Compositions by Michael S Barr
Anyone old enough remembers where they were and what they were doing when the attack occurred on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. It is seared into our memories and still evokes strong emotions. The days that followed were filled with sadness and anger – but also pride in the way that Americans came together. United. Strong. Unbowed by the aggression. Politics took a pause. Congress even sang God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol. The world shared our pain. Each…
From 1999 through 2004, I was the Chief Medical Officer of Baltimore Medical System, Inc (BMS). The clinical and administrative teams at that federally qualified health center are among the most mission-driven and hardworking professionals with whom I have ever had the privilege of serving. Inspired by their efforts, I composed a song in mid-2001 to highlight the excellent care provided and describe a vision of how like-minded people and organizations could change the world. I planned to debut the piece…
I enjoy composing music and wish I had more time to do so. Songs about love and positive relationships often come relatively easy. Songs for family life cycle celebrations are fun to write. Emotional events often drive me to the keyboard. In 2002, a colleague’s 16-year old daughter tragically took her own life. I did not know Emily but the sadness of her death overwhelmed me. I sat down at the keyboard and struggled with words. The music would not…