Gardner-Webb to Host 47th Annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19 for Middle and High School Singers

Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University will welcome student singers from across North and South Carolina for its 47th annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19. The daylong event will culminate in a free public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre.

“Gardner-Webb Choirs are honored to host the Choral Clinic for its 47th year,” shared Dr. Joshua Cheney, associate professor of music and director of choral activities. “This event provides an opportunity for choristers in North and South Carolina to rehearse and perform together with regionally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed conductors who are industry leaders in choral education and artistry.

Cheney is expecting over 300 students to attend, and they will participate in one of two festival ensembles. The High School Festival Chorus will be directed by Dr. Alissa Rowe, director of choral studies at Louisiana State University. The Middle School Treble Festival Chorus will be led by Dr. Eric Johnson, coordinator of music education at Gardner-Webb.

Throughout the day, participants will rehearse in Gardner-Webb’s music facilities, interact with university faculty and students, and experience campus life before presenting the evening performance.

Jennifer Duckworth, the choir director East Burke High School in Connelly Springs, N.C., has brought her students to the clinic for eight years and usually has some parents who attend the evening performance. “The Gardner-Webb Choral Clinic is a valuable experience for students because they get the opportunity to work with collegiate level choral directors and sing with other students who have a passion for choral music,” she observed. “Not only are these students learning how to improve their vocal technique and music reading skills, but they are also learning to collaborate and communicate through music. The Gardner-Webb Choral Clinic inspires students to learn more difficult music and creates excitement about doing a variety of choral music.”

The High School Festival Chorus will perform “Dies Irae” by Michael John Trotta, “I Dream a World” by Rosephanye Powell, “Sing Out, My Soul” by Marques L.A. Garrett and “The Music of Stillness” by Elaine Hagenberg.

The Middle School Treble Festival Chorus repertoire includes “Here Comes the Sun,” arranged by the Podd Brothers; “Quiet Sea” by Melissa Malvar-Keylock and Jill Friederdorf; “Kookaburra” by Melissa Malvar-Keylock and Jill Friederdorf; and “Shout for Joy” by Sally Albrecht and Jay Althouse.

Cheney noted that the clinic has become a longstanding tradition that enriches students and music educators throughout the region. In addition to the musical experience, Cheney values the opportunity to connect with fellow educators and inspire future members of the Gardner-Webb choral program.

He added, “Personally, I look forward to this event every year because I am honored to provide this opportunity for my colleagues and their students in k-12 education, to be in community with them, to share in the stage with them, and to get to know future students and members of Gardner-Webb Choirs. It really is a great day!”

The concert is free and open to the public and will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Dover Theatre on the Gardner-Webb campus.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.