Career
A product of the cultural life of Chicago, Camphouse received his formal musical training at Northwestern University. His first Symphony was composed at age 17. lieutenant was premiered by the Colorado Philharmonic in 1972 in the historic Central City Opera House.
His second Symphony, for narrator and symphonic band, honors General of the Army Douglas MacArthur.
His third Symphony, for soprano and wind orchestra, is based on the writings of American Humanist Helen Keller. Engagements as a guest conductor, lecturer, and clinician have taken him to 43 states, Canada, much of Western Europe and China.
His most frequently performed works are: A Movement for Rosa (honoring Civil Rights heroine Rosa Parks), Watchman Tell Us Of The Night, Yosemite Autumn, and Three London Miniatures. In total 30 of his compositions for wind band have been published by either TRN, Southern, Alfred, and Neil A. Kjos music companies.
He also conceived, co-authored, and is the editor of the unique four-volume series Composers on Composing for Band, published by GIA Music Publications.
His most recent book entitled "Whatsoever Things..The Life and Teachings of John P. Paynter" was published in 2015 by GIA Publications in Chicago. He is currently Professor of Music and Director of the Wind Symphony at George Mason University where he also teaches courses in conducting and composition.
