The Manchester College A Cappella Choir is an auditioned ensemble of more than 50 students. A variety of majors are represented by the membership, including music, peace studies, education, the sciences, accounting, athletic training, history, religion and communications. Although members come from majors across many disciplines they are drawn together by their common love of choral music.
The A Cappella Choir was founded in 1946 by conductor Clyde Holsinger. Prior to that time, various glee clubs and small ensembles were formed according to student interest. However, A Cappella Choir was the first to maintain a stringent audition criteria and limited membership year after year. Their repertoire included mostly unaccompanied standard choral music dating from the Renaissance period through the 20th Century. Under the baton of Dr. Debra Lynn, A Cappella Choir has expanded their repertoire to include both accompanied and unaccompanied choral literature from all style periods, including Gregorian Chant, opera choruses and folk song arrangements.
In March 2004 the choir toured Italy and performed in such prestigious locations as St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the upper basilica at St. Francis of Assissi, and St. Peter's Basilica (The Vatican) in Rome. In spring 2001, the A Cappella Choir was honored to perform in New York's Carnegie Hall. They have been invited to return for another performance in May 2007.
Also featured on the program, the Chamber Singers specialize in music of all styles from jazz to madrigals, and consist of approximately 18 singers auditioned from within the larger A Cappella Choir. This ensemble performs frequently at college and community functions as well as at area churches. In spring 2006, the group paired with the Vesper Chorale of South Bend to perform Handel's Messiah with orchestra in its entirety.
Conductor for the choirs is Lynn, in her eighth year as associate professor of music and director of choral organizations at Manchester College, where she also teaches conducting, vocal pedagogy, choral arranging and voice. Lynn holds a doctor of arts in music degree with an emphasis in choral conducting and voice performance from Ball State University. Prior degrees from Truman State University and William Jewel College include emphasis in choral conducting, voice performance and music education.
Before moving to North Manchester, Lynn held teaching and conducting positions at Northeast Missouri State University, William Jewel College and Mid-America Nazarene College. She has served as opera chorus director for Illinois Opera Theatre and as guest conductor for various composer forums and honor choir festivals. In addition to her accomplishments as a teacher and conductor, Lynn is also a published composer. She is married to tubaist Robert Lynn. They reside in North Manchester with their four daughters, Bethany, Abby, and twins Emily and Erin.
The Rodeheaver Series for the Performing Arts was established in 1990 to support and foster performing arts and artists in a manner which brings glory to God. The Series is named for the Rodeheaver family, legendary for their development and support of Christian music, and longtime members of the First United Methodist Church of Warsaw. The Rodeheaver Series has sponsored more than 55 concerts, recitals and theatrical presentations to date.
All programs sponsored by the Rodeheaver Series for the Performing Arts are free of charge and are presented for the enjoyment and cultural nourishment of all the area's residents. Goodwill offerings will be accepted. Additionally, all programs of the Rodeheaver Seires are held at First United Methodist Church of Warsaw at 179 S. Indiana St., and are accessible to the physically challenged via ramp or elevator.
For more information, contact the church office by phone at 574-267-6933 or by e-mail at fumc@kconline.com
