OWLS

October 9 and 10

For over 500 years, choral music has expressed humanity’s longing for community, for meaning and for a glimpse of the divine. This course will embark on a brief history of choral music and will look closely at some of the world’s most cherished pieces of choral art (including works of Mozart, Handel, Brahms and many others).  It even includes a little singing together in a class impromptu “Lift Every Voice” choir.  All will enjoy participating whether one who loves to sing, loves listening to choral music or just wants to learn more about this venerable and soul-refreshing art form.

Robert Bode, an Ohio resident, held choral faculty positions at several universities: Arizona State (2024-2025 Visiting Professor of Choral Music), Ohio State, Missouri–Kansas City and Whitman College. He is Artistic Director Emeritus of Choral Arts Northwest which, under his leadership, won a 2010 choral excellence award from Chorus America. He  performed at three American Choral Directors Association conferences with three different choirs; and he commissioned over 50 choral pieces from American composers. A prize-winning poet, Bode has written texts for more than 75 choral works by American composers; wrote a book of poetry (Crickets and Commas (2021) and a recent book on iconic choral works (Hearts All Whole: Reflections on Life and Twelve Choral Gems).

Lee D. Thompson, a collaborative pianist and vocal coach, held academic appointments at several university music schools: OSU (as Vocal Coach/Collaborative Pianist); Missouri-Kansas City; Baylor; and Whitman College (Professor of Music, Emeritus). He  served with the summer music staff and as pianist of the Santa Fe Opera; and was appointed an American cultural ambassador to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (by U.S. State Department) where he worked with the Mongolian National Opera. Internationally, Thompson has performed in concerts in England, Austria, Romania, Canada and China.