Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will present Ouachita Singers and Women’s Chorus on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Mabee Fine Arts Center’s McBeth Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Both groups will showcase a variety of music, from American and Irish folk songs to sacred hymns and secular texts.

“When I listen to music I want the melody and chord progressions to go somewhere that takes the listener through a variety of emotions,” said Women’s Chorus Director Dr. Becky Morrison, assistant professor of music. “I hope the audience leaves having enjoyed a variety of music and their spirits warmed and lifted.”

“I hope will help the audience learn and appreciate choral music and that they will come away refreshed and inspired by the literature and music presented,” added Ouachita Singers Director Dr. Gary Gerber, dean of Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts and professor of music.

The Ouachita Singers program will include “Cantate Canticum Novum” by Dan Forrest,

“More Love to Thee” by Timothy Shaw, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” arranged by David Schwoebel, “I’ll Make Music” from Gloria by Karl Jenkins, “O Clap Your Hands” by John Rutter, “Regina coeli” by W. A. Mozart, “Lullaby” by Daniel Elder and “City Called Heaven” arranged by Josephine Poelinitz.

The 45-voice choir will feature Dr. Adam Haas, visiting professor of music, on the organ for two different selections, as well as a quartet of soloists on the Mozart selection. Kayla Walker, a junior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark., also will be the featured soloist on the closing song, “City Called Heaven.”

The Women’s Chorus, composed of 28 students, will perform “Non nobis, domine” by Rosaphanye Powell, “Flight” by Craig Carnelia, “In the Sweet By and By” by Joseph Webster and arranged by Daniel J. Hall, “How Can I Keep from Singing” by Gwyneth Walker, “Will There Really Be a Morning” by Dan Campolieta and “Tell My Ma” by Vijay Singh.

Taylor McKinney, a senior music education major from Little Rock, Ark., will direct the choir for the song “Will There Really Be A Morning.” There will also be two soloists featured on the song “Flight.”

“It's always unique to hear a group of women sing together,” Morrison noted. “The blending of female voices is beautiful, and we are excited to be able to present our program to the Ouachita and Arkadelphia community.”

For more information, contact Ouachita’s School of Fine Arts at (870) 245-5129.

 

By Cimber Winfrey