jamesCstegall.com

A Kirke Mechem Retrospective with Kirke Mechem

Memories from the American Choral Directors Association National Convention
Miami Beach Convention Center March 10, 2007  9:45a, 11:00a, 3:30p

Through juried application, The University Singers conducted by Dr. James C. Stegall were selected for performance at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Convention in Miami, Florida, March 7-10, 2007.  The University Singers competed in the College-University category with no distinction to size of school.  In lieu of the traditional convention performance, Dr. Stegall was offered the opportunity to present a special one-hour concert presentation, A Kirke Mechem Retrospective with Composer Kirke Mechem .  Mr. Mechem, who is considered by many to be the Dean of American choral composers, was to celebrate his 50^th year as a published composer in 2007.  The session was designed as a 50-year chronological retrospective of his choral works, beginning with his first publication in 1957 to his most recent scheduled to be published in 2007. It concentrated on the shorter works, both accompanied and a cappella: madrigals, motets, and selections from choral cycles and operas and concluded with audience participation in the singing of one of the most popular works in the American repertoire, Blow Ye the Trumpet. Mr. Mechem was on WIU’s campus in January to work with Dr. Stegall and the choir prior to their presentation scheduled for three performances in the Miami Beach Convention Center on March 10, 2007.

The Western Illinois University Singers
James C. Stegall, conductor

The Western Illinois University Singers is one of five vocal ensembles in the School of Music. Though primarily undergraduate and graduate music majors who receive scholarship awards, membership is open to all university students through audition. This will be their 13^th convention appearance (third national) under Dr. Stegall’s leadership.  Five performances have been for the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA), four for the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) and four for ACDA.   They have also appeared on professional venues with the Kansas City Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Dallas Brass and most recently with jazz artist Nneena Frelon.  Dr. Stegall is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Western Illinois University.  In addition to the University Singers, he conducts the 100-voice Concert Choir and teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in choral conducting and literature. He makes frequent appearances as a guest conductor and lecturer on vocal production and choral conducting throughout the country and is an active member of IMEA, MENC and ACDA.

Photos by Larry Dean

The Pianist

Mr. Ben Harris

Links:

Choral

• Choralnet
• International Federation for Choral Music
• WIU Choirs

Associations

• American Choral Directors Association
• Illinois ACDA
• Illinois Music Educators Association
• Music Educators National Conference
• Illinois High School Association
• College Music Society

Music

• MUSICA
• The Jewish Choral Music database
• The Choral Public Domain Library
• J.W. Pepper
• Hal Leonard Online
• Santa Barbara Music
• Hear the Choirs Sing

jamesCstegall.com  /  JC-Stegall@wiu.edu  /  309.298.1378