IN MEMORIAM

EARL WENTZ

1938-2009

Earl Wentz, 71, of New York City and Charlotte passed away at his home in Charlotte on Sunday, November 15, following an extended illness. 

Born March 22, 1938, composer, performer, arranger, and teacher Earl Wentz began his career at the age of 12, playing the piano at Charlotte’s Amity Presbyterian Church.  He became that church’s first organist at the age of 15.  A graduate of Charlotte's East Mecklenburg High School, he furthered his education at Wingate University, Queen’s College, UNC-Charlotte, and through extensive private studies.

While living in Charlotte, he appeared on local stages, notably the Mint Drama Guild, and taught hundreds of children through his own Earl Wentz School of Performing Arts.  Wentz became a fixture for several seasons on the stage of the Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina, acting and directing in numerous productions.

Following a move to New York City, he continued performing as both an actor and musician, while continuing to teach vocal performance and technique.  In New York, Wentz created the American Composer Series, an ongoing performance series in the cabaret format, paying tribute to the greatest composers of popular American music on the American scene, particularly those composers associated with Tin Pan Alley and the American Songbook.  From 2000 to 2009, the series presented 15 original musical revues, many returning for multiple performances over several seasons (see www.americomps.com).

His performances—in every medium—took him to 48 states. Credits include guest appearances with the Nashville, Charleston, Glenn Miller, and Jan Garber Orchestras and at such varied venues as the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami, the Greenbrier, and the United Nations.  

Earl Wentz was a composer of both sacred and secular works, including an Off-Broadway musical. Other compositions include choral works, instrumental and vocal solos and ensemble pieces, two ballets, and the one-act opera A Minuet, with a libretto by Louis M. Parker.  Wentz’s 1989 musical composition, Requiem, a one-hour work for four soloists, full chorus and orchestra, drew the following comment from the internationally acclaimed opera star, Teresa Stratas:  “God bless you. I loved it! It is a wonderful work. You have a tremendous gift.”

Since 1993, Earl Wentz had been the organist and choirmaster at John Street Methodist Church in New York, the oldest Methodist congregation in America.

Among his CDs currently in print are The Piano Stylings of Earl Wentz: Traditional Christmas Favorites; Vampin’ Lady: The Music of Milton Ager, with vocalist Joyce Moody; and Visions of What Used to Be, a collection of popular songs from the World War I era, featuring vocals by Helen Breen.  All are available through Sixpence, Inc.  (www.sixpenceinc.com).  Several other works and CDs, including the first of four Cole Porter CDs are scheduled to be released soon by Sixpence, Inc.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Raymelle Wallace Wentz and D.A. Wentz, Sr.; by his sister, Anna Mae Wentz Blackwelder; and by his brother and sister-in-law William A. Wentz and LuCile D. Wentz.

He is survived by his partner of 27 years, William B. Watkins of New York; by one aunt, Mrs. Corinne Kerns of Charlotte; by his brother and sister-in-law, D.A. and Christine Wentz of Charlotte; nine nephews and nieces and their families; nine great nephews and nieces and their families; and numerous great-great nephews and nieces.

A memorial service for will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at John Street United Methodist Church, 44 John Street in lower Manhattan.  The Rev. Jason Radmacher will preside. A private committal and memorial service was held at Amity Presbyterian Church in Charlotte on Saturday, November 21. The one-hour recording of Wentz’s 1989 Requiem, featuring full orchestra, 30-voice choir, and four prominent New York soloists will be played at the service, which is open to the public.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the “Amity Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund”, 2831 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC, 28205, or to the “The John Street Church Pipe Organ Restoration Fund”. Checks should be made to “John Street Church”, 44 John Street, New York, NY  10038.  On the memo line “Organ Restoration Fund” or “In honor of Earl Wentz”.