(1930– )
John Carter and Mary Kay Beall are not only husband and wife, but they
collaborate on a full-time basis on musical works of all kinds. They have
been writing as a team since 1978 and have created several hundred pieces
of music together. John Carter is recognized as one of the most productive
and skillful writers in choral composition today. Before he and Mary Kay
began their collaboration, he had nearly 200 published works to his credit.
Together, John and Mary Kay have over 30 years experience writing and
directing music for choirs of all types and of all ages: elementary, junior
high, high school, college and church. Many of their works are commissioned
by various groups across the country to be performed for commemorative
occasions. As a team, the Carters have produced a dozen musicals and a
sacred opera in addition to their many choral works. They have been widely
performed, and their music exhibits a broad versatility in writing styles.
The Carters have been involved in church music as soloists, Directors
of Music and Sacred Choral Editors. Presently, John is Director of Music
at the University Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio and serves as Editor
Emeritus at Hope Publishing.
John and Mary Kay are members of ASCAP and the American Choral Directors
Association. They have received ASCAP awards annually since 1984 for their
ongoing contributions to choral literature.