Thomas More University choirs are changing more rapidly than ever before.
After a period of transition, things are finally starting to settle, and new opportunities are on their way. Upcoming concerts, collaborations, and a tour are all on the horizon for these students.
Director of Choral Activities, Daniel Parsley is excited about the direction that the program is going. “There’s always been a choir. I think at one point, it was maybe five people,” Said Parsley. “We have over 100 students right now between three choirs. There are plans to start a gospel choir next year which is exciting.”
Students are singing songs that they may not have had an opportunity to previously. “We are committed to the mission of this university. (We are singing) literature that is at a collegiate level and also gives a wide variety of experience for people.” Says Parsley, “(Previous choirs) would kind of do the same stuff. (We’re) providing an experience that’s different for everyone. That’s that whole well-rounded liberal arts school mission.”
It’s a big change from the past. Senior Diana Currier compares where the choir was then to where it is now, “There’s more care for the Arts. Instead of singing just to make notes, we’re making music.”
Currier talks about chamber choir, the elite choir on campus, “We auditioned, we care. If we didn’t care, we wouldn’t audition. We are having more fun. There’s community.” Parsley agrees, “I notice that people are enjoying their experience”
The Thomas More chamber choir is going on tour to Nashville this coming March, making stops in Lexington, Louisville, and Bowling Green. “We will (also) sing at local high schools, provide a concert for them, and maybe even work with them.” Says Parsley. He also mentions a communal feeling, “It provides an opportunity for us to bond and make music together. (We are) bring(ing) music to other people that might not otherwise even know what Thomas More is or what the choirs are doing.” The outreach of this program is immense. “Thomas More University Choirs reach the most amount of people both on campus and in the community than has ever been before.”
The goals of the choir are far beyond just singing songs, “It’s not just about music, it’s about ‘how do I apply that stuff that we are learning in the classroom and using in the choirs to my major.’ We’re applying what we’re learning in the classroom to their career or future learning.“ Says Parsley.
For more information visit the Thomas More University Choral Activities Facebook and Instagram page.
By: Chey-Anne Flowers
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