The Bridgewater College Chorale has been invited to perform at the 2024 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Conference, which will be held in Norfolk, Va., at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel and the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel from Nov. 21-23. The Chorale’s concert will take place at noon on Thursday, Nov. 21.
The VMEA’s annual professional development conference is an opportunity for music educators from across the Commonwealth to network, share information about new ideas and technology for teaching music and attend performances conducted by fellow educators. Currently, the organization has over 3,000 members.
Assistant professor of music and director of choral music Dr. Ryan Keebaugh ’02, who will direct the Chorale’s performance, said that being invited to perform for hundreds, or possibly thousands, of conference attendees is no small feat.
“Performing groups have to apply, and with only two slots for college choral performances during the conference, the selection process is quite competitive,” Keebaugh said. “This is truly a unique opportunity, both for students in the Chorale and for Bridgewater College.”
Chorale member Parker Sale ’25, a music major from Henrico, Va., shares Keebaugh’s excitement. Sale, who is studying to be a music educator herself, first attended the VMEA’s annual conference in 2023. She said that it was a great chance to learn more about the field and that, this year, she’s excited to help promote BC by performing.
“It is a huge honor. Being able to perform at this conference makes [Bridgewater] more prominent in the music scene,” Sale said.
During their performance, the Chorale will sing Christopher Tin’s “Sogno di Volare,” which the group previously performed at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in June. Tin’s piece will be followed by Dan Forrest’s “Let Me Listen,” Ola Gjeilo’s “Across the Vast Eternal Sky,” and Eric Barnum’s “Afternoon on a Hill.” The performance will conclude with “Sing You Home” by Mark Murphy and Maureen Ennis.
Currently consisting of 42 members, the Chorale is a select choral ensemble of students who also sing in BC’s Concert Choir. The Chorale performs on campus throughout the academic year and tours regionally each spring.
Media Contact:
Eli Quay
Communications and Media Relations Specialist
equay3@bridgewater.edu
(540) 828-5486
11/12/24
