Ouachita Stories

Twelve students from Ouachita Baptist University were among choir students from colleges and universities statewide who were selected to perform recently with the 2015 Arkansas Intercollegiate Choir at the Arkansas Music Educators Convention at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

The Arkansas Intercollegiate Choir brings “the choral programs of the colleges in Arkansas together to share in music, camaraderie and fun,” Gerber said, “The students were prepared with the notes and rhythms of the music. And, the attitude of the students was positive and everyone had a great time.

“They chose a great choral clinician who was fun, energetic and brought out the best in the students’ singing,” said Dr. Gary Gerber, chair of OBU’s Division of Music and professor of music. Dr. Gary Seighman, director of choral activities and assistant professor at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, served as this year’s clinician.

“I really love the idea of colleges from all over the state coming together to put on a huge concert,” said participant Morgan Chunn, a senior choral music education major from Hot Springs, Ark. “As a future music educator, being in the AIC is a great opportunity to make connections, attend seminars and listen to fantastic concerts.”

Other participants from Ouachita included: Tori Clark, a senior choral music education major from Bonnerdale, Ark.; John Doss, a senior music and Christian studies major from Rogers, Ark.; Caroline Dunlap, a sophomore piano performance major from Little Rock, Ark.; Drew Funderburk, a freshman music and computer science major from Joaquin, Texas; Rebecca Johnson, a senior music and business administration/management major from Manassas, Va.; Kayla Kreger, a junior choral music education major from Rowlett, Texas; Amy Lytle, a freshman worship arts major from Plano, Texas; Taylor McKinney, a junior choral music education major from Little Rock, Ark.; Seth Russell, a junior vocal performance major from Crossett, Ark.; Lizzie Shelby, a sophomore vocal performance major from McKinney, Texas; and Paige Snow, a freshman choral music education major from Wylie, Texas.

The Arkansas Intercollegiate Choir performed “The Last Words of David” by Randall Thompson, “Duo Seraphim” by Jacob Handl, “The Heavens Are Telling (The Creation)” by Franz Joseph Haydn, “Cloudburst” by Eric Whitacre and Josephine Poelinitz’ arrangement of “City Called Heaven.”

For more information, contact Dr. Gary Gerber at [email protected] or (870) 245-5128.

 

By Chelsea Whelpley