CSC adds vocal music professor
A new music professor has joined the faculty at the start of the spring semester at Chadron State College. She is Dr. Una Taylor, assistant professor of choral and vocal studies. Her duties will include directing the community chorus and forming a women’s vocal ensemble.
Taylor replaces Dr. Roger MacNeill as the director of the community chorus. He retired from the position after serving as the director the past 4 ½ years. MacNeill was the director of choral music for Chadron State for 20 years, stepping down from that position in 2005.
Taylor was a soloist at the final community concert under MacNeill’s direction on Dec. 10, when the Chadron group joined with the Rapid City Children’s Chorus for a Christmas program.
Taylor holds a doctorate of musical arts in vocal performance from the University of Connecticut. She came to Chadron State highly recommended as an accomplished and versatile musician. She has performed as a soloist, recitalist, accompanist and chamber musician throughout New England.
Taylor has been involved in teaching music in a variety of capacities. During her tenure as director of choirs at Bacon Academy High School in Connecticut, her ensembles performed throughout New England, Canada and the Mid-Atlantic states. They consistently receiving superior ratings at contests and were selected to perform at the Connecticut Music Educators Association Conference, the Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston and Carnegie Hall in New York City. She also has served as a vocal adjudicator and chairperson for many choral festivals in her home state of Connecticut and in New England.
The community chorus will have its first rehearsal of the new semester at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19 in Memorial Hall at CSC. The chorus will join with the Bordeaux Community Band for a concert on Tuesday, March 28.
Taylor said the theme for the concert will be a celebration of the earth’s elements, “Earth, Fire, Water and Air.” She is encouraging anyone who has sung with the chorus to participate again and also invites newcomers to become involved. Anyone with questions may call Taylor at 432-6484.
Now in its 12th season under founding director Carola Winkle, the Bordeaux Community Band will begin its rehearsals at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
One hour of college credit is available for participation in either ensemble. For the band members, a limited number of instruments are available to rent.
Category: Campus News