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THE OKLAHOMA

MASTER CHORALE

Today's Oklahoma Master Chorale began in 1990. Under sound leadership and the participation of many of Oklahoma's finest musicians, the group has grown to musicianship and skill resulting in statewide recognition for its professionalism and artistry.

Chorale members represent a cross-section of Oklahoma residents and are prominent in their communities as educators, attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs, homemakers, artisans, students, retirees, parents and grandparents. many contribute their musical talents to their community churches. Each Chorale member ensures the group's success with a professional approach to singing and a long term commitment to the organization.

CHANGING LIVES THROUGH MUSIC

ABOUT

Mr. Eddie Vandewalker is the Chair of the School of Music and an Associate

Professor of Music at Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK where he directs the choir, teaches voice, music theory, and music education courses. He also serves as organist and Praise Band leader for Wickline United Methodist Church in Midwest City, OK. These jobs allowed a return to the state for this native Oklahoman.

Mr. Vandewalker was born and raised in Ada, OK where he attended Ada High School and East Central University singing in choirs directed by Betty Woods, Mary Ann Daversa, Jeff Frederick and Steve Walker. Eddie received a Bachelor of Vocal Music Education from East Central University. He taught high school choral music for several years in Oklahoma before moving to Texas to do the same.

While in Texas Mr. Vandewalker was privileged to earn the Master of Music degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and to study toward a doctorate in choral conducting at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX.

For the past 13 years Mr. Vandewalker has been teaching in higher education. Music programs under his leadership have seen significant increases in the number of music majors as well as updated degree plans. Students from these institutions have regularly been accepted into honor choirs sponsored by SWACDA, ACDA, TCDA, OKCDA and TAMS.

Mr. Vandewalker is very excited to be a part of the Oklahoma Master Chorale and is looking forward to all that the future brings for this fine group.

THE DIRECTOR

THE DIRECTO

CONCERTS

Choosing Music for Oklahoma Master Chorale Concerts

Planning for Oklahoma Master Chorale, OMC, concerts is an exciting time that starts with choosing the music. The process this director uses to make music choices for the OMC is one that is very much looked forward to as it brings so much great choral music to the forefront of possibility.

The first step is to assess the group itself, its strengths, weaknesses, desires, history, goals, the stories it has to share through the music and the areas in which challenge is needed and most appropriate for the given concert. All this information is figured into the search process which involves looking at the OMC choral music library, online options, music that could be borrowed and music to purchase.

While the search is in process, pieces begin to present themselves that most closely fit the information gathered from the assessment. Once a good number of pieces are identified you look for connections between these pieces, stories that some of them tell, themes, etc..., which will fit the needs of the OMC for the given concert. Sometimes a theme or story idea is added at the time the search begins.

2019-2020 Season

Opening Concert

November 3, 2019

- When Music Meets Words -

Second Concert

December 10, 2019

George F. Handel 1685-1759

- Messiah Sing-a-Long -

2018-2019 Season

Opening Concert

December 3, 2018

George F. Handel 1685-1759

- Messiah Sing Along -

Second Concert

April 29, 2019

John M. Rutter 1945-Present

- Requiem And Magnificat -

2017-2018 Season

Opening Concert

December 4, 2018

Franz Joseph Haydn 1732-1809

- Lord Nelson Mass -

Amadeus Mozart 1756-1791

- Solemn Vespers -

Second Concert

April, 2018

Heinrich Schutz 1678-1741

- Musikalische Exequien -

Antonio Vivaldi 1678-1741

George F. Handel 1685-1759

Singers in the Central Oklahoma area who possess the necessary desire and dedication are encouraged to join the Chorale. New members of all ages, backgrounds and vocal range are welcome. Singers interested in becoming a member may schedule an audition with Mr. Eddie Vandewalker by calling 817.521.8667 or email: eddiesings@yahoo.com

HOW TO JOIN

HOW TO JOIN

Come & Join Us!

Oklahoma Master Chorale is excited to invite you to sing in our summer 2020 concert. We are a community chorale group that sings master works drawn from a variety of subjects and styles.

Rehearsals are Tuesday evening 7-9 pm

Wickline United Methodist Church

417 Mid-America Blvd.

Midwest City, Ok 73110

Join our amazing chorale!

Questions? Call Kelly at 405.659.5248 or kellywkrause@gmail.com

OKLAHOMA MASTER CHORALE CORE VALUES

SUPPORT

SUPPORT

Your donation makes a difference.

Become a Noteworthy Partner – We welcome your financial support to defray the costs of our instrumental accompanists, sheet music, travel and other expenses. All of the members Oklahoma Master Chorale donate their time. Please make a generous donation to advance the cause of great choral music.

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