JOANNA SCHWARZ
Joanna Schwarz (b. 1951) grew up in Parksville on Vancouver Island and has made her home in Squamish, BC since 1973. “My parents gave me many opportunities in the arts including lessons in dance, guitar, singing, piano performance and drama. The variety of experiences has greatly enriched my creative life. Now after 30 years as a piano teacher and volunteer in the performing arts, I get to follow my loves of writing, photography and songwriting. Thanks to Larry Nickel’s recent arrangements, several of my songs are now accessible to choirs.”
Light the Flame
by Joanna Schwarz, arr. Larry Nickel
SATB with piano – CP 1932 – duration: 3:20
This beauty was written when the winter olympic games were coming to Vancouver. (a fantastic success). However, Joanna was reaching out to everyone with a timeless message.
Light the Flame. . . and feel the spark of inspiration
Touch the world. . . . and set on fire imagination
Now is the moment we’ve waited for
Dreams light the future that we explore.
Love Needs No Language
by Joanna Schwarz, arr. Larry Nickel
SAB with piano – CP 1931 – duration: 3:25
Joanna has penned a wonderful all inclusive song with a message that the whole world needs to hear. The arrangement is set for community and high school choirs, while including choirs at any level of ability. Each line is great fun to sing in sweet-spot vocal registers.
Miracle at Play
by Joanna Schwarz, arr. Larry Nickel
SATB with piano and optional flute – CP 1338 – duration 3:45
Genius Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” There’s not doubt that Joanna adheres to the latter conviction. Please give a listen. There is a lovely marriage between her text and melody. This would be ideal for a Spring Concert – but certainly works any time of year.
Mountain, Sea and Sky
by Joanna Schwarz, arr. Larry Nickel
SATB with piano and optional flute – CP 1071 – duration 4:20
The west coast of Canada – British Columbia – is beautiful beyond words. So Joanna needed music to convey the imagery. Give a listen to the quality recording.
Pass the Bread of Friendship
by Joanna Schwarz, arr. Larry Nickel
SATB with piano – CP 2033 – duration 2:30
To Be a Window of God's Love
by Joanna Schwarz, arr. Larry Nickel
SATB with piano – CP 2032 – duration 2:40
When Christmas Comes
by Joanna Schwarz/Mavis Todd, arr. Larry Nickel
SATB with piano – CP 1150 – duration 2:50 
Joanna’s song has the makings of a Christmas classic. The infectious melody evokes the holiday spirit. The lilting piano part and rich four part harmonies are approachable for any mixed choir.
