Concert Choir Honored at Regional Choir Conference

As the first school in Texas to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Hardin-Simmons School of Music has a long and rich history. This year, the Concert Choir continued the tradition of musical excellence when they performed at the Southwest Division of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) in Oklahoma City.

“To be invited to this convention is a big honor,” said Dr. Clell Wright, Professor of Church Music and Director of Choral Activities. “I have been auditioning for ten years, and we were accepted this year.”

The ACDA convention is made up of middle school, high school, college, and professional choirs. The HSU Concert Choir performed as a demonstration choir for a conducting competition for graduate conductors. The choir was selected for the semifinal and final rounds of the competition.

“Highly regarded and established choral conductors had great things to say about our choir. I don’t think I’ve ever been this proud of the Concert Choir. They were amazing ambassadors for the university,” Wright said.

Preceding their performance, the HSU Choir was recognized in the Jan. issue of The Choral Journal, the international publication for the ACDA.

“HSU has a long history of musical excellence,” said Wright. “It’s a source of pride to see that we are still continuing that strong heritage.”

Leading up to their performances at ACDA, the choir sang at several Texas high schools in Midland, Odessa, and Lubbock. Next spring the choir will perform in Italy.

The Concert Choir’s next performance will be April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall.