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I used to enjoy “easing” into the start of a semester after a break. Nothing immediately pressing in classes, no administrative deadlines to meet, no immediate student needs; I could take a little time to work back into the normally hectic pace of daily activities around the Boyd. Not this year, however – 2009 has definitely rushed in!
The first week of classes, on January 17, we held the District 3 Choral Festival performance on campus, with our own Dr. Hank Alviani as guest conductor. And now, 2 weeks later, Clarion University and the Department of Music is co-hosting the District 3 Band Festival with the Homer-Center S.D. We are excited to welcome 165 students and directors from 32 school districts throughout the region. All of the events surrounding the Festival will be held in the department and the auditorium, with our Director of Bands, Dr. Hubert Toney, Jr., as guest conductor. Preparations are still ongoing, but I am confident the Festival will be a tremendous success! The final performance will be held January 31 at 2 p.m. in the Marwick-Boyd Auditorium.
The new year also has brought significant change to the Department of Music. In January, we bid farewell to Dr. Marian Dura, who accepted a position as Director of the Master of Music Education program at Lebanon Valley College in PA. During her 4-year stay at Clarion she was an outstanding Music Educator and colleague, and will be missed by all. While Dr. Dura’s departure is a significant loss for the department, we wish her all the best in her new position.
Dr. Dura’s resignation left a vacancy in the leadership of the University Symphony Orchestra. I am pleased that music faculty member Mr. Russell Reefer agreed to take over directorship of the group. Mr. Reefer is an outstanding musician and a highly experienced music educator who undoubtedly will lead the ensemble toward a successful semester. If you are interested in performing as a member of the orchestra, please contact the Music Office at 814-393-2287, or email Mr. Reefer directly at rreefer@clarion.edu.
In early February, I will be presenting again at the Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo & Conference (PETE&C) in Hershey, PA. This is Pennsylvania’s largest state-wide conference on educational technology use. Then, in April both Dr. Alviani and I will be presenting sessions at the annual PMEA conference in Valley Forge.
We are looking forward to a busy performance calendar, as well, highlighted by a performance by the Easterly Chamber Players on campus, March 29. The Easterly Chamber Players include two of our own faculty members – Dr. Paula Amrod, piano and Dr. Brent Register, oboe – as well as Smith Toulson, clarinet and Diane Gold Toulson, flute. Other performances to look forward to include the student Mooney Scholarship Audition performances on March 14, senior recitals by Rachel Bendal, trumpet (March 22) and Lance Jones, percussion (April 5), and a performance by our newly-formed faculty brass trio consisting of music faculty members Dr. Toney, trumpet, Dr. Stephen Johnson, euphonium, and me playing trombone (we don’t have a “catchy” or even an interesting name yet, so feel free to lend a few suggestions). Of course, our ensembles will be performing throughout the semester, so visit our Events Calendar for more information on all of the musical happenings in the Department of Music.
As you can tell, this already is a busy semester with much more in store. We hope that you can carve a little time from your own busy schedule to join us at one of the events, or to simply stop in and say “hi.” if you’re in the neighborhood. We’d love to see you!
This week Clarion University and the Department of Music will host the annual Pennsylvania Collegiate Choral Association Festival. The Festival brings together 120 outstanding collegiate vocalists from colleges and universities across Pennsylvania for 3 days of intense rehearsal, culminating in a free public performance on Saturday, February 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the Marwick-Boyd Auditorium.
Clarion University Department of Music 