BROWNWOOD – April 26, 2018 – Howard Payne University’s School of Music and Fine Arts recently hosted its first Secondary Educators’ Choral Conducting Workshop. As part of the two-day intensive workshop, high school and middle school educators and students received instruction designed to hone their skills as conductors.
Dr. John Dickson, director of choral studies at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, served as the clinician for this year’s workshop.
“The inaugural Secondary Educators Choral Conducting Workshop at HPU was an immense success,” said Dr. Chris Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. “All of the participants involved were very complimentary of the workshop and proceeded to ask when the next workshop would be held.”
Attendees of the workshop said the individual instruction and the opportunity to work with a different and very skilled choir were highly beneficial. Others said the workshop went beyond their expectations and they looked forward to attending again.
“We grew as a vocal area personally and collectively during this workshop,” said Dr. Rosborough. “Dr. Dickson imparted his expertise and wisdom, and immediately the HPU Concert Choir has begun performing at a higher level. I am so proud of our students and was honored to host such a great group of participants and conductors.”
HPU’s Concert Choir held a public performance to conclude the clinic. Featured at the concert was the selection “Fern Hill” conducted by Dr. Dickson. He also gave a brief lecture on the story of and the inspiration for the composition.
HPU students and local choir directors who attended the workshop directed performances of six more choral pieces.
Cynthia Franklin and Amber Louden, both from Brownwood ISD, directed “Daemon Irrepit Callidus” and “Weep, O Eyes of Mine,” respectively. Gabriella Guest of Early ISD directed “Lamentations of Jeremiah” and John Bonner of Friona ISD directed “Ballade to the Moon.”
Camilla Cotter, HPU junior from Garden Ridge, directed “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.” Fellow HPU student Marissa Godbey, senior from Austin, directed “Let Me Hide Myself in Thee.”
The choir’s performances were accompanied on piano by Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, chair and tenured professor of music at HPU.
For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.
Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2018 semester at Howard Payne University (www.hputx.edu/apply). HPU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships for students from Brown County and surrounding counties. For more information about HPU, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.
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Cutline: Dr. Chris Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities at HPU, addresses attendees of the 2018 Choral Conducting Workshop choir concert.