Student Spotlight: Alli Brascho

1. What is your school year, major/minor and career goals?

Sophomore vocal performance major. I want to perform for a lifetime with dreams of being a part of the metropolitan opera. However, if that fails, the act of simply performing is enough. I also hope to become a music therapist and or veterinarian. Anyways, I have a lot I want to do, but mostly I want to love my job, whatever it is, and I want it to be something that can influence, benefit and aid others far beyond my imagination. All in God’s plan! I had an aha moment today that I have no idea what God has in store, and how completely exciting is that?

2. How did you end up at Samford?

This is hard because I actually had a really rotten attitude about auditioning for Samford. I had a bunch of excuses explaining why it wasn’t for me, but God eventually shut me up and served me a lesson in humility. He opened doors for I would have never imagined or asked for, and he showed very clearly where he intended my next step in life to be. It was a humbling and testifying experience of God’s promise. I would probably be miserable right now if I hadn’t followed His plan.

3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

I’m lucky Dr. Copeland accepted me despite my miserable sight reading skills (Thanks for that, Dr. C), because now I have the best support system/family/friends EVER!! And I doubt I could have found a group like this anywhere else.

4. What is your favorite memory so far during your time in the A Cappella Choir?

My first Vespers service and singing at Trevelyn Campbell’s funeral service. Both experiences showed me the importance of what we do in a way that I will never forget. We sing not for ourselves, not as a performance to receive praise for ourselves, but to aid others in their journeys through faith and life and, most importantly, to glorify the LORD. As cheesy as that may sound it’s true… And it makes singing that much more special. Haha.

5. What is your favorite song from A Cappella Choir so far?

Hmmm… Death may dissolve? I REALLY LOVED CARMINA BURANA though….

Thanks, Alli!

Alumni Spotlight: Crystal Briley Scroggs

Today we meet Chrystal Briley Scroggs!

Crystal graduated from Samford in 2003. Her favorite song was Bach Motet “Lobet den hern” and she is a music teacher at a private Christian day school for Pre-K to 10th grade in Charlotte, NC. She also keeps a very busy private music studio for voice and piano lessons.

In Crystal’s words: “My parents were alumni of A Cappella with Dr. Black… I grew up hearing about AC and all the traditions they had passed down. I looked forward to spending my time at Samford with that group of people. It was my family while at Samford. Under Dr. Price’s leadership we all gained a deeper understanding of the Lord, musicality, and unity. He was able to transition the choir into a new place of community and we all loved him for it! He was known for his sock feet in rehearsal and always referred to his Mickey Mouse watch at the close of rehearsal. He had his own made up language that he would show off at camp entertainment times– that was a great memory.

Our choir tour times were filled with various one liners and jokes as we made our way through various southern states and Russia singing. We memorized over 35 pages of a Bach motet for that Russia tour! Dr. Price and Barbara were like parents to those of us in choir. They found time to come to the Halloween parties, call us personally in times of trouble, and loved on us with fuzzies! Singing in AC is one of my most favorite and most cherished times of my life. I hope that many more experience AC with the level of joy and love that my family and I have.”

 

Student Spotlight: Michael Megginson

Today we welcome freshman Michael Megginson to the website!

1. What is your school year, major/minor and career goals?

I am a freshman math major and music minor and still relatively clueless about my future plans.

2. How did you end up at Samford?

I live in Birmingham very close to Samford’s campus and came to know a lot of Samford students during my high school years. I primarily chose to come to Samford because I loved the kind of people I knew here. I could tell students were happy to be at Samford and that they benefitted from their experiences here. Also the University Fellows Program and the A Cappella Choir were two big selling points for me.

3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

I had the prodigious fortune of getting to join the A Cappella Choir during my senior year of high school. Since I lived in Birmingham and was homeschooled, I was able to attend all the rehearsals and performances, and my Dad, who knew Dr. Copeland from ASO Chorus, asked him if I would be allowed to join A Cappella Choir. He was open to the idea, so I went to Dr. Copeland’s office the next morning to audition, was admitted, and showed up that very evening for the beginning of choir camp. I sang with the choir the whole year and went on tour with them last summer in Europe. I didn’t know if I would be coming to Samford (though I knew I wanted to) until the end of last Spring semester, but now I’m here and I’m so thrilled to still be singing in AC.

4. What is your favorite memory so far during your time in the A Cappella Choir?

I will never forget the week of summer choir camp when I first joined. When I showed up I was immediately welcomed by the rest of the choir and was overwhelmed and touched at how everyone reached out to me and made me feel included. It was amazing to me how quickly I grew to love all these people I had never met. By the end of camp I truly felt like a part of the choir family.

5. What is your favorite song from A Cappella Choir so far?

Last year The A Cappella Choir sang The Messiah by Handel with the University Choral and members of the Samford Orchestra. That was my first time to learn The Messiah and it was amazing to be a part of such a big production. I still love singing and listening to the many choruses and solos from that work; I don’t think I can really pick a favorite one, but I’ll go with Surely He Hath Born Our Griefs as my favorite chorus.

Alumni Spotlight: Hayden Gunter

Welcome 2012 graduate Hayden Gunter to the website!

1. When did you graduate and what are you doing now?

I graduated in 2012 from the Brock School. I now work for the United States Treasury doing a lot of Strategic Planning and Project Management.

2. How did you end up at Samford?

There was never another choice. Samford was it! My dad went to SU, so that was my first connection, and of course I thought it was a beautiful place. And Evan wanted to follow in my footsteps, obviously!

3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

I was a junior when I first joined the choir. I wish I would have joined my freshman year. Melissa Carlisle talked me into auditioning so I went into Dr. Copeland’s office, sang some scales, botched sight reading and hiked my Marketing skills up a couple of notches. Dr. Copeland sent me an email telling me I didn’t make the choir, especially given the fact that there were a lot of sopranos that tried out that go-around. Granted I was a tenor, I was extremely confused. He though I was a blonde chick, obviously very wrong, and later let me in the choir. What a crazy and fun conductor (emphasis on crazy). 4. What is your favorite memory from your time in the A Cappella Choir? Does it get any better than going to Paris and Barcelona? Building relationships that last a lifetime in that short couple of weeks will always be a memory impressed in me. Singing in cathedrals built in the 1100’s will always be a really cool memory, but I must say, singing on the stage for the last time during our competition that year will always be engrained in my memory. The intensity on Dr. Cope’s face, the incredibly beautiful sound coming from my best friends around me, the energy and the unmatched emotion during and after the few songs we sang will stay with me forever. If you have the opportunity, go.

5. What is your favorite song from A Cappella Choir?

Praise to the Lord the Almighty. It was the very first song I sang with the choir.

To follow Hayden as he and his fianceé get married, find him at @HPGunter

Student Spotlight: Shelby Terrell

Today we welcome freshman Shelby Terrell to the website!

1. What is your school year, major/minor and career goals?

This is my freshman year, I’m a musical theatre major, and Ideally I would love to move to New York and be on Broadway but honestly I just want to perform for the rest of my life and I’ll be happy!
2. How did you end up at Samford?

I came to see some family friends in Step Sing my junior year and decided that while I was here I might as well our the campus! I fell in love with the school and the people during that visit and I knew Samford was the place for me!
3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

Well this summer before school started, fellow freshman A Cappella member Josh Smith and I were talking and he told me about the Samford A Cappella Choir and suggested I audition. And so I got in contact with Dr. Copeland and came to audition for him in July! It was a super spur of the moment thing but I’m so thankful to be in this choir because it’s where I’ve made some of my best friends.
4. What is your favorite memory so far during your time in the A Cappella Choir?

My favorite memory from choir so far was during choir camp when a huge group of us did the ice bucket challenge and then went around swimming in every fountain on campus. We ended up all sitting in a circle in the fountain in front of the theatre building and we sang a song. It was just so fun and such a memorable experience.
5. What is your favorite song from A Cappella Choir so far?

My favorite song that the choir has sung this year would probably have to be “Song for Athene” or “Precious Lord.” I’m completely torn between the two. They’re very different styles but I feel like I really connected with both songs on an emotional level. I think that as a choir we were really able to convey the text to those listening and we were able to make an impact on everyone sitting in those Vespers services!

To keep up with Shelby’s adventures, follow her at @shelbyterrell

Alumni Spotlight: Lindsay Lyon

Today we meet 2012 graduate, Lindsay Lyon!

1. When did you graduate and what are you doing now?

I graduated with a bachelor of Music Education in May of 2012. I taught Elementary music at Trinity Presbyterian School for two years in Montgomery, AL, but am now back in Birmingham with my dear husband, Nathan Lyon. He is in the Masters Program at Samford for Church Music, and I am currently nannying for a precious family in Mountain Brook, and I love it!

2. How did you end up at Samford?

Samford was always in the front of my mind as I considered colleges in high school, mostly because both my parents went there as well as several of my extended family members. The Christian atmosphere, high quality music education program, and small class setting really attracted my attention, but the peace I had in my heart from The Lord is what really helped me decide Samford was going to be my next big step.

3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

I grew up listening to the A Capella choir because of my parents, who actually met in the choir in the 80’s. I remember thinking how amazing it would be to be a part of a choir like that. I auditioned in 2008, and although I did not expect to, I made it! I was a part of AC for seven semesters, from fall of 2008 to fall of 2011. Half of my time in AC was spent with Dr. Tim Banks, who took us to France, Italy, and New Orleans, and the other half with Dr. Philip Copeland who did an excellent job transitioning the choir to his style of teaching and conducting. I am honored to have been under the conducting of two incredibly talented men!!!

4. What is your favorite memory from your time in the A Cappella Choir?

I was able to attend the Europe tour in 2009 to France and Italy. My, what a trip! So many fun (and scary) memories!! Losing my way in the dark without any cell phone or ID with me in Assisi, nearly fainting during a concert from intense heat in Sienna..(why did we have to wear those robes in that heat?!) Riding on an overnight train ride from Paris to Florence, singing in Notre Dame Cathedral and St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican… Such an amazing experience with a great group of singers. I was so thankful for the choir during my time at Samford, and I miss it tremendously. There is something heavenly about singing with a choir of that caliber that words cannot describe.

5. What is your favorite song from A Cappella Choir?

“Hope, Faith, Life, Love” composed by Eric Whitacre. We sang this song under the direction of Dr. Banks, and since the first rehearsal it was introduced it became a choir favorite. Its contemporary dissonance and resolutions as well as its simple text create a listening experience like no other for our audiences. It required us to listen intently to each other while we sang, and in a way it bonded us as a choir. However, I must add that spiritually, my favorite song was of course, Beautiful Savior. I was able to attend Dr. Gene Black’s memorial service at Dawson a couple weeks ago, and when the Alumni Choir sang Beautiful Savior at the end of the service, just as they always did at the end of every concert, it brought tears to my eyes. I remembered the true mission of A Cappella Choir- to tell the world about The Lord who loves us, cares for us, and wants us to follow Him. Yes, the music is important and enjoyable to sing, but the message the choir presents is it’s main purpose. I am honored to have been a part of such an incredible group of singers.

 

Thank you, Lindsay!

Student Spotlight: Chase Cunningham

Here we are….week two of student spotlights! Meet graduating senior Chase Cunningham:

1. What is your school year, major and career goals?

Senior journalism and mass communication major with a print concentration and music minor. Entering law school next fall.

2. How did you end up at Samford?

I met a Samford recruitment representative my freshman year of high school. I visited the university that same year while driving through Birmingham with my family. I was immediately attracted to the campus, faculty and city. Four years later, I was enrolled and attending.

3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

The A Cappella Choir is a large part of why I came to Samford. During my first visit to campus, I met Dr. Copeland and sat through a rehearsal. As a singer but non-music major, this choir was one of the best choral opportunities available to me as I entered college, since the entire student body is able to audition. In my first few minutes as a member of AC, I was swept away by the caliber of musical performance as well as the friendship among its members. For the past four years, this choir has introduced me to some of my closest friends, allowed me to travel the world and presented to me some of the best choral literature that has been written.

4. What is your favorite memory so far during your time in the A Cappella Choir?

There are so many! During the summer of 2012, the A Cappella Choir traveled to France for a tour and competition in Tours, France. It was my first year with the choir. I have never experienced a moment or emotion quite like the one when we left the stage in Tours for the final time. It was our last major performance with many of our seniors, and we all knew that we had just delivered our absolute best on stage. It was a fantastic cadence of an entire year’s work.

5. What is your favorite song from A Cappella Choir so far?

Picking just one is almost impossible, but I’ll go with John Tavener’s “Song for Athene.”

Thanks, Chase! To follow Chase’s journey, follow him at @chasecunningham.

Student Spotlight: Maggie Boswell

Introducing our new student spotlight series! This will occur every week so you can get to know the faces of A Cappella Choir!

1. What is your school year, major and career goals?

I’m a sophomore, my major is Music Composition, and I hope to continue on to graduate school to study different styles of music and possibly further composition studies.

2. How did you end up at Samford?

Although I’m originally from Maryland, my extended family all resides in Alabama and my parents both attended and graduated from University of Alabama. The biggest deciding factor in choosing Samford had to do with the community I felt at my audition and the opportunity to study composition and work with Dr. Davis.

3. What is your A Cappella Choir story?

Prior to A Cappella I was in University Chorale for three semesters which I enjoyed immensely, but I was also so interested and enthralled by the repertoire of A Cappella and the chance to be a part of such a dedicated and high quality group of singers. Especially for composition, being able to dig into the scores and emotion of the pieces in rehearsals and performances is an amazing experience.

4. What is your favorite memory so far in the A Cappella Choir?

Although there have already been so many memorable experiences so far, I think my favorite memory as of now is being a part of the first Vespers service this semester. I’ve attended all the services since freshman year and was always blown away by the choir and hoped I could one day be a part of such a special service. Being able to be on the other side and to be a part of creating inspired and beautiful music will definitely never get old.

5. What is your favorite piece we’ve sung?

I think it’s an even tie between “Precious Lord” and “Memento Mei, Domine.” But there are also strong moments in each piece we have sung so far that I really love and connect with.

Thanks, Maggie! To follow Maggie’s success as a composition major, find her on Twitter at @Baggie_Moswell

Spotlight: Sharon Mays’ Summer at Interlochen

Upcoming senior singer Sharon Mays tells about her summer working at Interlochen, Michigan…

After the choir’s recent tour, I drove to Interlochen, Michigan, to begin my summer job as Program Office Staff. I work in an office with several others and it is our responsibility to collect information for, type, and format all concert programs for Interlochen Arts Camp. There are over a thousand campers here at any given time and more than a dozen large ensembles, not to mention hundreds of faculty and staff who also perform. Some weeks we handle about thirty programs, but on busier weeks, more than sixty. Over the course of the summer we will create over three-hundred programs!

When I’m not in the office, I have a lot of time to make the best of the musical environment provided by Interlochen. There are hundreds of practice rooms throughout campus and an impressive music library of scores and recordings. Besides the facilities, there are a wonderful group of teachers on campus for summer camp and as year-round faculty for the boarding high school. I’ve been taking weekly voice lessons with Scott Piper, an opera singer and professor from University of Michigan, which I’ve greatly enjoyed. I have continued my organ studies with Tom Bara, who organizes the organ program at the Interlochen Arts Academy (boarding high-school). He holds a daily organ seminar for campers that I attend and gives me organ lessons each week. I’ve been able to observe rehearsals of the high schools choirs and an adult choir camp, which was directed by Jerry Blackstone of University of Michigan. The largest musical endeavor I’ve been a part of here is the Festival Choir and Interlochen Philharmonic performance of Mozart’s Requiem. We performed in Kresge, Interlochen’s main outdoor venue which faces the lake. I had a lot of fun getting to sing my first large work with full orchestra!

On Sundays and Mondays, the Interlochen weekend, I get to explore the surrounding area. The closest normal-sized city is Traverse City, home of the National Cherry Festival. It in on one of the bays of Lake Michigan and has a vibrant downtown area with delicious food and local establishments. Sleeping Bear Dunes is less than an hour away and has beaches on Lake Michigan. Here the weather is normally in the 70s and sunny, with occasional days in the 60s. This makes for a great environment to sit on the lake at Interlochen and read.

While I’ve enjoyed my time at Interlochen, I can’t wait to get back and begin my senior year in the A Cappella Choir. The other seniors and I have already begun planning the social aspects of choir camp. It is going to be a great year!

 

 

2014-15 Choir List

We’re so excited to announce our 2014-15 choir!

Soprano 1
Riana Lonquist
Sharon Mays
Joylyn Rushing
Anna Willis
Abby Wright

Soprano 2
Allie Brascho
Abby Head
Maddie Lawry
Katie Thompson
Christy Vest
Jenna Zimmerman

Alto 1
Abigail Acker
Ashley Blankenship
Eleanor Stenner
Rebekah Wall
Despina Wilson

Alto 2
Sarah Allen
Kelli Crawford
Ellen Mitchell
Julia Phillips
Whitney Vickers

Tenor 1
Austin Foster
Stephen Gill
Franklin Lowe
Charlie Howard
Terrence Parkes
Mac Williams

Tenor 2
Chase Nolen

Jake Adler
Chase Cunningham
Chadwick McDowell
Reid Parrott
Michael Taylor
Robert Turnage

Bass 1
Drew Deaton
Evan Gunter
William Hargrove
Chris Lombardo
Michael Southerland
Taylor Stricklin

Bass 2
Brett Bellomy
Brooks Hanrahan
Caleb Harper
McClain McKinney
Michael Megginson
Josh Smith