My Background
I served as Northwestern University's Director of Choral Organizations and Professor of Conducting from 1977 to 2012. Previously, I served as Director of Choral Activities at Michigan State University (1970 to 1977), and at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI (1964-1970). I have held visiting professorships at the University of Texas (Austin) and the University South Africa (Pretoria), and church music positions for most of my life. I remain active as a conductor, clinician, composer, lecturer and adjudicator. I am a life member of the American Choral Directors Association and an active member of Chorus America.
Education
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Wayne State University, Detroit MI
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Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY
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Michigan State University, East Lansing. MI​
Other Career Highlights
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Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus for the 2016-17 season
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Guest conductor of the Carolina Coast Festival Chorus and Orchestra’s Spring Festival performances of the Faure “Requiem” and Sacred Music of 20th and 21st century American composers (Jun 2016).
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Guest conductor of the Wayne State University Choral Union and Symphony Orchestra (Detroit, MI) performance of the Brahams “Ein deutches Requiem” (Nov. 2016)
Awards and Honors
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Classical Roots honoree for musical composition, Detroit Symphony Orchestra (2019)
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Alumni Arts Achievement Award in Music, Wayne State University
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Lifetime achievement award, National Assocation of Negro Musicians (2019)
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Northwestern University School of Music Faculty Exemplar Teaching Award (2000-2001)
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Northwestern University Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award (2001-2002)
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Three-year member of the Choral Panel of the National Endowment for the Arts, and twice as the Panel's co-chair
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Biographical entries:
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Who's Who Among Black Americans
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Men of Achievement (London)
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The History Makers Collection, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
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