REFERENCES AND REVIEWS

“Ryan D. Neaveill...has ingeniously combined a variety of elements into a fine hymn for Palm Sunday. He has combined texts by John Cennick, English contemporary of the Wesleys, and Reginald Heber (author of ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’), with music from the early American songbook, The Sacred Harp, to form this hymn that will appeal to congregation and choir alike.”

—Dean McIntyre, Director of Music Resources, General Board of Discipleship, Hosanna! Save, Mighty Lord! A Sacred Harp Hymn for Palm Sunday.

“Ryan is an extraordinarily gifted person. His most obvious gifts are musical; he sings beautifully, plays piano and guitar, writes and arranges music.... I’ve found his musical arrangements of sacred texts to be as singable and beautiful as any I’ve heard....”

—Rev. Sara L. Isbell, Letter of Reference for Ryan Neaveill, May 11, 2005

“Sometimes less is more. Neaveill’s arrangement [I Want to Be Ready] is gospel with little artifice and folk-like simplicity. ...this would be a rollicking addition to any service or concert program.... This piece is enthusiastically recommended to high school, church, and collegiate directors.”

—Raymond Sprague, “Choral Reviews: I Want to Be Ready,” Choral Journal 43:2 (September 2002), p. 85.

“Through Ryan’s leadership, talent and enthusiasm, the adult chancel choir has more than doubled in size, and Church members who never dreamed that he or she would ever sing in a church choir are now regular and enthusiastic choir members (I am one of those persons).”

—Hugh H. Rowden, Attorney at Law, Letter of Reference for Ryan Neaveill, February 23, 2006

“The music—well-done and unfortunately only an ancillary element—is anchored by accompanist Ryan Neaveill. His timing is essential to the overall tone, and he is flawless.”

—Lori Timm, “‘Groucho’ Not Just for Marx Enthusiasts: Apollo ‘Revue’ Traces Comedy Team's Career in Vaudeville Movies,” Peoria Journal Star, November 14, 1993, page B2.

“Ryan is an exceptional musician, choir director, pianist, guitarist, singer and composer/arranger. He has a keen intellect and knowledge of music. He is well acquainted with a variety of music forms and styles. Ryan has high ethical and moral character. He has a deep personal faith in Jesus Christ.”

—Rev. Danny F. Cox, Letter of Reference for Ryan Neaveill, January 31, 2007