New Interim Head of Southwestern Music Department returns from Choral Conducting Workshop, Aug. 1

Southwestern Oregon Community College’s newly appointed Interim Head of the Music Department, Ida Jo Gates, has just returned from the internationally known Choral Directors Workshop with Rodney Eichenberger.  Joined by colleagues from six countries and twenty-eight states, Ms. Gates reports that the five days of seven-hour sessions each were enlightening, entertaining and invigorating.  Each day, the assembled choral directors sight-read new works, and a major portion of Ms. Gates’ participation was spent in a master class with individualized instruction by Dr. Eichenberger. Fifteen of the 150 attendees were chosen to direct recently composed choral selections at the closing concert; Ms. Gates’ directed an arrangement of “An Old Irish Blessing” by Kevin Memley.  Ms. Gates returns to Coos Bay and Southwestern with enthusiasm and excitement for the music department’s academic year. Several incoming freshmen are already registered for music theory and history; additional students have chosen individual, private instrumental and voice lessons. As usual, the college’s student ensembles – instrumental and vocal jazz along with chamber choir – are showing increased enrollment for 2017-18. (Rehearsal/Class times have been moved to late afternoon. Please see the online Schedule of Classes.) Ms. Gates urges anyone who is planning to register for classes to do so during August. Go to https://mylakerlink.socc.edu/ICS/ to do a course search and register for classes. The Southwestern Music Department is a vital part of the community as witnessed by the enrollment in the three community ensembles: choir, orchestra and band. It is Ms. Gates’ intention that degree-seeking, full-time students will become more involved in these organizations to continue building the college-community relationship. “I am an advocate for community colleges, having been on faculty at three in Arizona, California and Oregon. The interaction between two-year, degree-seeking students and the residents of the community through their support and encouragement is a win-win situation for everyone. Music is an obvious conduit for that interaction, and I am looking forward to linking the pursuit of academic and performance outcomes directly to community involvement.” Ms. Gates can be reached by phone at 541-888-7303 or email at igates@socc.edu. To learn more about Southwestern visit: www.socc.edu.