Department of Music at Union University

Wild Harps Can't Be Broken

2008-09-29T23:48:00.007-05:00

On a beautiful fall day in late September, harp student Anna Wicker faced a choice. She could stick to her practice regimen, or she could enjoy the great outdoors. Or she could do both. She got the best of both worlds by wheeling her harp to the pavilion outside Jennings Hall and turning her practice session into an impromptu open-air concert for passers-by to enjoy. "It was just too nice today to stay in a practice room," said Wicker, who is a double major in Music and Spanish.

Choral Groups Participate in Historic Convocation and Dedication of New Dorms

2008-09-13T21:56:00.004-05:00

The Singers graced the chapel stage throughout the Fall 2008 Convocation ceremony on September 12, the first convocation since the devastating tornado of February 5. With the theme of "A New Day," the program emphasized God's mercy and providence during the massive and speedy rebuilding effort of the spring and summer. The Singers supported the congregational singing of several hymns and presented an anthem for the enjoyment of the audience.

Immediately following Convocation, many of those assembled moved to the Penick plaza in view of the newly completed dormitory quads for a service of dedication. Proclamation, Union's chamber vocal group, assembled on the makeshift stage and performed a moving rendition of How Firm a Foundation, arranged and directed by Dr. Chris Mathews.

The Department of Music Welcomes Two New Faculty Members

2008-09-13T20:18:00.009-05:00

Dr. Chris Mathews and Dr. Shawn Okpebholo are the two newest members of the music faculty at Union.

Dr. Mathews is serving as chair of the department and Director of Choral Activities. He directs the Singers and Proclamation. He also brings expertise in music theory and will teach classes in that area. Chris Mathews is one of Union's own: he attended Union from 1991-95 and studied with some of the professors who are now his colleagues. He went on to earn a Master of Music at Southwest Missouri State University and Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Mathews served as Director of Choral Activities at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, before accepting this position at Union. He also brings experience as a Minister of Music at churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and South Carolina to the job. Dr. Mathews moved to West Tennessee over the summer with his wife Leslie, also a Union alum, and three daughters.

Dr. Okpebholo taught at Northern Kentucky University and Cincinnati State Technical and Community college before joining our faculty. He attended Asbury College as an undergraduate and earned his advanced degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. At Union, he teaches music theory, ear training and sight singing, and composition. He also oversees the music technology lab. Dr. Okpebholo is an active composer with numerous commissions, publications, and awards to his credit. He is joined in Jackson by his wife Dorthy.