The Music Department at Texarkana College sponsored a choral workshop on Nov. 16-17, to stimulate interest in Handel’s “Messiah.”
According to Mrs. Sue McCrossen, instructor of music at TC, “The response was very enthusiastic, both by the chorus and those who attended as auditors.” Approximately 40 people attended.
The attendance consisted of guest directors from the community and some students. The music was performed by the Texarkana Community Chorus plus people attending the workshop.
Mrs. McCrossen stated that the significance of the workshop was that those attending “…achieved a study-learning situation in which the group both performs the music and learns from the director the technique used for performing it.”
The music performed was from “The Messiah,” an oratorio composed by George Frederick Handel in 1741. It was first performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742 – for the benefit of the poor. The text of this oratorio was written by Charles Jennens, based on 56 Biblical excerpts. Ten of these were performed at the workshop.
Additional choruses were studied which represented various music periods ranging from the late Renaissance through contemporary literature.
Dr. James E. Richards, head of the music department at East Texas State University, and Daniel P. Smith, instructor of music at ETSU, participated in the workshop. These two gentlemen will also take part in a musical program in the TC auditorium, 8 p.m., Dec. 9.
Dr. Richards will conduct the program, which will include 30 minutes of excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah” and other arrangements. Smith will accompany on the organ.