July 8, 2010

Harding University Honor Choir to present free concert

SEARCY, Ark. — Each summer, high school students are invited to participate in Harding University’s Honor Choir, a program featuring classes to enhance a young performer’s vocal skills while providing them with one hour of college credit.

This year’s program runs July 18-23 with a free concert Friday, July 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Recital Hall under the direction of Dr. Cliff Ganus.

Concert selections include “Ave Verum” by Wolfgang Mozart; “Lullay My Liking” by Gustav Holst; “There is Sweet Music Here” by Mary Lynn Lightfoot; “Neighbors’ Chorus” by Jacques Offenbach; “Homeland” by Z. Randall Stroope; “Ubi Caritas” by Maurice Duruflé; and a medley from “Hairspray” by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Jenna Thomas will direct choreography for the concert, and Harding Instructor of Music Lis Jones will perform as the choir’s accompanist.

The Honor Choir program includes classes on voice, improvisation, sightreading, music appreciation, poetry, movement and harmonizing. The classes are led by Harding faculty, including Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities and Director of Honor Choir Cliff Ganus, Assistant Professor of Music Kelly Neill, Professor of Music Arthur Shearin, Instructor of Voice Laura Eads and Assistant Professor of Music Chuck Hicks.

This year, more than 50 students are enrolled in the program from 16 different states.

For more information, please contact the Harding Department of Music at 501-279-4343.