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Director takes Gospel Choir to new heights |
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Thursday, 01 February 2007 |
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by ASHLEY BENNERS
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Members of the Appalachian State University Gospel Choir rejoiced last semester when they found an inspiring new director in Jason D. Thompson.
Thompson earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and currently works in Guilford County at a middle school for the performing arts.
He
first began working with gospel choirs at his church in 1990. He
started as an accompanist, then a section leader, choir director and
eventually oversaw the entire music program.
 Active Image | Alisha Park | The Appalachian
Director Jason D. Thompson leads the Gospel Choir in singing, “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” to prepare for its “Singing Valentines” campaign. Students can pay to have a small ensemble perform the song over the phone.
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Two candidates were brought in for an interview process with the Gospel
Choir and each actually auditioned by taking turns directing the choir,
Dr. William G. Harbinson, the dean of the Hayes School of Music, said.
Thompson came to Appalachian State in October after he heard about the
job opening from the father of an Appalachian State student he worked
with at a workshop over the summer.
“I didn’t think I would actually get it,” Thompson said. “I got really
nervous when I saw how many students were in the class, but it was a
great match from the beginning.”
“Jason was first and foremost energetic and excited about the
opportunity,” Harbinson said. “He is a wonderful pianist and conductor,
and he teaches the students vocal technique in rehearsals, not just
what notes to sing.”
Gospel Choir students also felt Thompson was a good fit.
“We just knew as soon as he came in the room that he was the guy,”
Michael E. Alvarado, a freshman music industry studies major, said.
“Dr. Escalante (the former director) had been here for a long time, so
those were pretty big shoes to fill. Mr. Thompson immediately got our
attention, and I remember being wrapped up in just his hand gestures.
So in my opinion, he exceeded those shoes.”
Taking the students’ wishes into account, the final decision placed Thompson as the new choir director.
“After Dr. Escalante left, there was rampant turmoil and confusion,”
Michael L. Gregory, a senior music industry studies major, said. “Mr.
Thompson was a stabilizing force for us as soon as he arrived and the
answer to many prayers.”
Without the dedication of the Gospel Choir Student Board, the choir would have been lost, Gregory said.
Nakeidra C. Daniel, a senior social work major and president of the
Gospel Choir Student Board, was thrilled when Thompson was appointed as
the new director.
“He had enthusiasm and energy without a doubt,” Daniel said. “But what
was most important for us was his love for the Lord. When he came, we
learned not only the songs, but the meaning of what we were singing,
and that is what Gospel Choir is really about.”
Last semester, Thompson directed two concerts and four rehearsals and
since his arrival, he has already improved the program, Alvarado said.
“Under the charismatic leadership of Mr. Thompson, it is impossible for
our performance to remain at the same level,” Gregory said. “Mr.
Thompson teaches us that our attitude is reflected in our performance.
He’s shown us that if we don’t believe in our singing, neither will our
audience.”
Every class begins with around 20 minutes of praise and prayer requests.
“If there isn’t enough energy, Mr. Thompson will stop the music and
start preaching,” Alvarado said. “It really motivates us to stop
thinking about ourselves and to start thinking about the Lord.”
This semester, Gospel Choir plans on touring in Chicago, Ill.
“We want to take the history of ASU to another area, and Chicago is my
favorite city in the world,” Thompson said. “I want to expose ASU
students to diversity and at the same time, get ASU’s name out.”
“Mr. Thompson has been such a great asset in getting us to this point, both emotionally and financially,” Daniel said.
Though Thompson must commute from Greensboro to Boone twice a week or
more, he feels directing the choir is well worth the extra gas.
“This has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Thompson said.
“Students come with love for music and passion for God, so every night
I drive home excited and energized for next time.”
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