Composer/performer Jane Ellen recently received her sixth consecutive award from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). This annual award recognizes and encourages ASCAP composers in the Serious or Standard Works categories.

Twenty-three of Jane Ellen's pieces have been published (Shawnee Press, Myklas Music, Heritage Music, and Composer America Editions). "Dancing in Deep Heaven", a chamber orchestra suite based on the science fiction writings of C.S. Lewis, was presented as part of the annual C.S. Lewis 1994 Summer Institute at Cambridge University, England. Recent commissions have included the anthem "To God Compose a Song of Joy," written for the American Guild of Organists' 1993 District VII Regional Convention; a woodwind quintet, "Elegy for the Children of Sarajevo", for the New Music Across America Festival 1992; and a children's choral piece "Pioneers for God and King," for the Visions of New Mexico production, commissioned by the New Mexico Quincentenary Celebration. Her "Psalm 150" is currently being taught in the Secondary Choral Methods class at the University of New Mexico.

The New Mexico Women Composers' Guild has sponsored performances of many of Jane's serious works, including the premieres of "Tethered Flight" (violin solo), "Stille Trauer" (string trio), "Song in the Night" (viola, bassoon, piano), "Three Dream Fragments" (bass trombone, piano), "Pensees" (cello, piano), "Passing" (piano quintet), "Gotham Suite" (piano solo), and "Three Songs for Mezzo-Soprano."

Currently living in Albuquerque, Jane Ellen is a Master's Candidate in Composition at the University of New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of New Mexico, with majors in Music and Religious Studies. As the Parish Organist at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, she is involved in different aspects of music ministry. She also sings and plays with vocal and instrumental groups, and arranges and composes for special events. For several years she had her own jazz and variety band, besides working in a number of musical theater productions.

In her spare time Jane enjoys watching old movies, reading classic adventure novels, and collaborating on musical theater productions with California playwright and novelist Christina Hamlett.

In addition to ASCAP, Jane is also a member of the International Alliance for Women in Music, and the New Mexico Women Composers' Guild.