Percussion has always been a part of his life, even as a kid, and when asked what he wanted to do for a living, he said he wanted to teach percussion in college. Now, after a successful eight-year stint doing just that, and more, at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas, Dr. Anthony King comes to Albion College as the new athletic band director.
Albion College professor of piano David Abbott may not have the answers to the challenges, conflicts and uncertainties of today’s world. But in a unique performance October 8, he and adjunct music professor Anna Khalikova offered a place to start.
Through the Dr. R. Bruce, ’67, and Jane Harper Earth Day 50th Anniversary Gift, music graduate Ryan Powell, ’19, was commissioned to compose an original piece to celebrate nature and recognize the current moment. Powell’s recently completed composition of nearly six minutes comes with a bonus: he created a video as well.
Albion College Professor and Director of Choral Activities Clayton Parr, ’80, has long viewed the Republic of Georgia as something of a second home so when the chance was presented to take his Briton Singers, a 12-member a capella group, to the country in May to perform and learn about the culture, it was an opportunity not to be missed.
The four-year wait for new music from Jane, ’14, and Brian Spencer, ’13, is over. The married couple, now based in Los Angeles, have also seen their journey go from indie/folk to electronic soul/pop. Three new songs in 2018 will be followed up with F I N K E L’s first full-length album in 2019.
