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Wendel Werner is the epitome of a modern day musical genius.
Having been named "Composer of the Year" by the Tennessee Piano
Teachers Association, performing as the featured entertainer for
the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies and the pianist for
"Beethoven's Choral Fantasy" one could easily see that Werner's
musical abilities cover a broad spectrum, and encompass most
every musical genre. He is a composer, director, recording
artist, teacher and performer, and devotes the utmost time and
skill to each area. Having devoted time to almost every aspect
of music and possessing immense talent not only as a Jazz
Performer, but Classical as well, Werner is sought by many who
hope to gain advice and knowledge.
Werner attributes much of his love for music to his
father, who shared this passion with him. Ed Werner, was a
meteorologist for the Air Force, but had a deep love for music
of any kind. Upon retirement, he began volunteering for a
listener supported radio station in Memphis, where he became
programmer for "Mr. Ed's Funky Time", a radio show that played a
mix of R&B from the 1950's on. As a child, Wendel recalls his
father entertaining his four young children by playing albums
for them, and pointing out specific melodies and instruments at
given times throughout the works. Ed's encouragement for his
children to listen to music gave them stimulation to become
musicians themselves.
At the age of eleven, while the family is living in
Miami, Werner's parents purchased a piano for their home. Wendel
showed interest in the instrument and began taking formal
lessons. Playing seemed to be natural to him and because he
progressed at a rapid pace, instructors were forced to pass him
on to more proficient musicians frequently. By the age of
twelve, Wendel was able to name top musicians in genre's ranging
from classical to rock and roll. In Junior High, he began
accompanying the school choir. This is where he first became
interested in vocal music. He feels that he owes much of his
musical inspiration to his father, and is thankful to have grown
up in this type of environment.
While attending High School in Memphis, he sang and was
a member of the Jazz Band, all the while continuing his study in
classical piano. He acquired several 'best soloist awards' at
various jazz festivals during this time. He also wrote and
directed a musical "A Place Called Fame". The natural creative
ability he possessed was undeniable.
Werner began college at the University of Tennessee at
Knoxville, as a Classical Piano major. Upon completion of his
sophomore year he switched studies to Jazz Piano and later
received his Bachelors degree in Studio Music and Jazz. During
his undergraduate years, Werner studied with renowned musicians
such as Jerry Cocker, and former Jazz Messenger, Donald Brown.
Werner's passion for music and his desire for
versatility as a professionally trained musician led him to
enroll in a Masters' Program. He was not satisfied with the
Bachelor's degree he had received and intended to channel his
musical ability in another direction. He received a Masters in
Choral Conducting with an emphasis in Musicology. Wendel hoped
to never be restricted as an educator or performer, so he made
it his personal endeavor to be trained in many areas.
As a director, he has worked in many capacities. He
served as the director for the Knoxville Children's Show Choir,
the Athens Area Children's Choir, as well as the Knoxville
Showstoppers. In 2001, Werner accepted the position of director
for UT Singers, the jazz choir at the University of Tennessee,
where he is currently working. From 2002-2004, Werner served as
the director of Just in Time, a women's a cappella jazz choir
that he began. In 2003, the group toured through Canada. Under
his direction, he has had choirs perform in Boston, New York,
Philadelphia, Orlando, Dallas, Charlotte, Memphis, Birmingham,
Washington D.C., Asheville, and Chicago. After playing a lead
role in "Hair", Werner was asked to be the director for "Beauty
and the Beast". He was one of the most sought after theater
directors in the area, and brought ten productions to the stage
in a time span no greater than three years. Upon directing a
unique version of "Godspell" he was instrumental in the start of
another community theater program. Werner's grasp on the world
of music does not end as a director. He has composed three
choral suites, "The Biblical Fires"; "The Biblical Waters"; and
"Requiem". In 1998, he was commissioned by the Oak Ridge Civic
Music Association to compose a work for the Oak Ridge Symphony.
The end result was a 20 minute piece entitled "Granddaddy's
Church", which was Werner's musical interpretation of the
familiar sounds of the church where his Grandfather was a
minister. His creativity was well depicted through this work, in
addition to his personal flair for the unconventional. The
ability he has to envision the use of conventional instruments
in unique ways was seen here. This has become, in a sense, his
musical trademark. Improvisation is another mark of his
one-of-a-kind compositions, and is something that he tries to
incorporate into each piece he writes. He feels that this allows
each performer to place part of their individual style in the
music, which makes each performance matchless and distinctive.
Collaborating with jazz saxophone player, Terry
Schmidt, Werner has released four recordings, including "Live at
Lucille's", and "Savannah Sleeps". The two have appeared as
opening acts for the likes of Herbie Hancock, Tuck and Patti and
Tony Bennett. In addition to this, he has also released four
other albums, joining forces with singer Alan Eleazer. Having
toured through Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto, Washington
D.C., Baltimore, Charlotte, Indianapolis and St. Louis to
perform, Wendel's musical genius is desired and appreciated
everywhere. Werner's ambition does not allow him to rest for
long. Proof of this lies in the fact that 2007 alone saw the
release of "Old Wine-New Skins," the latest release by Werner
and Alan Eleazer, and two solo recordings, "One Sitting" and his
long-awaited second Christmas recording, "Let It Snow." All this
in addition to completing two tours within the same year.
Not only does his enthusiasm for music span many
genres, but many generations as well. As a composer and
performer he possesses the ability to make a wonderful
impression, but as a teacher and director, he has the power to
make that impression last. Having taught at several colleges in
the area, Werner remains in constant demand. His unique
classroom antics and delightful wit keep students on the edge of
their seat. Having been a guest conductor for various ensembles,
conducting musical workshops for a number of high schools and
colleges, as well instructing several Master classes throughout
the Southeast, many musicians have had the opportunity to
experience first-hand the limitless talent and creativity that
is Wendel Werner.
Werner is one of music's remaining Renaissance men,
with his ability to "blur the lines" among genres, and portray
overwhelming emotion to his listeners and students. His
compositions truly are works of art, modern day masterpieces.
But above all, Werner's fervor is displayed each time he takes a
seat at the piano. He pours himself out each time he plays,
because he feels that anything less is no good, and he takes his
job very seriously. "Musicians don't realize the power they
have, the power to save lives. People give up their time and
money; they come to us to take their problems away…" This belief
is what he conveys to each student and is without a doubt
conveyed in every dynamic performance.
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