Norman Scribner

Norman moved to Cumberland as an eighth grader in 1948 when his father became pastor at Centre Street United Methodist Church. An exceptional musician, he'd practice on the church organ, playing so loudly one night that the sisters at St. Patrick Catholic Church nunnery called the police about the noise going on; they couldn't sleep.
In 1965 he founded the Choral Arts Society of Washington, an ensemble of more than 190 singers who perform under his direction at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Since then, and as artistic director of one of the major symphonic choruses in the United States, he has led them during numerous performances with the world's leading conductors and orchestras, and on television appearances, recordings and tours.
At the request of Leonard Bernstein, Scribner assembled a professional choir to perform in the world premier of Mass for the opening of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1971. That group has returned to the site numerous times and has produced a Grammy-nominated recording of Haydn's Mass in Time of War in 1973 under the direction of Bernstein, recording on the Columbia label.
An accomplished pianist, he was the staff keyboard artist for the National Symphony Orchestra from 1963 to 1967, and he has also served as guest conductor of the symphony on several occasions. He has, as well, a well-known reputation as a composer.
After graduating with honors from Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory, his musical presence in Washington commenced when he became conductor of the American University Chorale, assistant organist of the Washington Cathedral, and organist-choirmaster of St. Alban's Episcopal Church.
He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and the College of Church Musicians of Washington National Cathedral.
His many outstanding achievements and contributons to the city of Washington haven't gone unnoticed; Scribner was named a 1984 Washintonian of the Year, received a Mayor's Arts Award in 1998, the Cultural Alliance Founder's Award in 2001, an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Virginia Theological Seminary in 2002, and the Peabody Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006.
He recently returned to Centre Street United Methodist Church as guest organist with the Sanctuary Choir as the church celebrated its 225th anniverasry.