1

LightDarkness

inthe

Virtual Christmas Celebration

“Passionately Pursuing Excellence to the Glory of God”

December 12-31, 2020

2

The School of Music at Colorado Christian University is a place where students who are serious about developing the abilities and gifts that God has given them come to study and refine their talents in music and theatre. Our goal is to graduate students of integrity and excellence who will make an impact in the arts for the sake of Christ and our culture. We are intentional about training our students to become leaders in the world, as well as in our community of faith. To that end, we offer several degrees in music with areas of specialization including performance, composition, music production & engineering, music media & marketing, music education, and worship arts. For those interested in theatre and dance, we offer minors in theatre, dance, and music theatre, with three mainstage productions annually. We hope that this Christmas celebration concert is both entertaining and a blessing. If you have any questions about areas of music or theatre study, please feel free to contact any of our faculty or staff.

Sincerely,

Steven T. TaylorDean, School of Music

Steven T. Taylor

Passionately Pursuing Excellence to the Glory of God

3

The CCU Christmas Celebration had a modest beginning over 25 years ago. The music department presented a few small ensembles, along with the mixed choir, on a single evening concert in December. Performances were at local churches until CCU acquired the Music Center in 1996. In those early years, the CCU choir played a prominent role in the Christmas Celebration. Groups with names like Tapestry, Profile, Chronicle, and Mainstream (all precursors to our ensembles today) comprised the rest of the performance, along with a few soloists. It was a simple concert with one performance and no more than a couple hundred people in attendance. In the mid-90s, the concert band didn’t even appear on the Christmas concert, performing a short holiday music program at Southwest Plaza Mall.

Around the year 2000, something changed. This Christmas concert became more of an event, drawing in more and more people, and rapidly becoming an important part of many audience members’ Advent worship. Our numbers doubled, then tripled, in just a few short years. This little concert became the event of the fall semester with narration, a theme carol, various soloists, and performances by all of our major ensembles. By 2002, we were presenting three concerts over the course of two days, and filling up the entire auditorium at CCU. More importantly, many audience members were telling us how meaningful the CCU Christmas Celebration was to them, and how they looked forward to the worshipful experience of the concert. The need for a newer and bigger space was becoming readily apparent, as we were running out of room for audience members and musicians alike.

In 2012, it was clear that our Music Center no longer had the audience capacity we needed, nor the stage and production possibilities that could accommodate a larger scale concert. We made the decision that year to transplant our students, equipment, musicians, directors and audience to the wonderful space at West Bowles Community Church. The result was overwhelming, with over 170 student performers on stage, and over 2,000 in attendance over two performances.

As we began our planning for 2020, the impact of the pandemic necessitated a whole new approach for this year. We began to brainstorm about how to present this concert in an online format, and decided to record

an assorted menu of ensembles, readings, and soloists around

the very fitting theme, “Light in the Darkness.”

While all of us will miss the electrifying energy and worshipful environment of being

together in a large auditorium, we are

so grateful to be able to present our students, via today’s

technology, in this virtual concert.

While this concert has grown and changed, and dramatically changed for this year, our desire to worship the newborn King has not. Through this new format, we look forward to a more intimate time together as we join you in your homes and marvel anew together at the miracle, wonder, and mercy of the Incarnation. Apart from this Light, we would continue to be the “people walking in darkness.”

May this concert be a source of encourage-ment, hope, and joy for you during this Christmas season of celebrating Christ’s birth. He is the light in our darkness….

CCU Christmas CelebrationA History

COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

C E L E B R A T I O N

4

ProgramO Come, O Come, Emmanuel ...........................................................................................Traditional Christmas hymn Arr. Joshua Michel (CCU Student)

Joshua Michel, piano

Celtic Carol .......................................................................................................................................................Traditional Setting by Robert W. Smith

University Symphonic Band

Brightest and Best ........................................................................................................................ Text by Reginald Heber Arr. Shawn Kirchner (b.1970)

University ChoirJennifer Ketcham, piano

Dr. Christopher Luther, violin

Suite of Familiar French Carols .............................................................................................................. Arr. Frank Voltz Featuring: He is Born the Divine Christ Child, Pat-a-Pan, and Bring a Torch

Grace Havel, harp

The Carol of the Bells............................................................................................................... George Winston (b. 1949) Arr. Maxwell D. White (CCU Student)

Benjamin Michel, marimbaMax White, vibraphoneKamryn Manlapig, bells

Jonah Lang, chimes and auxiliary percussion

Patapan .......................................................................................................................................Traditional French Carol Arr. Sandra Peter

University Women's Choir

Away in a Manger ....................................................................................................................Traditional German Carol Chip Davis Arr. Robert Longfield

Chamber Strings

We Three Kings ......................................................................................................John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (1820-1891) Arr. Pierce Boelke, Claire Christian, Andrew Wiser (CCU Students)

Vocal Trio: Claire Christian, Tarah Clark, Aurora HunterPierce Boelke, pianoCJ Hinds, saxophoneChase Johnson, bass

Benjamin Michel, drumsAndrew Wiser, electric guitar

5

Sheep May Safely Graze ........................................................................................... Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Arr. Egon Petri (1881-1962)

Dr. Aaron Stampfl, piano

A Festive Christmas ..........................................................................................................................................Traditional Arr. Kenny Bierschenk

University Symphonic Band

The First Noel ....................................................................................................................................................Traditional Arr. Christopher Luther (CCU Faculty)

Dr. Christopher Luther, violin

Jesus Christ the Apple Tree ............................................................................................... Elizabeth Poston (1905-1987) Text Anonymous, eighteenth century

University ChoirKathryn Schwarz, soprano solo

Angels We Have Heard on High ...............................................................................................Traditional French Carol Arr. Richard DeRosa

Mainstream Jazz EnsembleBenjamin Michel, drum solo

Pierce Boelke, piano solo

Хρисτοс свеτ (Christ the Light) .......................................................................................................Arr. Derek K. Hakes Based on Two Traditional Russian Carols

University Handbell EnsembleSteven T. Taylor, director

Conducted by Jorrin PowellKatelynn Price, celloAndrew Wiser, guitar

Dr. Christine Sallas, oboe, CCU Affiliate Faculty

Supposed to Be Like This ................................................................................ written by Jenny Stafford (CCU Faculty)

John Wilhelm

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen................................................................................................Traditional English Carol Chip Davis Arr. Robert Longfield

Chamber Strings

Messiah ............................................................................................................................... Francesca Battistelli (b. 1985) Jeff Pardo (b. 1981) Molly Reed (b. 1985) Arr. Grant Wall

Kristen Lester, sopranoDr. Aaron Stampfl, piano

6

Joy to the World/Little Drummer Boy ..................................................................George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Katherine Kennicott Davis (1892-1980) Arr. Alex Bryan (CCU student)

Alex Bryan, piano

There’s Still My Joy ...........................................................................Words and music by Melissa Manchester (b. 1951) Matt Rollings (b. 1964) and Beth Nielsen Chapman (b. 1958) Performed by Kathy Mattea (b. 1959)

Erin Buterbaugh, choreographerMegan Bateman Aurora HunterKristen LesterBrooke Rawls

Lydia Wischmeyer

Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella ............................................................................................................. Old French Carol Arr. Carole Neuen-Rabinowitz

President’s String Quartet

I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light .................................................................................................Arr. Tom Trenney

University Women’s Choir

O Holy Night ........................................................................................................Music by Adolphe Adam (1803-1856) Original French text by Placide Cappeau (1808-1877) Translated by John S. Dwight (1813-1893) Arr. Mark Hayes (b. 1953)

Steven T. Taylor, baritoneDr. Aaron Stampfl, piano

PostludeSleigh Ride ........................................................................................................................... Leroy Anderson (1908-1975)

University Symphonic Band

7

Alto SaxophoneOlivia Gaines, Hockinson, WA+Hana Michel, Fort Lupton, CO Tenor Saxophone*CJ Hinds, Mustang, OKLeanna Robbins, Phoenix, AZ

Baritone SaxophoneAlly Molinski, Oshkosh, WI

Trumpet*^Kurt Butler, Littleton, COGabriel Lambrecht, Aurora, COJoshua Michel, Fort Lupton, COEdee Lyons, Peoria, AZKaelyn Brooks, Waukee, IA

Trombone*Jacob Lang, Byers, CO+Matt Dowdy, Fort Collins, COTara Wells, Colorado Springs, CO+Ryan Parmenter, Lincoln, NE

Piano*Pierce Boelke, Eden Prairie, MN

VibesEbenezer Eferobor, Lagos, Nigeria

DrumsBenjamin Michel, Fort Lupton, CO

Mainstream Jazz EnsembleMark S. Dorn, director

Flute*+Heather Michel, Fort Lupton, COMadalyn Hamilton, Olathe, KS

Oboe*Hailey Heinzman, Blue Springs, MOKayla Krawzyk, Colorado Springs, CO

Clarinet*Olivia Gaines, Hockinson, WA Alexandra Villalon, McKinney, TXEmma Spracklen, Minier, IL Jared Maxwell, San Jose, CA+Ali Booth, Littleton, COElizabeth Conklin, Banner, WY

Bass ClarinetRachel Wiedman, Aurora, IL

Bassoon+Hana Michel, Fort Lupton, CO

Alto Saxophone*CJ Hinds, Mustang, OK+Rachel Anderson, Franktown, COEllie Glup, Tekamah, NE

Tenor Saxophone LeAnna Robbins, Phoenix, AZ

Baritone SaxophoneAlly Molinski, Oshkosh, WI Trumpet*Tara Wells, Colorado Springs, COJoshua Michel, Fort Lupton, COEdee Lyons, Lakewood, COGabriel Lambrecht, Aurora, CO Kaelyn Brooks, Waukee, IA

French Horn*Joy Trezise, Speculator, NY^Jill Schroeder-Dorn, Perryton, TX+Carli Hatch, Mack, CO

Trombone*Jacob Lang, Byers, CO^Mark Hudson, Evergreen, CO+Robert Thompson, Littleton, CO

Euphonium+Matt Dowdy, Fort Collins, CO

University Symphonic BandMark S. Dorn, conductor

Tuba+Micah Morris, San Jose, CA+Chris Chalfant, Arvada, CO

Percussion*Benjamin Michel, Fort Lupton, COMax White, Centennial, COJonah Lang, Byers, COKamryn Manlapig, Shawnee, OK+Mary Wilhelm, Longmont, CO

*section leader+community member^CCU faculty/staff member

BassChase Johnson, Co. Springs, CO

*section leader+community member/volunteer^CCU faculty/staff member

8

University Handbell EnsembleSteven T. Taylor, conductor

+Mallory Conway, Aurora, COKim Santaguida, Bend, ORLiz Eike, Craig, CO+Annie Sophia Loose, Thornton, COKristen Lester, Highlands Ranch, COAlison Johnson, Broomfield, CO

Soprano I^Delany Bogacz, Aurora, IL Hope Boles, Rialto, CAKamaryn Evans, Castle Rock, CO*Elizabeth Flavin, Phoenix, AZBrinna Leach, Alto, NMKristen Lester, Highlands Ranch, COJaali Montoya, Lakewood, COKyla Moore, Aurora, COSayler Schwartz, Topeka, KS

Soprano IICheyenne Brown, Woodland Park, COClaire Christian, Denver, CO*Michaela Hertrich, Buena Vista, CO~Izzy Kamptner, Chicago, IL Gretchen Keck, Wichita, KSKatlyn Lewis, Tucson, AZHannah McSwain, Littleton, CO~Elizabeth Peterson, Colorado Springs, COMolly Robinson, Colorado Springs, COLanie Schollenbarger, Perryton, TX

Rachel Urban, Colby, KSJade Weaver, Wray, KSJorrin Powell, Colorado Springs, COLauren Bradford, Orange, CAKatelynn Price (cello), Castle Rock, COAndrew Wiser (guitar), Portland, OR

Alto IBrianna Bettis, Arvada, COGracie Brandt, Colorado Springs, COTarah Clark, Lone Tree, CORuth Culbertson, Lakewood, COAurora Hunter, Tucson, AZMarissa Mattson, Redlands, CA+Elena Naccarato, Arvada, COAnna Nozot, Arvada, COElise Van Pelt, Longmont, CO Alto IIZoe Conley, Denver, CO Shelby Harp, Draper, UtahKiersten Hutcheson, Livermore, CA~Sara Johnson, Lakewood, COKaylee Kwan, El Paso, TXChipo Muchineripi, Harare, ZimbabweAutumn Olson, Monticello, MN~Raeanna Russell, Brighton, COAshlynn Secor, Westminster, CO*Chandler Tidwell, Dallas, TX

^Dr. Christine Sallas (oboe), Conyers, GA

^CCU faculty/staff member+community member/volunteer

+assistant director*section leader^head chaplain~chaplain

University Women’s ChoirDr. Jill Schroeder-Dorn, conductor

Dr. Irina Moreland, piano

9

University ChoirDavid McNeil, Jr., conductor

Jennifer Ketcham, piano

SopranoElizabeth Busler, Chandler, AZLeah Gaus, Aurora, CO~Ellie Glup, Tekamah, NEDiana McCoy, Denver, CO*Dani Miller, Fairbanks, AKMandy Newkirk, Evergreen, CO~Lena Pacifici, Newbury Park, CADanielle Rouse, Oberlin, KSKathryn Schwarz, Buena Vista, CORachel Tamayo, Colorado Springs, COAnika Thomas, Pagosa Springs, COGrace White, Austin, TX

AltoAshley Byrd, Castle Rock, COKate Douglas, Monument, COMaya Eathorne, Casper, WYAmoree Erskine, Morrison, COAlexis Flechas, Castle Rock, CO~McCall Fletcher, Colorado Springs, CO~Alaina Hummel, Covington, WABethanie Johns, Fountain, COJayden Leonard, Laural, NEAlayna Smith, Mackay, IDAnnika Wiens, Menominee, WI~Lydia Wischmeyer, Keller, TX

TenorJoe Barnard, Colorado Springs, COJosh Bujarski, Aurora, CO*Ebenezer Eferobor, Lagos, NigeriaBenjamin Laramy, Colorado Springs, CO ~Tony McGee, Port Alsworth, AKDiego Munguia, Colorado Springs, COAndrew Wiser, Portland, OR

Violin IPierce Boelke, Eden Prairie, MNJessica Hardman, Falcon, CODani Miller, Fairbanks, AKJorrin Powell, Colorado Springs, CORebekah Schumacher, Parker, CO

Violin IISarah Bergman, Istanbul, TurkeyJa’el Clark, Colorado Springs, COStaci Martin, Durango, COCielo Monarez, Colorado Springs, COGrace Turley, Meridian, ID

ViolaKayla Hazen, Olathe, KSEmily Joyner, Vail, AZLuke Talkington, Lawrence, KSChandler Tidwell, Dallas, TX

CelloAva Houser, Colorado Springs, COKiara Kwan, El Paso, TXKatelynn Price, Castle Rock, CO

BassJoel Frank, Quincy, CA

Piano Ruth Culbertson, Olympia, WA

PercussionBenjamin Michel, Fort Lupton, COMax White, Centennial, CO

Chamber String EnsembleDr. Richard Niezen, conductor

BassDaniel Block, Lino Lakes, MNMatt Bootsma, Lombard, ILAlex Bryan, Denver, COJackson Contreras, Greeley, CONev Foley, Upland, CACJ Hinds, Mustang, OK~Isaiah Knight, Tucson, AZAndrew Kral, Louisville, COJonathan Pine, Denver, CO

*student conductor~leadership team

10

Monologuewritten by Jenny Stafford

Performed by John Wilhelm, Longmont, CO

Vocal Jazz Trioand EnsembleClaire Christian, vocals, Denver, COTarah Clark, vocals, Lone Tree, COAurora Hunter, vocals, Tucson, AZPierce Boelke, piano, Eden Prairie, MNCJ Hinds, saxophone, Mustang, OKChase Johnson, bass, Colorado Springs, COBenjamin Michel, drums, Fort Lupton, COAndrew Wiser, electric guitar, Portland, OR

President’s String QuartetDr. Christopher Luther, faculty coach

Jorrin Powell (violin I), Colorado Springs, COSarah Bergman (violin II), Istanbul, Turkey Kayla Hazen (viola), Olathe, KS Katelynn Price (cello), Castle Rock, CO

Technical DirectorsKurt ButlerPierce Boelke

Camera OperatorsHana MichelHeather MichelDani MillerClaire Christian

Mix EngineersKurt ButlerPierce BoelkeChase JohnsonEbenezer EferoborAlexis FlechasKeenan GarnettMelody Marlier

LightingPierce Boelke

Stage HandsJoe BarnardJonah LangJacob LangSarah McLeanClaire Christian

Production TeamMark Dorn, producerSarah McLean, logistics coordinatorJenny Stafford, theatrical coachJanet Serfoss, box office & publicityJason Young, graphic designerKurt Butler, gear acquisitionChase Johnson, technical logistics

ReadersJustine Scott, Westminster, COLydia Wischmeyer, Keller, TXBrian Brogan, Parker, COKyle Garrett, Snohomish, WAEmma Stamper, Springhill, KS

Dance EnsembleErin Buterbaugh, choreographer

Megan Bateman, Highlands Ranch, COAurora Hunter, Tucson, AZKristen Lester, Highlands Ranch, COBrooke Rawls, Flower Mound, TXLydia Wischmeyer, Keller, TX

Percussion EnsembleBenjamin Michel, marimba, Fort Lupton, COMax White, vibraphone, Centennial, COKamryn Manlapig, bells, Shawnee, OKJonah Lang, chimes and auxiliary percussion, Byers, CO

For CCU School of Music events, please visit ccu.edu/MusicEvents

11

Early in the morning on September 17th, my dear friend and colleague, Sanne McCarthy, went to the home she had so longed for. Sanne served as Director of Theatre at Colorado Christian University from 1994 to 2016. She was a great storyteller, the architect of the theatre program, and guide and mentor to hundreds, yet, her biggest impact was on each individual person she was in contact with. I will miss her stories, her laugh, and the little song phone messages she left me to encourage and make me smile. (I have saved nearly 80 of them!)

In her book, Masterclass, Sanne wrote:

“Theatre is a form of storytelling, and we may be involved in it as surely as we are made in the image of God. As Christians, we have the opportunity for a unique perspective on story. One reason we might want to live life as a Christian actor … for the arts to be redeemed for Christ by Christian artists. The arts, surrendered to Christ, have very different characteristics from unsurrendered arts.”

From Jenny Stafford, Director of Theatre Studies at CCU:

When I was a student at CCU, she was my theatre professor, and she absolutely shaped the way I viewed theatre and my faith. Sanne lived with one foot in heaven in her whole life, with a special, seemingly direct connection to God. I never knew anyone who had a relationship with God like she did, and it was because of her connection with Him that I believed her when she answered the agonizing questions I was carrying around as a young Christian artist—primarily that YES, theatre can be a deep and profound calling from God. If God has called you to be a theatre artist, He is going to use you as much in that capacity as he will use a missionary or a pastor or a doctor. She taught me that God is deeply invested in storytelling, and taught me how to become a storyteller myself. In a word, Sanne gave me permission to be who God had called me to be. She empowered me to live the life I was meant to live.

It has been an absolute privilege to take up the mantle of her program, and in the last several years I’ve been blessed to have her as a friend and mentor. I am now the person the young Christian artists come to with their agonizing questions about how God can use them in theatre—and I echo Sanne’s words to them; praying to empower them as she empowered me. I pray I can carry on her great legacy.

From Allen Schantz, Ph.D., former Dean of the School of Music, Theatre, and Arts:

I had the distinct pleasure of hiring Sanne McCarthy as the Theatre Coordinator for Colorado Christian University. Sanne was the ideal Theatre Director with a real heart for students and a deep care for others. She brought out the best in students and in colleagues, whom she often included in theatre productions. Her deep connection with God radiated to everyone she met. God answered her prayers in many amazing ways.

In memory of Sanne McCarthy, former Director of Theatre,

Colorado Christian University

12

Her speaking and acting skills blessed our entire CCU community. Sanne had a unique ability to always make lemonade out of lemons. She was a thoughtful writer who always seemed to have just the right words for any occasion. She influenced my life in ways too numerous to count both in her time at CCU and after her retirement several years ago. I miss you greatly, dear friend and colleague! Your legacy will continue until Jesus comes!

From Mark Dorn, Instrumental Coordinator at CCU:

More than anyone I know, Sanne somehow cultivated and created a special and unique relationship with every person she knew. She was the most un-generic human being I’ve ever known – singular, unique, personal. I believe she had such a particular relationship with God (I will hear her voice for the rest of my life saying so tenderly, “Father….” as she began each prayer) that it just was completely natural for her to offer that kind of particular, unique, and intimate connection with each person she loved and cared for.

Sanne was brilliant, creative, unorthodox, hilarious, present, and as thoroughly redeemed a soul as I’ve met, with all the many loose ends of her unconventional life somehow tied together into one story that she told and lived, a story that brought great glory to God every day. She sat in quiet fellowship with God many hours each week of her life, and gained an access to Him that many of us envied and admired. This inspired all who knew her to do likewise.

From Dr. Christelle Menth, former Director of Keyboard studies at CCU:

“Wise” is often the word that comes to mind when thinking of her. She gave thoughtful encouragement to so many, and was never quick to judge. As we all isolated for the pandemic, these difficulties were exacerbated by the loneliness that comes with seeing very few people. She and I lived in a bit of a “pandemic bubble”, so we were able to continue visiting every week. How I will miss that! Here was a woman with whom I discussed books (yes, she continued to read through Audible), talked about our faith—doubts and all, mused about what heaven would be like and what death would be like, tried to solve our nation’s political problems, reminisced about our families and our childhoods, our joys and our griefs.

Through it all I saw a woman who was indeed wise and open-minded, who cared deeply about others, who was strong, yet not unwilling to share weakness, frustration, and vulnerability. Her trust in God was constant and inspiring. It was an honor and a pleasure to know her, and it thrills me to know that she is rejoicing in heaven.

From Dr. Janet Black,Vice President of Academic Affairs for CUS, Colorado Christian University:

Sanne McCarthy was/is an amazing Kingdom builder. She served CCU and our students for 22 years, and she left a legacy of creative works, discipled students, and deep relationships.

Again, from Sanne:

“As I look back, with more of my life behind me than before me, one of the amazing things about theatre is its staying power in my life. But as we are truly made in God's image, and insofar as the arts help us to create that image, how could it be otherwise? Theatre has been a strong thread in the weaving of my life.”

Dear friend, rest now in the arms of the greatest storyteller, and in greatest story ever told. Your quilt is complete!

Steven Taylor

Dean, School of Music, Colorado Christian University

13

The School of Music Faculty

Steven Taylor, DeanProfessor of Music, Coordinator of Vocal Studies

M.A., University of Denver; B.M., University of Denver • Singer/Actor - Baritone vocalist known for his beautiful singing and dramatic interpretations, whose

professional singing career ranges from opera and oratorio to musical theatre, gospel and jazz. Voice actor work includes dramatic narrations and voice overs

• Numerous concert appearances with major symphonies and choral organizations throughout the western United States, including three solo appearances in Carnegie Hall

• Performed concert tours in Australia, Canada, Cuba, and South Korea as a member of the internationally acclaimed gospel quartet LEGACY

Charles DenlerAssistant Professor of Music, Director of Composition and Music Production and EngineeringB.A., Colorado Christian University • Three-time Emmy Award-winning composer for film, television, and the stage; recipient of multiple

festival gold medals; composer for National Geographic, PBS, Coca Cola, and many feature films • Worked with actors and artists such as Richard Gere, Helen Mirren, Burt Reynolds, Creed, Paul

Simon, and Cyndi Lauper • Concert pianist and composer who played with and wrote for the Colorado Symphony and the City

of Prague Philharmonic

Mark DornProfessor of Music, Coordinator of Instrumental MusicM.M., Indiana University; M.A., Colorado Christian University; B.M.E., Indiana University • Directed bands and jazz bands at the university, high-school, and middle-school levels for 30 years • Active freelance trumpet artist, jazz clinician, and symphonic band conductor • Guest conductor for multiple honor and regional bands

Dr. Mark HudsonAssociate Professor of Music, Coordinator of Music Education Ph.D., University of Florida; M.M., University of Florida; B.A., Harding University • Instrumental and vocal music educator for 39 years • Past-president of the Colorado Music Educators Association • National and international presenter on assessment in music education

David McNeil, Jr.Assistant Professor of Music, Director of Choral StudiesD.M.A. (in progress), Yale University; M.M., Indiana University; B.A., Trinity International University • Artistic Director of the Vittoria Ensemble, Denver • Choir Director at Central Christian Church, Denver • Served as Assistant Director of the Yale Glee Club, Co-conductor of the Marquand Chapel Choir,

and Principal Assistant Conductor of the Yale Camerata

14

8787 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood, CO 80226303.963.3135

Dr. Richard NiezenAssistant Professor of Music, Coordinator of StringsPh.D., University of Colorado; M.M., Cleveland Institute of Music; B.M., University of Victoria • Ten years of international experience as a orchestral musician • In-demand string studio instructor and audition coach • Frequent guest conductor and music adjudicator

Dr. Jill Schroeder-DornAffiliate Faculty, Director of University Women's ChoirD.A., University of Northern Colorado; M.M., University of Denver; B.A., Colorado Christian University • Director of Worship at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church, Lakewood, CO • Music director of Summit Choral Society, Breckenridge • Conducted in Carnegie Hall in June 2019

Jennifer StaffordAssistant Professor of Theatre, Director of Theatre StudiesM.F.A., New York University – Tisch School of the Arts; B.F.A., Shenandoah Conservatory • Lyricist for Paramour on Broadway and in Hamburg, Germany • Script reader for 21-time Tony-winning director/producer Hal Prince • 2017 Reva Shiner Comedy Writing Award winner, Yale Institute for Music Theatre finalist, and

Rhinebeck Writers Retreat Artist-in-Residence • Teaching artist with the Metropolitan Opera Guild, the New York City Children’s Theatre, and

Trinity Music NYC

Dr. Aaron StampflAssistant Professor of Music, Coordinator of Keyboard Studies D.M., Northwestern University; P.D., Indiana University; M.M., Indiana University; B.M., Wheaton College • Maintains an active concert schedule, having appeared at the Chicago Cultural Center and Weill

Hall at Carnegie Hall • Collaborated with renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee and Tony Award-winning soul singer

Heather Headley • Performed at the national American Liszt Society festival in 2017 • Taught at DePaul University and Wheaton College in Chicago