Choral Ensembles to Present Fall Concert Nov. 3

Three of OBU’s premiere choral ensembles will present their Fall Concert Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. in Raley Chapel’s Yarborough Auditorium. The event will feature the Bison Glee Club, the Bisonettes and the University Chorale. The public is invited to attend the free performance.

Founded in 1938 by Warren M. Angell, former dean of the College of Fine Arts, the Bison Glee Club is an auditioned group of the outstanding male musicians. The group has long been considered one of the premiere men's choruses in the southwest and has toured extensively throughout the United Stated as well as in Canada, Europe and the Far East. Its annual season features a variety of performances including tour concerts, regular campus concerts, Homecoming Gala, Hanging of the Green, chapel events and numerous Oklahoma-area appearances. They have been featured as honor choirs for the Oklahoma Music Educators Conference and the Baptist Church Music Conference.

The Bison Glee Club is under the direction of Dr. Ken Gabrielse, professor of music. The group will perform “A Life of Prayer,” a collection of songs following a theme of different prayers. The pieces will feature soloists Brandon Handy, Matthew Clear and Evan King, along with accompanist Graeson Griffin on piano.

The Bisonette Glee Club will perform next. The Bisonettes are OBU’s all-female glee club composed of students who are accepted through an audition process. The Bisonettes were founded in 1954 by Warren M. Angell, former dean of the College of Fine Arts. Membership in the group is by annual audition. The group performs at a wide range of campus events and off-campus concerts, including an annual tour of churches and schools.

The Bisonettes are under the direction of Dr. Jim Vernon, professor of music. The group will perform five songs including “Lux Aterna,” from Michelle Roueche, and “Walk in Jerusalem,” arranged by Rollo Dillworth. They will be accompanied by Megan Mattke on piano.

The University Chorale will conclude the program. Founded in 1963, the Chorale is the premiere mixed ensemble at OBU. In recent years the Chorale has appeared at the Southwestern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association, The Church Music Workshop, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, the Oklahoma State Youth Choir Festival and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association In-service Workshop. Recent tours have included California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

The Chorale is under the direction of Dr. D. Brent Ballweg, the Burton H. Patterson Professor of Music and director of choral activities. The group will present “Light and Life,” a collection of songs based on the title, including “The Lord is My Light,” “True Light” and “Arise, Shine!” Kirstina Ward will be the featured soloist on “True Light.” Dr. Mary Chung, assistant professor of piano, will accompany the Chorale’s performance.