Tuscola attends GWU Choral Clinic
Gardner-Webb University welcomed nearly 160 high school chorus students to campus Oct. 13 as the university’s music department sponsored the 39th GWU Choral Clinic and Concert. The day of instruction and rehearsal culminated in a public concert in Dover Theatre on the GWU campus.
Students represented 18 schools from the surrounding region, including eight choir members from Tuscola High School in Waynesville and director Maggie Jennings.
Dr. Paul Etter, Chair of the GWU Department of Music, led the clinic. In their free time, the students were invited to tour the campus. “This is an opportunity for us to let students know about Gardner-Webb, the music department and the University in general,” Etter shared. “It’s also an opportunity for them to sing in a choir that is much larger than their high school choir. They are singing next to people they don’t have a clue who they are.”
During rehearsals, Etter focused on perfecting the notes and rhythms for each piece. “It’s a different experience being on stage with nearly 160 people,” Etter explained. “This makes them better choral musicians, so when they go back to their schools they become choral leaders. Also, they get a new perspective and realize the clinician reinforces what their director has been saying.”
