Carson-Newman Choir to perform

The A Cappella Choir of Carson-Newman University will be presenting a concert on March 13, 2014 at First Baptist Church of Woodbury.

The A Cappella Choir is a select group of 47 singers. The choir is in constant demand for appearances at conventions, civic clubs, schools, and churches. Members are chosen by competitive auditions from the entire student body and represent various academic disciplines.

The conductor of the A Cappella Choir, Eric Thorson, is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Carson-Newman University. He is also the conductor of the Men's Chorus, Oratorio Chorus, and teaches classes in conducting and music education. Dr. Thorson received his Bachelor of Arts from Buena Vista University and both the Master of Music and Doctor of Education degrees from Arizona State University. Dr. Thorson's music teaching career spans more than three decades and includes teaching at the elementary, secondary, college and university levels.

Recognized for his dedication to students, quality of teaching and choral artistry, Dr. Thorson is a frequent clinician and adjudicator, and has received Carson-Newman University's "Mentoring Award" and most recently the "Distinguished Professor Award", the college's highest faculty award. He has also served as Tennessee President of American Choral Directors Association and served on the advisory board for the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts.

Dr. Thorson is in his twentieth year as Artistic Director/Conductor of the Knoxville Choral Society, a professional symphonic choir of 165 singers, and serves as Minister of Music at Knoxville's West Hills Baptist Church.