A! Magazine for the Arts

Friends of Choir organization established in ETSU Music Department

July 8, 2014

JOHNSON CITY – The choral program in East Tennessee State University's Department of Music is looking for some friends.

A new Friends of Choir organization was formed recently to support the ETSU choral program, which includes the Chorale, the Women's Choir, the BucsWorth Men's Choir and the vocal jazz ensemble Greyscale.

Sponsorship funds provided by the Friends of Choir will help cover the costs of national and international tours and other activities.

First on the agenda is a trip by the ETSU Chorale to Washington, D.C., in January 2015, with stops for performances at high schools and churches along the way.

"The choirs are recognized for their outstanding music throughout the country and around the world," said Dr. Matthew Potterton, director of choral and vocal activities in the Department of Music. He noted that this visibility has come partly through past concert tours.

"Recruitment is so important for sustained growth in our program," he continued, recalling how he chose the college he would attend for his undergraduate degree in music while listening to its choir when it visited his high school. "By bringing the incredible talent of our students to a larger audience, I am sure we will gain many students from this trip. I hope to continue to tour each year so that ETSU is heard around the nation."

Potterton said that while previous tours have been funded with support from various donors, regular contributions by members of the new Friends of Choir organization will allow the program to plan further in advance.

Friends' names will be listed in the programs for choir performances during the seasons in which they contribute.

For more information, contact Potterton at potterton@etsu.edu; Dr. Alan Stevens, associate director of choral activities, at stevensae2@etsu.edu; or the Department of Music at 423-439-4270.

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