The Team
As I create a work the size and scope of “Les Cent Jour De Napoleon”, I am fortunate to be surrounded by some incredibly talented people that are willing to assist me with their expertise. Learn more about them here.
 
Sean Richarz
 
About Us
Sean Richarz, FINS - Composer, Arranger, Lyricist, Conductor, Trumpet, Guitar, Vocals Sean has had an interest in both music and Napoleon since a young age. He started playing trumpet at age 12, and began writing and arranging music in college. He holds a B.A. in Music Education and an M.A. in Music Composition. He has written numerous works for all types of mediums, including the musical “Rising Star”. His idea for a work about Napoleon came from the old adage ‘write what you know” and his desire to tell the story of this fascinating man in a new and interesting way. His is currently the head of the Performing Arts Department at Bishop Blanchet High School and frequently does guest lectures on Napoleon in the History and French classes at the school. He also continues to work in the Seattle area as a trumpet player and conductor. see Artistic resume, below Craig Schell - Vocals, Recording Engineer Craig learned piano, guitar and trombone at an early age. He graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in music, voice emphasis. He began his teaching career working for the Northwest Boychoir as an assistant director in 1996. He earned his Master’s Degree in teaching from Western Washington University. He has taught voice, guitar and piano privately. Craig began working at Bishop Blanchet High School in January of 2002. He is active as a performer and recording session vocalist (you can hear him on the soundtrack of the popular Halo video game) and has his own music company, Destination Music. Christine Dunaway - Vocals, Violin, Viola Maureen Mershon - Vocals, Dramatic Consultant “Mo” was raised in beautiful New Jersey, 45 minutes from Broadway. Schooled in New York at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy as an actress, singer and dancer, she has also directed, musical directed, choreographed and produced many plays and musicals in New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles and here in Seattle. She is a co-founder and artistic director of The American Musical Theatre Ensemble and Mosey Productions. A member of AFTRA and AEA, Maureen is happy to be part of the Performing Arts legacy at Bishop Blanchet J. David Markham, FINS - Historical Consultant J. David Markham is Executive Vice-President of the International Napoleonic Society and Editor-in-Chief/President Emeritus of the Napoleonic Historical Society, as well as being a retired award-winning educator. He has written and edited numerous books on Napoleon, including Napoleon for Dummies (now translated into French, Russian and Dutch) and The Road to St Helena: Napoleon After Waterloo. Several of his books have won international awards. He has appeared on several History Channel programs, as well as on the Learning and Discovery channels. David does two podcasts with Australian podcaster Cameron Reilly, Napoleon 101, and The Biography Show, a series of single-segment looks at important people in history. Sean D. Richarz, composer Artistic Resume Major Compositions and Performance dates 2008 (scheduled) July – International Napoleonic Congress, Ajaccio, Corsica, France, scheduled to perform music from, “Les Cent Jour De Napoleon” (The 100 Days of Napoleon) a new work-in-progress depicting the period of Napoleonic History referred to as “The 100 Days”, March to June 1815. Will also lecture on the work July – Award winning Roosevelt High School Jazz Band to perform “We’ll Miss You Dick Jones” (1984), on their European tour April 26th – performed work from the “Napoleon” project at the Olympia (WA) World Affairs Council annual banquet 2006 September 16th- from “100 Days” work, “Fontainebleau Farewell” and “Napoleon’s Dream of Josephine”, performed at the National Conference of the Napoleonic Alliance, Seattle, Washington September 29th-Performed 2 songs from “Napoleon” work at the annual Principals Dinner at Bishop Blanchet High School 2004 “One Life, One Day” (1987, see below) for Solo Trumpet and Wind Ensemble, performed at Bishop Blanchet High School Spring Concert 2002 June 8th - “Sarah’s Boogie #8” for piano, written for and performed by Sarah Laven 2001 to present “Bishop Blanchet High School Fight Song” (used existing lyrics) “Bishop Blanchet High School Alma Mater” (used existing lyrics) The school commissioned these pieces in 2001, performed frequently at school sports events, assemblies and other functions 1995 April - “Rising Star” a musical co-written with Nicole Heit. 14 original songs in rock/pop/blues style; performed by Bishop Blanchet High School. Original cast CD recorded at Bad Animals Studio, Seattle 1994 “Santa Claus Rocks” (1982) performed at The Squirrels Christmas show, The Backstage, Seattle Washington (this novelty song has been performed many times during the Christmas season since it was written) 1989 “Big Yuk Blues” for jazz band, numerous performances 1987 September - “One Life, One Day” performed by invitation at the Grand Opening of the Westlake Hotel, a joint project of the City of Seattle and the Archdiocese of Seattle to house homeless men. The piece depicts one day in the life of a homeless man in Seattle May - “One Life, One Day” premiered at Bishop Blanchet High School spring concert 1985 March - nine original works performed at Graduate Composition Recital, ranging from small brass ensemble, string and percussion, jazz, concert band, solo voice, solo flute and rock ensemble 1985 to present Numerous arrangements done for Bishop Blanchet High School school ensembles including Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Jazz Choir; frequent performances 1984 – composed, arranged and recorded new sports theme for KUID-TV, Moscow, Idaho. Used on broadcasts for several years 1983-1985 Arranger, Assistant Director, University of Idaho Marching and Pep Bands 1982 “Fanfare for the Uncommon Man” (based on the Copland piece) Spring Concert, Wood River High School, Hailey, Idaho Performance Experience 1973 to present Performer: trumpet, guitar, percussion, vocalist and conductor. Performed and recorded with such artists as Duffy Bishop, Bruce Laven, Lily Wilde, Bobby Medina, The Squirrels, Power Strip, Ben Fleck, Route 66 Band, and many others 1979-80 Toured with band Tremor; playing guitar, trumpet, sang and did arrangements, wrote songs and was the band’s road manager Education 1985 Masters of Art Degree, Music Composition, University of Idaho 1980 Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental/Choral, University of Idaho Teaching Experience 1985 to present: Music instructor, Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA. Duties evolved as follows: 2005 to present – guest lecturer invited to speak to History and French classes, discussing Napoleon and my research and work on “The 100 Days” 1996 – development and teaching of Beginning Guitar course 1995 – development and teaching of Music and Popular Culture course 1989 – assumed Jazz Band directorship 1989 – named Chair, Performing Arts Department 1988 – took over Concert and Marching band directorship 1985 to present – conductor or musician in 23 musical productions 1985 to present - teaching Grade School band in several area Catholic Grade Schools in satellite program sponsored by Bishop Blanchet Other: 1994 – Instructor, Seattle Public Schools Summer Music Program 1983-85 – Assistant Director, University of Idaho Marching Band 1983-85 – Director, University of Idaho Pep Band 1984 – Instructor, “Fundamentals of Music”, University of Idaho 1981-83 – Instrumental and Choral teacher, Wood River Junior and Senior High School, Hailey, Idaho Professional Organizations Fellow, International Napoleonic Society American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers International Association of Jazz Educators Washington State Music Educators Music Educators National Conference Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honorary International Thespian Society The Napoleonic Historical Society Grants and Awards received 2008 - named Fellow, International Napoleonic Society 2007 - ASCAPlus Award, have received 5 of these. Awarded to composers contributing music in fields that are not covered by ASCAP royalties 2006 – awarded Fulcrum Foundation grant for research on “The 100 Days” 1992-93 – Faculty of the Year, Bishop Blanchet High School http://www.kanstul.nethttp://www.comcast.net/explore.htmlhttp://www.destinationmusic.orghttp://www.destinationmusic.orghttp://www.cascadingstrings.comhttp://www.NapoleonicHistory.comhttp://www.ihttp://www.rooseveltjazz.org/http://www.duffybishop.com/http://www.bobbymedina.comhttp://www.pianowithbenfleck.com/About Us_files/WEBartistic%20resume.docshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4shapeimage_2_link_5shapeimage_2_link_6shapeimage_2_link_7shapeimage_2_link_8shapeimage_2_link_9shapeimage_2_link_10shapeimage_2_link_11
photo  courtesy of Bruce Johnson