BrownwoodNews – Howard Payne University’s School of Music and Fine Arts recently hosted its second annual Choral Conducting Workshop. Conductors from area schools, high school students and HPU students attended the two-day workshop, held January 25 and 26. Pictured above: Dr. Pam Elrod-Huffman, director of choral activities at SMU, served as the resident clinician at the HPU School of Music and Fine Arts Choral Conducting Workshop.
Dr. Pam Elrod-Huffman served as the resident clinician at the workshop. She is the director of choral activities at Southern Methodist University.
A survey conducted by the HPU Department of Music revealed positive feedback from the workshop’s attendees.
“I have never attended a more useful professional development opportunity,” said one survey respondent. “I learned so much about rehearsal techniques and got some excellent, hands-on help with becoming a more clear and intentional conductor. I returned to my students re-energized to tackle the rest of the year. I can’t wait for the next one.”
Over the two days of the clinic, attendees experienced the building blocks of choral conducting by honing physical gesture and pragmatic rehearsal techniques.
“Each conductor grew and was challenged in several ways, including myself as the facilitator, and I’m so thankful for all in attendance,” said Dr. Chris Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities. “Special thanks goes to Dr. Huffman, the conductors, the participants, the students and especially the magnificent members of the Howard Payne University Concert Choir.”
To conclude the first day of the clinic, a concert was held featuring workshop attendees and HPU’s Concert Choir. Dr. Huffman directed the choir in a performance of “In this Place” at the concert.
Christina Hallwachs, of Burkburnett High School, and Chris Jarvis, of Wichita Falls High School, directed performances of “5 Hebrew Love Songs.” David Mills, of Chapel Hill ISD and Tennison Memorial United Methodist Church, directed “I am the Rose of Sharon” and Jennifer Reeves of Brownwood High School directed “Locus Iste.” Camila Cotter, an HPU senior music education major from Garden Ridge, directed “Kyla Vuotti Uutta Kuuta.”
Applications are being accepted for the fall 2019 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.
