CUTV News Radio spotlights Kathy Henkel of Sign of the Silver Birch Music

Los Angeles, CA – For many years, Kathy Henkel worked behind the scenes in music. She served as scriptwriter-producer for classical radio station KUSC-FM in Southern California, music researcher at Paramount Pictures, a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic administrative staff, as well as program annotator for numerous local music ensembles for more than two decades.

But for 40 years Henkel has also been a composer of instrumental chamber music and art songs for voice and piano or harp. Now 75, Henkel currently devotes her time to her music publishing company Sign of the Silver Birch, where she combines her two passions, composing and traveling.

“For classical composers it's always difficult to get your music out there,” says Henkel. “All of my friends have done it a different way. I decided I wanted to meet the musicians and the performers in person, so I exhibit and sell my pieces at music conferences around the USA.”

“Each piece is different,” says Henkel. “I consider the instruments involved, requests of performers, and situation. Does the piece need to be three or thirty minutes long? Am I trying to create a mood, tell a story, paint a picture in sound? A piece needs forward momentum, but it also needs to breathe. Each note is there for a reason.”

Henkel first began composing in earnest when she was 16, resolving to write the great American musical. Henkel’s works have since been performed across the country, as well as in England, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Canada and Mexico.

“I always knew I wanted to create things,” says Henkel. “Trust your ear and write from the heart and soul. That’s what counts.”

For more information, visit http://silverbirchmusic.com/Home.html