SEL ECTIV E MUSIC CHOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE As audiences sat down to enjoy a Chorus performance, the spectators anticipated hearing beautiful notes from the ensemble. Time, dedication and unity of sound were all crucial components to the Chorus's successful performances. Before these disciplines could even come into play, first the songs had to be chosen. Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities Dr. Cliff Ganus entered his 46th year at Harding as Chorus director in the fall. Ganus was responsible for arranging a dynamic and varied selection of songs for the Chorus. Ganus said that music selection was an ever-constant need and an ever-changing field. "Choral music has changed during the last half century, our audience has changed, I've changed," Ganus said. Ganus said that choosing music was one of his most difficult jobs. He said he would spend hours or even days on the selection process. He garnered inspiration from music conferences, online videos, fellow choir directors and other publications. "When I choose repertoire, I consider: what I [would] like to sing; what the students need to know; what our audiences can appreciate; what the students like," Ganus said. "We are a university choir. We have educational, entertainment, spiritual and public relations responsibilities." Junior Emily Eads said she was impressed by the selections that Ganus made for the Chorus. "He knows how to pick out pieces that contrast each other and go well together, as well as pieces that work well for a group of our size and ability," Eads said. Ganus' favorite piece he selected for the fall was "Svete Tihiy," a Russian work by Alexander Gretchaninoff, which the Chorus had sang before in English - "Holy Radiant Light." CONCERT CHOIR BELLES & BEAUX The song, which discussed the radiance of Christ, was initially written to be sung at the Eastern Orthodox evening candle lighting ceremonies. "Holy Radiant Light" was senior Matthew Shanklin's favorite piece he sang in Chorus. "The truths, imagery and praise that we sing throughout the song paired with the powerful music never ceases to fill me with strong emotions," Shanklin said. Shanklin said it was hard to sing with feeling if he did not like the lyrical content of a song. The Chorus' understanding of a text was crucial to the way in which they would present the song for a crowd. "I think if we sing with hearts full of worship, we will reach people in a way that simply speaking to them may not reach them," Eads said. "We often sing beautiful texts of praise, and when it is set to beautiful music, it touches the soul in a way that words alone cannot." Ganus said that the Chorus' audiences were typically more inclined to enjoy the spiritual music with heavy emotional content. Singing religious songs allowed for a time of worship for everyone who was a part of the event. "I hope that we can reach others through the words we sing, but with equal importance, I truly wish that each member in Chorus will be touched by the community and bond that our group shares through collectively using our talents to glorify God," Shanklin said. There were extensive challenges involved in choosing music. Though several of the pieces Ganus chose required significant time investments, a strong performance and connection with the audience always made the effort worthwhile. Mackenzie Lee Est. 1988: Row 1: J. Light, M. Vickers, N. Hillhouse, K. Fieth, J. Pyron, M. Gann, S. Underwood, H. March, M. Price. Row 2: A. Huffman, H. Witcher, M. O'Briant, M. Lawson, T. Randall, L. Hegarty, A. McDaniel, S. Rackley, H. Cochran, D. Eick. Row 3: 1-1. Robison, K. Perring, M. Stein, J. Koger, R. Mahle, H. Brittain, K. Scherer, M. Hite, K. Dawkins. Row 4: Est. 1959: Row 1: A. Dell, J. Ward, S. Herr, S. Morris, E. Herr, M. Swisher. Row 2: C. Hicks (sponsor), A. Lowery, S. Morris, T. White, B. Stewart, K. Thomas, D. Downs. A. Valdes, B. Malec, A. Wingrove, A. Thomas, A. Gierisch, K. Davis, L. Hazard, J. Vincent, B. Midgley. Row 5: A. Cook, R. Andersen, J. Bieber, C. Young, G. Brock, C. Graves, M. Melchers, V. DeBoef, S. Morris. Row 6: S. Morris, W. Telgren, S. Moore, D. Herrmann, W. Scheiderer, A. Westjohn, T. Wolfe, K. Neill (director). Row 7: A. Westjohn, L. Kays, M. Starks, Z. Chaffin, J. Diaz, T. Mix, B. Smith. Row 8: S. Tripp, J. Robison, E. Ricketson, B. Lawrence, J. Frizzell, M. Anklam. Row 9: B. Wagner, C. Boyd, L. Bogus, N. Birus, S. Klein, C. Whittington, R. Eick. 2
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