Sheila Bristow received her BFA in music composition from Cornish College of the Arts, where she studied with Bern Herbolsheimer as a Kreielsheimer Scholar. Student works were featured in performances sponsored by by the Boston Conservatory Young Composer’s Competition, the Seattle Flute Society, and the Canadian Consulate of Seattle.
In recent years she has written for friends and colleagues, primarily choral and vocal works. Highlights include a commission for the 10th anniversary of Pacific Choirs, and an anthem composed for the Bishop’s visitation at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, subsequently published by GIA (see works list below). Other choral works have been performed by Choral Union (Pacific Lutheran University), Medieval Women's Choir, and Seattle Pro Musica. Continuing education includes private lessons and workshops (Lehigh University Composers Forum; Art Song Lab, Vancouver International Song Institute).
A selection of recent works
The Finding (mezzo soprano, piano)
Performed at the Vancouver International Song Institute
Trembling With Joy (choral, SSATBB)
Performed by The Princeton Singers at Lehigh University
Presented in Washington, DC (ACDA National Symposium on American Choral Music, 2012)
The Persistence of Song (mezzo soprano, tenor, piano)
Performed on a faculty recital, Pacific Lutheran University
Fair as a dove (choral, SSA or ATB)
Performed at St. James Cathedral by Seattle Pro Musica, and by The Medieval Women’s Choir
Male voice arrangement used in liturgy, Church of the Redeemer
Even during the night (choral, TTBarBarBB)
Liturgical use, Church of the Redeemer
Performed at Pacific Lutheran University by Choral Union
O Queen of Heaven (choral, SATB)
Liturgical use, Church of the Redeemer
Presented in Seattle (AGO convention, 2009)
Published by GIA Publications, Inc.
Three Responses (choral, SATB)
Liturgical use, University Unitarian Church
Presented in Seattle (ACDA conference, 2014)