Almost 50 years ago, an young, unknown choral director took a job in Macalesterâs Music Department. The Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center had just been completed when the new professor first walked through its doors in 1967.
Last week that same musician, Dale Warlandânow a world-famous choral conductor and composerâreturned to the department for the first time since leaving his position at the college 30 years ago.
He was invited back by current director of choral activities Michael McGaghie, who asked him to lead workshops for both the Concert Choir and Highland Camerata. âIt is my great, great privilege to introduce to you Dr. Dale Warland,â McGaghie began the first rehearsal.
After complimenting the Concert Choirâs musicality (âeven during your vocal exercises!â), Warland encouraged them to project more (âdonât just sing to yourself,â), keep their phrases legato (âthat means connected, not smoothâ), and work on their balance (âthe magic wonât be there without itâ). The students, none of whom were born when Warland last taught at Mac, hung on his every word.
April 14 2015
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