Denice Rippentrop believes that composing is a craft that is as much about the creative journey as the final composition itself. She is the creator of numerous choral works, each of which she finds challenging in process, but fulfilling in the end. Composing gives her energy and purpose as she continually challenges herself to write with integrity and compassion with a style and flair that reflects her understanding of the voice and ensemble balance.

Rippentrop has received many honors throughout her extensive choral career. She was honored by the Foundation of Sacred Choral Music for her composition, “People, Ponder the Cross,” a second-place winner of the International Sacred Music Composers Competition. She was a semi-finalist in the American Prize Composition in the Professional Division for her Mixed Chorus piece “Take Wings and Soar.” Her works have been performed and broadcasted in the USA and abroad.

She has a music education degree from the University of South Dakota and a MALS degree from Hamline University. She was presented the Best Synthesis Award upon graduation. Rippentrop continued her study of composition at the University of Minnesota, obtaining over sixty graduate credits and studying composition at Arizona State University. She has also studied composition with Libby Larsen, Dominick Argento, Paul Fetler and Jody Rockmaker.

“Denice Rippentrop’s music unfailingly works from the spirit outward—beginning with the soul and singing through the words.” Libby Larson, Grammy Winning Composer.

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