About Robert Sieving
Robert Sieving is a distinguished American composer and arranger, primarily recognized for his extensive contributions to choral and string orchestra repertoire. Born in 1942, Sieving's musical output spans both secular and sacred choral works, alongside numerous arrangements and original compositions for string ensembles. His significance lies in his prolific body of work, with over 100 published pieces, and his influence as an educator and leader within the choral music community.
- Sieving is a prominent figure in the Twin Cities music scene, having spent much of his career based in the Minneapolis area.
- He previously served as the Director of Choral Activities at Apollo High School in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and is currently a member of the Augsburg College music faculty, directing the Augsburg Men's Chorus.
- He is a past president of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of Minnesota and a recipient of the ACDA of Minnesota Conductor of the Year Award, recognizing his leadership and excellence in choral music.
- Sieving has twice won the annual "Welcome, Christmas!" carol composition competition, co-sponsored by VocalEssence and The American Composer's Forum.
Performing Robert Sieving's sheet music offers rewarding experiences for a wide range of musicians. His choral works are suitable for various levels and combinations of voices, appealing to high school, college, and community choirs alike, and are often praised for their accessible yet artistic qualities. His string orchestra arrangements are frequently featured in educational settings, with many pieces accessible for intermediate-level ensembles (Grades 2.5-4), often including parts that provide engaging opportunities for all sections, such as "Old French Melody" which can facilitate discussions on parallel minor and major. Whether it's the dramatic flair of a piece like "Dos Fuegos" with its bold, Latin romanticism for string orchestra or his fresh arrangements of carols, musicians will find his compositions both enjoyable to learn and satisfying to perform.