University of Arkansas choral faculty conducts student choruses across state in all-region festivals

University of Arkansas (U of A) choral faculty recently took part in the 2016 Arkansas Choral Directors Association All-Regional festivals, conducting a combined 1,000 students in regional choirs from across the state.
 
Arkansas’ schools are divided into six regions, and for All-Region events each region’s local board of governance approaches and hires clinicians to direct student choruses. This year, three University of Arkansas faculty members were selected as clinicians: Director of Choral Activities Stephen Caldwell, Associate Director of Choral Activities Jeffrey Murdock and Director of the University of Arkansas Children’s Choir Rachel Cornett.
 
Caldwell conducted the Region 5 High School Mixed Chorus in Springdale and the Region 2 High School Mixed Chorus in Conway, comprising 180 and 209 students respectively. Murdock conducted the Region 5 Women’s Chorus and Cornett the Region 3 and Region 2 Junior High Choruses.
 
"It is always an honor when one of the region boards contacts you to be a clinician," University of Arkansas Director of Choral Activities Stephen Caldwell, who is also on the faculty of the Music Department, said. "Not only do we get to make beautiful music, but it is a fantastic opportunity to meet students and their teachers, and extend a welcoming hand from the U of A."