thomas j. hart selected as the next director for the battle Creek community chorus

The Music Center has announced the appointment of a new music director of the Battle Creek Community Chorus. Chosen through a national search, Thomas J. Hart will begin directing the Community Chorus September 1. He has also accepted the post of Music Director at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Before coming to Battle Creek, Dr. Hart served as the Director of Choral Activities at Graceland University where he conducted the select Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and the University Chorus. Dr. Hart received his master’s and doctoral degrees in choral conducting at Michigan State University where he studied voice with Ethel J. Armeling and conducting with Charles Smith. While at Michigan State, he served as director of the Collegiate Choir, Chamber Singers and Women’s Glee Club and coordinated outreach and recruitment events.

During the summers, Dr. Hart directs the chorus of the Bay View Music Festival, an eight-week intensive program from singers and chamber musicians. He is active as a guest conductor and adjudicator for Iowa and Missouri school music programs. He has sung with Dale Warland, Elmer Thomas, and with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. For over ten years, he led the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp vocal program where he led performances of choral /orchestra works with the Blue Lake Festival Orchestra and student chorus. He has also served as music director or advisor for over thirty musical theatre productions.

Music Center Artistic Director Anne Harrigan said, "Thomas' extensive experience and musical skills are a perfect choice for the Community Chorus. I am confident they will do great things together musically, and we are thrilled to be adding him to our roster of fine directors."

In responding to his appointment, Thomas Hart said the following:

"I'm tremendously excited about directing the Battle Creek Community Chorus.  This is a talented, dedicated group of people who sing extremely together.  The level of accomplishment on the Britten Rejoice in the Lamb was impressive.  I left impressed with their fine singing and immediately began thinking of repertoire that might be next for them. 

I look forward to working with Elinor Marsh, Anne Harrigan, Mark Wells and the leadership of the choir to bring more exciting choral music experiences to audiences and singers in Battle Creek.  This choir is a tremendous community asset and I feel privileged to be a part of their future development. "