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Rollo Dilworth is a renowned composer, conductor, and educator in the field of choral music. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1970, and grew up in a musical family. His mother was a church pianist, and his father was a jazz musician. Dilworth began playing the piano at the age of six and later learned to play the trumpet and sing in his church choir. Dilworth attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1992. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music in 1994. Dilworth continued his education at Northwestern University, where he earned a Doctor of Music degree in Choral Conducting in 2000. Throughout his career, Dilworth has been a prolific composer of choral music. His works have been performed by choirs around the world and have been featured at numerous festivals and conferences. Dilworth's compositions are known for their rhythmic energy, harmonic complexity, and incorporation of African American musical traditions. One of Dilworth's most popular works is "I Sing Because I'm Happy," a gospel-style arrangement of the hymn "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." The piece features a driving rhythm section and a soaring soloist, and has become a staple of choral repertoire. Another well-known work is "Freedom's Plow," a setting of a poem by Langston Hughes that celebrates the struggle for civil rights. The piece features a powerful text and a driving, syncopated rhythm. Dilworth has also composed a number of works for children's choirs, including "Shine on Me," a lively gospel-style piece that encourages children to let their light shine. He has also written several works for high school and college choirs, including "Rainbow 'Round My Shoulder," a setting of a traditional African American work song. In addition to his work as a composer, Dilworth is also a highly respected conductor and educator. He has conducted numerous all-state and honor choirs, and has served as a guest conductor and clinician at festivals and conferences around the world. Dilworth is currently a professor of music education and choral music at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he also serves as the director of the university's gospel choir. Throughout his career, Dilworth has been recognized for his contributions to the field of choral music. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the 2019 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Brock Commission, which is awarded annually to a composer for a new work that is premiered at the ACDA national conference. Dilworth has also been inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Association Hall of Fame and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music Hall of Fame. In addition to his work in choral music, Dilworth is also an advocate for music education and the arts. He has spoken and written extensively on the importance of music education in schools, and has worked to promote diversity and inclusion in the arts. Dilworth's commitment to music education and his contributions to the field of choral music have made him a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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