Robert Olson

My background in music and ministry is diverse. In 1974, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Instrumental and Vocal Music from Moorhead State University, Moorhead, Minnesota. From there I was hired to direct the Vocal and Instrumental music at the University of Minnesota, Crookston where I developed their program and started their first Jazz Choir called “Vocal Force”. After two USO tours with that group I was asked to pursue my Master’s degree and so in 1979, I took an internship at Cal State University Long Beach and worked as a graduate assistant while studying conducting with Frank Pooler. All the while I was employed at Emmanuel Church and developing their arts ministry. Along the way, I directed the Women’s Choir of CSULB, Co-Directed the University Choir Of Cal State Long Beach, went on three choir tours of Australia/New Zealand, wrote the official arrangement of the Australian National Anthem, published choral music with Hinshaw, Aberdeen, and Jensen Publications, and directed choirs at John Davidson’s wedding, Richard Carpenter’s CSULB Winter Festival Concert, and the Crystal Cathedral.

In 1984 I was asked to become the full-time Music Minister at Emmanuel Church in Paramount, CA. It was at that time that the worship leader concept was emerging in our country and my guitar/vocal skills came into play for our church. All the while I was directing the 50 voice choir and developing an orchestra for our Sunday worship. Utilizing my composition skills, directing skills, conducting skills, and vocal skills, I helped our church emerge into a contemporary style of worship which embraced praise choruses and contemporary versions of the older hymns. In the Spring of 2010, I finished my third year of teaching a class at BIOLA University in California called “Designing and Leading Worship”. In July of 2021 I retired and am continuing to write and arrange for various ensembles.

My Published works are as follows: JENSON PUBLICATIONS Come, O Come Emmanuel, COLLA VOCE MUSIC In The Belly Of The Whale – Two Part Noah, Bring Your Children – Two Part Messiah - SATB My Sinless Jesus – Two Part The Bells On Christmas Eve - SSAA You Rock The Babe - SATB Shout – SSA, SATB All Hearts Beat As One – SATB,

HINSHAW PUBLICATIONS And All God’s People Said “Amen” - SATB All Creatures Sing – SATB, ALLEN'S MUSIC AUSTRALIA Advance Australia Fair