JORDAN SIMPSON H arding had a flourishing music program, and senior Jordan Simpson, a double major in music and computer science, took advantage of these opportunities as he worked with many campus musical groups. Simpson became acquainted with music through mandatory music classes at his elementary school. The classes quickly sparked a passion, and Simpson and a group of friends started a band. They played together throughout high school in Little Rock and Searcy, Ark. As a vocalist in high school, Simpson made the all-state choir. That honor gave him the opportunity to join the Harding Academy choir in performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Simpson said that these experiences were valuable as a foundation for furthering his musical education. During his time at Harding, Simpson took four music theory classesto help him better understand the nature of music and three music history classes to learn about the lives of influential composers. According to Simpson, his Harding experience shaped his relationship with music. "My own compositional tendencies and styles have changed drastically from my time before Harding to now because of the exposure to all of that influence," Simpson said. "I am always adjusting and trying new things, trying to find what I'm best at and most enjoy doing." In addition to taking relevant courses, Simpson had numerous opportunities to showcase his composition work and musical talents. He had his pieces performed by the Harding Chamber Singers, the Harding Chorus, Good News Singers and Belle Canto. Simpson also arranged music for Spring Sing shows and the Celebration Show Choir in Florence, Ala. He was president of Harding Chorus, a member of the Chamber Singers group and a guitar teacher at the Searcy Community School of Music. Partnering with senior vocal education major Sarah Jane Driskell, Simpson presented a recital of his own compositions on Oct. 17. Simpson explained that for him music and life were interrelated. "Everything starts with an inspiration, a text, a nature, an event," senior Jordan Simpson said. "You have to live that text, that event, and I truly believe that music is what feelings sound like." Dr. Scott Carrell, professor in the Department of Music, was one of Simpson's mentors and helped with Simpson's technical musical skills. "He has been composing for a number of years and has made excellent progress in the craft of composition," Carrell said. "This involves the study of musical structure and form, the coherence of the ideas, the consistency of musical language and style, and the integration of these elements into a complete work." Dr. Kelly Neill, chair of the Music Department, provided Simpson with feedback, support and opportunities to use his talents on campus. "I have loved watching and hearing his compositional growth while he has been here," Neill said. "He has always had good ideas and a great ear, but his toolbox has continued to grow ... I love that he has been able to have his compositions played and sung by many different groups." After graduating in December of 2014, Simpson intended to first get a job in computer science while building contacts to embark on a career in music, which he said was his passion. "I sing and make music because of the thrill of the challenge and the reward of lives touched," Simpson said. "Music is everchanging and always being redefined; it is exciting to be a part of a movement like that." Landis Tindell Zee Rock Public Administration/Leadership and Ministry Mere Rowlett Graphic Design Sam Rowlett History Lyndsey Ruble Journalism Sabrina Ruiz Management/International Business Victoria Sams Social Work Esther Samuelson History Laura Jo Sawyer Communication Sciences and Disorders Hannah Schliffka Family and Consumer Science Licensure Mariah Scott Early Childhood Education Licensure 127
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTc5NA==