Ronald A.
Turner

onald Turner retired as the Carolyn King Ragan Professor of Church Music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he taught for 37 years. He was Chair of Voice and Music Theory, holding graduate degrees in both areas.

As a singer, he performed as tenor soloist in recitals and oratorio appearances in the Louisville area, throughout the southeast, and in England.

As a composer, Dr. Turner has had works published by eight publishers, as well as liturgical works that were performed on a recurring basis for several years at London’s Saint Paul Cathedral [Anglican], where he was Visiting Scholar in Church Music during the 1993-1994 academic year. His compositions include hymn tunes, liturgical psalm settings, anthems, as well as pieces for organ, piano, and handbells.

As a conductor, he has led church choirs for fifty years, as well as conducting Southern Seminary’s Male Chorale, its Oratorio Chorus, the Kentucky Baptist Chorale, and the Kentucky Opera Chorus. Dr. Turner’s degrees include a B.A. from Charleston Southern University, a Master of Music from Converse College, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Southern Seminary in voice performance and church music. He was Minister of Music for Deer Park Baptist Church from 1973-1993, Minister of Music and Organist of Louisville’s First Lutheran Church from 1994-2004, and in 2004 he returned to Deer Park Baptist Church as Minister of Music and Worship, where he again works with his wife, organist/pianist Dr. Sandra Chucalo Turner, Professor of Church Music and Chair of Keyboard at Southern Seminary.

Ron and Sandra Turner have one daughter, Alison, also a musician. Alison is married to another church musician, Jonathan Badgett. They have three grandchildren who may well follow in the "family trade" of church music! In retirement Ron and Sandra continue to reside in Louisville and provide church music at Deer Park Baptist Church. Ron still works as a freelance composer, while making plenty of time for RV-ing with their red truck, "Redford," and a travel trailer.

CanticaNOVA Publications is pleased to also offer Ron Turner's music in our catalog:

• Magnificat - for SATB choir CNP Catalog #5064