Narrative

My service to the University includes membership in the following committees: Cultural Programming Committee (appointed fall 2018, Interim Chair 2019/2020), Study Abroad Advisory (2013-present; Interim Chair Fall 2017), Year of the Arts Fall Festival Steering Committee (2014), Service Learning (2015-2018), Harm Reduction Committee (Provost special appointment, ad hoc, 2015-2016), Search Committee for Assistant Professor of Piano (2016), and Search Committee for Professor of the Practice in Music (2019/2020) . I have served each of these committees with reliability and enthusiasm. As interim chair of the Study Abroad Advisory Committee, I supervised the revision and approval of eight proposals (with one additional proposal pending further revisions), delegated a sub-committee to re-write the mission statement (currently awaiting revisions from APIRC), met with primary study abroad faculty in an advisory role, and maintained communication about committee progress with the Provost and APIRC. I also conducted site visits and submitted detailed reports for potential study abroad partnerships with the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (Czech Republic) and La Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (Costa Rica). 

My responsibilities as Director of Vocal Activities include coordination and scheduling of full-time and adjunct voice instructors, students, and accompanists; creation and implementation of division policies; coordination and documentation of new student auditions; correspondence with and recruitment of prospective students; and department representation in campus meetings and events. I meet individually with every prospective student that auditions for the music department and act as the point person for voice division inquiries. I oversee the distribution of voice students into faculty studios and work with the chair of music to outline department events and calendars. I co-authored the chapter “Mission, Strategic Position and Effectiveness” in the Music Department’s 2014 self study and met with outside reviewers to discuss department strengths and objectives.

Also notable is the recent adoption of a Musical Theatre Minor that was based upon a proposal that I co-authored with Theatre Professor Jay Putnam in 2014. The Musical Theatre Minor allows theater majors to take music classes, while music majors take theatre classes, and both majors participate in dance, musical theatre techniques, and history. The adoption of this minor is too recent to provide meaningful data, but initial indications point toward strong participation and an important recruiting tool.

I am active in the campus community and volunteer regularly for Admissions Open Houses, Activity Fairs, Presidential Scholars interviews, and campus activities such as freshman move-in, Community Christmas, first-year common read, and philanthropic events. I presented a faculty “Ed-Talk” for the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) in January 2016, and I was invited by the Communications Department to present “Vocal Success for the Professional Speaker” to masters in strategic communication students in April 2017.

One of the most visible points of service is as a frequent soloist in HPU Music Department performances and for private events for HPU administration:

  • Soloist, High Point University Commencement, May 2017
  • Brahms Requiem, April 2017
  • Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Christmas Carols (Winter Holiday Choral Concert), December 2016
  • Sasha Iljinsky, Curtains (Theatre Department Musical), November 2016
  • Chapel service, November 2015
  • Aaron Copland Chamber Music Concert (HPU Chamber Music Series), November 2015
  • Annual Trustees Christmas party (at the President’s request), December 2014
  • National Speakers Association conference (at the President’s request), October 2014
  • Mozart Requiem, April 2014
  • Chapel service, January 2014
  • President’s Leadership Council meeting/fundraiser (at the President’s request), January 2012
  • Annual Trustees Christmas party (at the President’s request), December 2013
  • Recording for HPU holiday cd, October 2013
  • Chapel Service, February 2013
  • Faculty Debussy Concert (HPU Chamber Music Series), February 2013
  • Faculty recital, January 2013
  • Chapel service, January 2013
  • HPU Trustees meeting (at the President’s request), December 2012
  • “Steel Magnolias” club (alumni group), December 2012
  • “High Point Study Club” (local group including HPU alumni), December 2012
  • President’s Leadership Council meeting/fundraiser (at the President’s request), September 2012
  • Private performance for local business, academic, and philanthropic leaders, hosted by former U.S. Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and attended by President Qubein, September 2012

These events require both independent and ensemble rehearsal time, and I am often charged with lining up logistics and personnel. I appreciate that I am highly visible at these events and I take great care to represent HPU to the best of my abilities.

In addition to my service to the university, I have also performed extensive service to the community and profession. I presented “Voice, Word, and Gesture: Bringing Songs to Life!” for the Music Academy of North Carolina in 2013. I was guest soloist and conductor for the James B. Conant High School (Hoffman States, IL) spring combined choir and orchestra concert in 2016. That same year I was an invited Grant Advisory Panelist for the United Arts Council for Greater Greensboro (aka ArtsGreensboro), representing and advocating for music submissions. I was an external reviewer for a UNCSA faculty member’s application for promotion and tenure, also in 2016. And I have given numerous solo performances and lectures for arts associations, community groups, religious institutions, and educational organizations.

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