Cumberlands Students who participated in the All Collegiate Choir included: Amanda Campbell-soprano, Tyler Vaughn-tenor, Micah Wolf-tenor, Samantha Robb-soprano and Jennifer Thoele-alto (not pictured) and Megan Sasko-alto (not pictured).

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. – The University of the Cumberlands Music Department was well represented at the Kentucky Music Educators Conference, which took place in Louisville, February 3 through 6. Students participated in the Kentucky All-Collegiate Choir, the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band and the Kentucky Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble, and faculty members played vital roles.

The students who took part in the All-Collegiate choir rehearsed once last November, in Lexington, with choral students from colleges and universities all across the state. Then, they met at the convention for additional rehearsals before performing on the evening of February 4. Various choral conductors from Kentucky directed the ensemble, which owes much of its success to the efforts of Dr. David Etter, professor of vocal music, who served as this year’s coordinator. Dr. Etter’s many responsibilities included the selection and arrangements for the ensemble’s conductor, rehearsal times and locations and accompanists, as well as selection and distribution of music and coordination with choral directors from other participating Kentucky universities and colleges.

Students who participated in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band included: (Row 1) Christina Dunford-percussion, Megan Barrowman-piccolo and flute, Rachel Dobbs-clarinet, Janelle Aukland-horn, (Row 2) Casey Barnard-percussion, Jared Adams-percussion, Michael Rice-tuba and Dylan Brown-trumpet.

Several UC band students contributed to the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band. This ensemble is comprised of some of the finest instrumental music students from colleges and universities across Kentucky. This year, Craig Kirchoff, director of bands at the University of Minnesota, directed the group. They met for the first time on Wednesday, February 3, and after two long days of rehearsals, they presented a concert on Thursday evening.

Jazz Ensemble director David Threlkeld served as both coordinator and conductor for the Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble. His duties included coordination with college and university jazz directors from around the state, the selection of ensemble members, music, scheduling rehearsals, rehearsing the band and directing the ensemble during the concert. The group met for the first time on the morning of February 5 and performed that same evening. Internationally known jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon joined the band for the first number.

Another UC faculty member who was a vital contributor to the conference was percussion instructor Jim Corcoran. Mr. Corcoran provided percussion accompaniment for the Kentucky High School All-State Choir concert, which took place on Friday evening.