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Millsaps has
turned out more than its fair share of talented performers. Five of retired theatre
professor Lance Goss’s students have attended the prestigious Guildhall School of
Music in London over the years. And more recently, Robert Crowe, B.M. 1992, and Eleni
Matos, B.M. 1988, distinguished themselves at the national New York Metropolitan Opera
Competition, Crowe being chosen among the top 10 winners and Matos among the 20 finalists.
Both have moved into successful stage careers, with Crowe gaining international
attention. In other areas, Chrissy Coker, B.M. 1992, is finishing her doctorate at the Cincinnati Conservatory, and Melissa Crane Worden, B.A. 1990, is working as a music therapist in the Atlanta public school system with Down’s syndrome and autistic children. This tradition of excellence continues with current music students such as Heather Denham and Collin Glidewell. Denham was chosen over doctoral students to represent the nine-state Southern Division as Collegiate Artist in Voice at the Music Teachers National Association Meeting in Los Angeles in March. She also won the Mississippi Federation of Music Club’s student audition for voice. Through the Sweat Music Endowment at Millsaps, Denham was able to study voice last year at the Aspen Summer Music Camp in Aspen, Colorado. Music professor Cheryl Coker contributes Denham’s recent accolades in part to her intensive camp exposure. Through the same $2,000 scholarship, Collin Glidewell was able to study at the Bredard Summer Music Camp in Bredard, North Carolina. The sophomore won the piano division at the Mississippi Federation competition and for the second year was chosen to perform with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. He studies piano under professor Elizabeth Moak who came to Millsaps in 1996 after completing her M.M. at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. "It has been wonderful teaching an advanced student such as Collin. He has a deep musical awareness. But I have also found it very rewarding teaching across the talent level. Unlike at a conservatory, our students aren’t just musicians, but usually have a wide variety of interests. Yet their love of music is just as strong," says Moak. "In three short years, Elizabeth Moak has already made a name for herself with her performances and instruction. Students are seeking her out, and they are finding all the other rewards of Millsaps too," says Coker proudly. The music curriculum at Millsaps is centered around the Western classical tradition, but it allows for individual pursuits. Moak enjoys working in the area of twentieth-century classical music because it offers her the opportunity to work with living composers. A specialist on women composers, Cheryl Coker brings a unique perspective to the department and is active on campus in the area of women’s studies. Christopher Brunt teaches classes in music history and serves Millsaps and Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church as organist. In addition to the Cokers, Moak, and Brunt, the music department is strengthened by a host of adjunct instructors who offer studio lessons and special courses. John Frantz teaches violin; Ben Randman, cello; Wayne Lineham, wind ensemble; James Turner, guitar; and Julie Maisel teaches flute and the foundations of music course. Instructor Nash Noble teaches piano, voice, and other courses; and Dean for Adult Learning Harrylyn Sallis will teach the music masterworks course in the fall. Trained at the prestigious Juilliard School, emeritus professor Jack Sweat gives individual lessons and also teaches in the Heritage Program. For 40 years, he has been the department’s standard-bearer. "We are blessed by the talent of these musicians and by their dedication to the students at all levels," says Coker. "They are not only fine teachers, but have significant reputations in the community as performers of the highest caliber." The department also has close relationships with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Ballet Mississippi, and New Stage Theatre. Millsaps students intern at New Stage in a capacity similar to student teaching, and alumni David Keary, Artistic Director of Ballet Mississippi, offers dance for credit through his organization. With a specially designed dance room in the new Campus Life Complex, students will soon have even greater motivation to put on their ballet slippers and study under Keary, who is a former dancer with the New York City Ballet Company. The department also connects with the metro Jackson community through productions by the Players, Singers, and Chamber Singers; Fifth Hour Concerts; faculty and student recitals; and guest performances. Because of the high quality of the Academic Complex Recital Hall acoustics, it is a popular auditorium for visiting groups. Scheduling so many shows is demanding, and Coker is quick to thank Performing Arts administrative assistant Bill Morris and also the Maintenance Department for their behind-the-scenes efforts. PREVIOUS PAGE | PAGE 3 OF 4 | NEXT PAGE |
