OBU Division of Music Newsletter
September 2009
New Music Faculty
The OBU Division of Music welcomes two new faculty members in Auguest, Dr. Casey Gerber, assistant professor of music education and Dr. Christy Talbott, assistant professor of music theory.
Dr. Gerber will teach music education methods courses, will supervise student teachers, and conduct the Young Singers of Central Oklahoma . In addition to this, he is also the faculty sponsor for David's Creed. Dr. Gerber received a B.M.E. degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the Master of Music degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi. He lives in Shawnee with his wife Christa and his two children Owen & Stella.
In addition to teaching music theory courses, Dr. Talbott will also be conducting the Bisonette Glee Club as well as the Youth Chorale. She holds a B.A. degree from Hiram College, a B.S. degree from Kent State University, a M.M. from University of South Florida, and a Ph.D. from Ohio State University. She is also residing in Shawnee with her dog, CJ (Cyrus Josephus).
Dr. Kristen Stauffer Todd Appointed Division Chair
Dr. Kristen Todd began new duties this fall as the Chair of the OBU Division of Music. In her new duties she will continue to teach music history and Fine Arts Courses as well as oversee the daily activities/operations of the Division of Music.
When Dr. Todd is not busy with her many duties at OBU, she enjoys hiking, travel, and reading interesting, non-musicological works. She lives in Shawnee with her husband, Philip, and their daughters Olivia Grace and Helena Joy, who are all Kentucky fans!
All-State Workshop
Approximately 260 junior high and high school students and teachers attended the All-State Workshop from July 16-18th. Dr. David Deseguirant, OBU's director of choral activities was the high school practitioner and OBU alum, Randa Mitchell led the junior high choir.
The workshop is geared to prepare students for the OMEA/OCDEA auditions that will be held this fall. OBU will host the East Central Division of the OCDEA auditions in October.
OBU music faculty and students worked together to register and welcome students, lead sectionals, teach voice lessons, and to provide activities and supervision in the dormitories. This workshop has grown in the past 15 years from a handful of students and teachers to a yearly attendance of nearly 300!
40 New Freshmen Enter the Music Program
Forty new freshmen and transfer students began their music studies at OBU in August. In addition to going through the traditional the traditional OBU Welcome Week activities, new music students spend their first semester in the Intro to Music class preparing for life as a music student.
The freshmen music experience is centered around the Intro to Music Class taught by Dr. Todd and Dr. Kevin Pruiett. The class will spend time introducing students to music study, exploring practice techniques, music careers, music technology, and will take a field trip to the Tulsa Symphony in October.
Bison Bicycle Classic
Once again it is time for the Bison Bicycle Classic! Each year, the OBU Division of Music raises money for Habitat for Humanity by sponsoring the Bison Bicycle Classic. This is the 9th year for the event and we are hoping for great weather and a good turnout!
The 2008 event raised $2,000 for Shawnee's Habitat for Humanity.
Division of Music Celebrates Two New Arrivals
It has been a busy summer for the Division of Music for three of OBU's music faculty as Dr. Kevin Pruiett (along with his wife Dandi) and Dr. and Dr. Mrs. McQuade welcomed new baby girls into their families.
London Gabrielle Pruiett was born on June 27th and is said to already have great appreciation for musical groups such as Fishbone. She made her first visit to the music department during All-State Workshop-a very brave girl indeed!
Nadia Grace McQuade made her appearance nearly six weeks early on August 1st. She is now at home with her parents and will surely begin her own list of musical preferences in the near future!
Congratulations to both the Pruietts and McQuades!
