Composer Deon Nielsen Price was interviewed by musicologist Jeannie Pool, on November 20, 2002, in Los Angeles, California, for Culver Crest Publications:

JP: In these compositions, your choice of text, your accompaniments, and your attention to the natural vocal range of amateur, student, and semiprofessional groups of all ages truly reflect your love of choral music. What is your hope for your choral works, now being offered by Culver Crest Publications?

Dr. Price: These pieces were written for choral organizations with which I have been involved. They have been rehearsed and performed, so every detail has been reviewed. I am certain that they "work" and are truly enjoyed by the choirs who sing them. It is a dream of mine to make these pieces easily accessible. Culver Crest Publications will be publishing more of my choral works within the next year.

JP: You have played all roles in the choral music world: conductor, singer, vocal coach, accompanist, composer, and arranger. You conducted, for instance, the Messiah Sing-In for fourteen years in Santa Monica, California, involving more than 500 participants with an orchestra. Are there other experiences you have had that contribute to the success of these choral works?

Dr. Price: My Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California is in Piano with Honors in Accompanying. I studied with Daniel Pollack, Gwendolyn Koldofsky and Brooks Smith, and in choral development with James Vail. There I also learned how to be effective and efficient in rehearsal. In Los Angeles I've conducted festival choirs at the Shrine Auditorium, the Sports' Arena, and other large venues. Over the years, I have taught choral development and literature, and have trained many choral conductors. My book, Accompanying Skills for Pianists (Culver Crest Publications, 1991) is used in universities and private studios throughout the English-speaking world.

JP: So, you've learned through your wide-ranging experience how to maximize the efforts of choirs and their directors with limited rehearsal time?

Dr. Price: Yes. I take all of these things into consideration when I write for chorus. I want to share the joy of choral singing, something that has truly enriched my life. When words and music are combined into song a magical new entity is created. I find that singers often are lifted to an emotional high and feel a strong bond with each other when they sing together. Even audiences sense and enjoy this special level of communication. Everyone deserves to have such moments of pleasure in their lives!