It Was a Very Good Year

Last week, I wrapped up my first year as a full time university professor. It was a year full of growth and immense rewards. I taught a full studio of eager-to-learn singers, who quickly became joys of my heart. Additionally, I directed Opera Workshop for which I wove together a new Baroque pastiche, and I also taught Voice Literature, which I loved. I gave a handful of guest lectures, as well. This coming year, I will teach BJU’s very first Musical Theater Workshop class as well as Vocal Pedagogy, while I continue to maintain my full studio.

As a singer, I had the opportunity to open my school year as a guest soloist with the BJU Orchestra, singing the music of Hollywood composer Lee Holdridge under the baton of Hollywood conductor Richard Kaufman. Later that semester, I performed the soprano solos in Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass (one of my favorite choral works) with the BJU Chorale and Orchestra. In February, I premiered a beautiful new work by Jesse Turner with the Greenville Concert Band. Then in March, I flew to Texas to perform at the San Antonio International Music Festival with the Austin Troubadours. Finally in April, I capped off my first year at BJU with a concert of arias.

Then May came, and I participated in my first commencement as a professor of music. The child in me, who had often wondered what I would look like and what I would do when I grew up, smiled shyly and giddily as I sported my tam, hood, and gown. As the pandemic had stolen my own DMA commencement in 2020, this was my first time to wear doctoral regalia. I felt childlike and all grown up at the same time.

The year has been fulfilling, indeed. I praise the Lord for His infinite wisdom and faithfulness. He has planted me where I can bloom to my fullest.

Soli Deo Gloria.

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