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choral music pc choir

The history of choral music at Presbyterian College really begins in 1947 with the arrival of Religion professor Dr. Eduard Patte. Dr. Patte organized and conducted a men's choir until 1965. The PC Men's Robed Choir toured the nation during these two decades. Traveling almost every other weekend and tours in both the fall and spring, the young men of the PC Choir toured throughout the South and points afar.

Dr. Charles T. Gaines was hired in 1965 as the first fine arts professor in the history of Presbyterian College. Dr. Gaines taught in almost every area of the fine arts in those years, but his heart was in the development of the PC Choir and the teaching of piano and organ. Dr. Gaines developed a choral program at PC from 1965-1998. One of the enduring memories of students of that period was their participation in his Madrigal Dinners. Richly costumed and staged, these productions continued annually at PC through 1998. Dr. Gaines' choirs toured extensively throughout the US and Europe.

Dr. Porter Stokes came to PC following Dr. Gaines' retirement in 1998. The choral program has continued to develop under his leadership. Innovations have included the development of a series of Christmas festival concerts known as Christmas at PC. These performances have received both critical and popular acclaim. Recently, the addition of two choirs, Armonia (Women's Choir) and Cantare (Men's Choir) have broadened the scope of the PC choral program.

The PC Choir performs extensively each year with performances from September through May. Recently, the Choir has toured throughout the eastern United States and overseas. During the 2002-2003 academic year, the Choir undertook a nine-day tour in England and Scotland with concerts in London, York, Lincoln, Durham, Edinburgh, and Stirling. In 2003-2004, the PC Choir toured through South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania with an additional performance in the Rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building in DC. During March of 2007, the choir presented performances in England in the following cathedrals: Gloucester, Worcester, Chicester, Exeter, Wells, and at All Saints' Church in Isleworth outside London. In Spring 2006, members of the PC Choir recorded a demonstration recording for a new composition by composer K. Lee Scott Sing the Songs of Bethlehem. The score and CD are available through the publisher, Morningstar Publishing.

The Choir sings a varied repertoire that includes representation of all major musical epochs. Repertoire is predominantly sacred and eclectic. Styles included in each year's repertoire include contemporary anthems for the church, hymn arrangements, spirituals, and non-western material. Participation in the Choir is open to all students at Presbyterian College. Acceptance into the Choir is determined by a competitive audition before the Director and membership currently stands at 80.

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