Painting: Night Hunger

Richard Clawson studied music composition/theory under Dr Carl Alette at the University of South Alabama.  As a full time church musician for nearly three decades, he has written more than 100 pieces of music for liturgical use.   His musical journey has taken him to the orchestra pit of numerous theatrical productions as well as the accompanist seat for cabaret acts. He also served as composer-in-residence for teatro la fragua based in El Progresso, Honduras. A singing member of OurSong: Atlanta’s lgbt chorus since 2012, he has had the honor of composing several pieces for that ensemble – including a commissioned piece for their 20th anniversary season. Richard has also served on the OurSong board of directors for the past five years and is currently its vice president. He has enjoyed a long friendship and working relationship with internationally renowned soprano Jennifer Holloway who has premiered many of his works. He is grateful to his collaborator on “For Us”, fellow OurSong member Caroline Peacock, for finding the words to unlock the music. Inspiration begets inspiration which, in turn, begets inspiration! 

CAROLINE PEACOCK (Lyricist: For Us)

Caroline is an Episcopal priest and chaplain educator who directs the Spiritual Health program at Emory Winship Cancer Institute. She is the mother of three children through adoption. She studied musical theater at University of Michigan (2000), social work at CUNY Hunter College (2003) and received her theological training at General Theological Seminary (2013). Since 2017 Caroline has been a proud singing member of the Atlanta OurSong LGBTQIA chorus. She writes poetry and lyrics to feed her soul.