Jacob Anthony
Perkowski

acob Anthony Perkowski was born in 2005. He began his musical endeavors at age five singing in the graded choir program at Saint James the Greater Catholic Church in Charles Town, West Virginia. In 2015 he performed the boy treble solo in Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms with the Masterworks Chorale at Shepherd University (Shepherdstown WV). Jacob currently is Music Director at the Historic Chapel of Saint Peter in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and directs the Bells of Our Lady of Mercy at Saint James Church in Charles Town. He is also sales and administrative associate at Ellsworth Music Supply & Repair in Ranson, West Viriginia.

From 2001-2003 he was employed as Assistant Music Director at Saint James Parish, mentored by Gary Penkala. As part of these duties, he led the Bells of Our Lady of Mercy Handbell Choir and directed the youth choirs. He was involved in planning and performing much of the music at the church and enjoys the beauties and opportunities inherent in the Church's liturgical year.

Jacob is an accomplished trumpet player, studying under Wayne Cameron. He played for many years with the Frederick Regional Youth Orchestra in Frederick, Maryland, performing on both trumpet and upright bass in the jazz and orchestral ensembles. For four years he played with the Jazz Ensemble at Washington High School in Charles Town, which in March 2023 won the first place title in the West Virginia Music Educators Association state-wide competition. Concurrently, Jacob placed first chair trumpet in the state for the 2023 convention. At the conclusion of his senior year, he was presented the prestigious Pete Durand Award for Musical Excellence ($1000) by Lisa Hazlett, Washington High School band director.

Jacob has composed music for trumpet, organ, and other ensembles and soloists, including original numbers for his blues/rock band, Daised. With this group, Jacob plays lead guitar and sometimes keyboard. His serious hobbies include recording music, modifying his guitars and audio equipment, and cooking. Partnered with fellow cantor/chorister at Saint James, Madeline Tester, he performs blues and light jazz vocals as Maddie & Jake at various restaurants and other venues in the area.

CanticaNOVA Publications is pleased to offer Mr. Perkowski's music in our catalog:

• Improvisation on Now the Green Blade Riseth CNP Catalog #6049
• Saint Joseph Mass CNP Catalog #3053