charlotte, NC, Wentz began his professional career at the age of 12 and his performances—in every medium—have taken him to 48 states. He has worked as pianist, organist, actor, singer, director, conductor, arranger, composer, and teacher. Earl’s credits include guest appearances with the Nashville, Charleston, Glenn Miller, and Jan Garber Orchestras and at such varied venues as the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, the Greenbrier, and the United Nations. He has been featured on college lyceum programs and community concert series from coast to coast. In the 1960s, Wentz toured widely with singing team Doraine and Ellis as their accompanist.

He received his education at Wingate University, Queens College, the University of North Carolina, and through extensive private studies. [ [http://www.americomps.com] Earl Wentz Biography at The American Composer Series Company]

Present Activities

Since 1993, Earl Wentz has been the organist and choirmaster at John Street Methodist Church in New York, the oldest Methodist congregation in America. [ [http://www.johnstreetchurch.org] John Street United Methodist Church, NYC] Currently he also coaches and teaches vocal technique privately. [ [http://www.americomps.com] Earl Wentz Biography at The American Composer Series Company]

Recordings in Print

Among Wentz’s CDs currently in print are "The Piano Stylings of Earl Wentz: Traditional Christmas Favorites" [ [http://www.sixpenceinc.com/subpage5.html] Sixpence, Inc.] , "Vampin’ Lady: The Music of Milton Ager", with vocalist Joyce Moody. [ [http://www.sixpenceinc.com/subpage6.html] Vampin’ Lady: The Music of Milton Ager] , and "Visions of What Used to Be", a collection of popular songs from the World War I era, featuring vocals by Helen Breen [ [http://www.vocalspa.com/productions.htm] Vocal Spa Productions ] .

References