In only a few short months as La Verne’s director of choral activities, Dr. James M. Calhoun already has left his mark.
Not only is he in the process of establishing a Gospel Choir, but Dr. Calhoun, also an assistant professor of music, has enlisted the internationally known Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers–he has worked as the group’s organist, pianist and vocalist–to perform in concert at La Verne and hold a special workshop for his students.
The timing is perfect. The Jubilee Singers will perform a selection of works by African American composers during their Feb. 26 concert in the newly renovated Ann & Steve Morgan Auditorium. The public concert, from 7-8:30 p.m., coincides with Black History Month and will be the first held there since the facility was refurbished.
“We’re very excited to have someone of Dr. Calhoun’s caliber take the reins of the program, and we look forward to a bright future with a new venue,” said Dr. Jonathan Reed, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “Dr. Calhoun not only brings academic excellence to La Verne, but as a native of South-central Los Angeles he will represent and identify with a large segment of our Southern California student population.”
Dr. Calhoun, who earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at USC, has a long history as conductor, accompanist, and vocalist. He has also taught choral music, jazz history, voice, music appreciation and other courses at various colleges and universities throughout Southern California and recently completed 24 years serving as organist, choral director and director of music ministries at historic Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles–the oldest African-American Baptist congregation in Southern California.
In his new position, Dr. Calhoun will direct the university’s elite Chamber Singers, the school’s premiere vocal ensemble; the University Chorale, which is open to all students; and the Gospel Choir. Already, he has high hopes for increasing interest and participation in the groups. One way he hopes to do that is by exposing them to different music genres and instrumentation as well as some of the many fine musical groups that perform both within and outside the Greater Los Angeles area.
“One of my major goals is to strengthen not only our choirs, but the Music Department as a whole,” he said. “I’d like to get more students involved, and I’d like to see the choirs do some touring. If I could increase our visibility in the community and beyond, I think that would be terrific.”
He added, “I bring a lot of different things to the table: I’m a concert organist, I play the piano, I conduct, I sing. And, I’m a pretty enthusiastic guy. I’m excited about the opportunity I have here at La Verne and am ready to take the program to the next level.”
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