Ralph B. Woodward: Mormon Musician

Ralph B. Woodward, son of renowned musician and choral conductor Ralph Woodward and soprano, Margaret Barclay, is a musician, conductor, composer, and arranger in his own right. He is also an accomplished French horn player and singer. He founded the Salt Lake Children’s Choir in 1979 and serves as artistic director. Having lived in Latin America and Europe, he has developed an interest in cultures and musical traditions that are reflected in the music he composes and selects. In 1999 he was awarded special recognition for his teaching, arrangement, and conducting at the Golden Gate International Children's Festival and Competition.

Some of his compositions have been arranged for more advanced choirs and have been sung by other choirs, including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. His music is available through Cherbourne Music.

Woodward earned a degree in music from Brigham Young University. He has played in the American Wind Symphony, and with the Rheinische Philharmonie and the Utah Symphony. He has performed with jazz greats, Chuck Mangione and J.J. Johnson. He studied and recorded with horn virtuoso, Herman Baumann, and worked in close collaboration with pianist Grant Johannessen and folk singer Pete Seeger.