Nearer, Still Nearer — Men’s Ensemble, A Cappella

Daniel J. Van Gelderen, the director of Everlasting Praise Publications, is the resident composer at Falls Baptist Church and Baptist College of Ministry. Daniel has composed and arranged over 200 works for various groups including symphony orchestra, string orchestra, concert band, choir, men’s ensemble, string quartet, and brass choir. Many of his compositions are featured on fifteen professional recordings, fourteen of which he produced. Nine of his recordings feature vocal groups that he founded and continues to direct. His headline work to date, A Christmas Gloria, was commissioned and performed in 2017 by the Bel Canto Chorus and music director, Richard Hynson. Daniel presently serves as the Artistic Director for Falls Baptist Music School and Baptist College of Ministry, a position that includes directing several large ensembles, including a symphony orchestra and a 120-voice college choir. Groups under his direction have performed such works as Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Rutter’s Gloria and Mendelssohn’s Elijah. He also serves as the Director of Productions at Falls Baptist Church, overseeing annual full-stage productions such as A Christmas Carol and A Christmas Spectacular. As a professor of music at his alma mater, Daniel teaches classes in composing and conducting. He also maintains a private cello studio offering private lessons. The ultimate goal in his training of musicians is to see them achieve excellence while learning how to use their skills to transform the lives of others.