Concert Series: Heidelberg University Choirs 5/15/17

TIFFIN (Ohio) – The Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers, the premiere choral ensembles of Heidelberg University’s School of Music and Theatre, will perform at First Presbyterian Church of Edgewood, 120 E. Swissvale Ave., in Pittsburgh as part of their annual spring tour.
The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 15.
                Under the direction of Dr. Greg Ramsdell, director of choral activities and associate professor of choral music education, the 50-member vocal ensemble will present a concert with the theme “Up.” 
              Through its repertoire, the choir will explore the many diverse meanings of “up” – a small and unassuming word that is rich in nuance.
                The first half of the concert will depict a journey of the soul that begins with hope and longing and progresses through fulfillment, adoration, prayer for deliverance and praise. The texts for the second half trace a voyage of the spirit from cries of victory and anguish to acceptance in the face of loss.
                “Whether or not the relationship of each piece to today’s concert theme is readily apparent, we hope there will be no question that each piece of music on the program has been expertly wedded to inspiring texts of universal appeal,” Ramsdell said.
                Several selections feature solos or accompaniment by students from the choir. Featured soloists include Heather DeJonge on piano, Alexis Cook and Cedric Robinson on violin, Will Sweeney on viola and Teddy Berger on percussion.

Since its inception in 1938, the Concert Choir has achieved the distinction of being one of the premier collegiate choral ensembles in the Midwest. Open to all Heidelberg students, regardless of major, the Concert Choir rehearses three times each week and performs more than 15 concerts each year, including a domestic tour and a performance of Handel's “Messiah” as part of Heidelberg’s Christmas concert at Tiffin’s Ritz Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Ramsdell is in his sixth year as the Concert Choir’s director. In addition to his conducting responsibilities, he teaches undergraduate courses in conducting and secondary choral methods. He also teaches graduate courses in curriculum development, research in music education, music theory, and choral arranging.

Ramsdell received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education from Bowling Green State University. In 2006, he earned his doctorate in choral conducting performance from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining the Heidelberg faculty, Ramsdell taught junior high general music and oversaw a large junior high and high school choral music program in Greenville, Pa. He also taught at Westminster College in Pennsylvania and at the University of Central Arkansas.

​The concert is free and open to the public.  A freewill offering will be taken in order to offset the choir’s travel expenses.