A Legacy of Harmony: Exploring the History of the Calvin Alumni Choir

The Calvin Alumni Choir stands as a testament to the enduring power of music and faith, bringing together graduates of Calvin University who share a passion for choral artistry. Founded in 1977, the choir has evolved into a nationally recognized ensemble, celebrated for its performances, recordings, and contributions to the choral repertoire. This article delves into the choir's rich history, highlighting its conductors, achievements, and impact on the musical landscape.

The Genesis of a Choir

The Calvin Alumni Choir was established in 1977 by Helen Hoekema Van Wyck, who later became the Director of Choral Activities at Trinity Christian College. In its early years, the choir was led by various choir members, fostering a collaborative and community-driven environment. This foundation of shared leadership and a love for music set the stage for the choir's future growth and success.

Notable Conductors and Their Impact

Over the years, the Calvin Alumni Choir has been guided by a series of distinguished conductors, each leaving their unique mark on the ensemble.

Anton Armstrong (1981-1998): Anton Armstrong, who later became the conductor of the renowned St. Olaf Choir, took the helm as the choir's fourth conductor in 1981. During his tenure, the choir gained national recognition, performing at the ACDA National Convention in Salt Lake City in 1985.
Charles Smith (1998-2019): Dr. Charles Smith, Director of Choral Activities at Michigan State University (emeritus), served as the choir's fifth conductor.

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Pearl Shangkuan (1998-2019): Dr. Pearl Shangkuan, a Calvin professor of music, assumed the role of the choir's sixth conductor in 1998, leading the ensemble for two decades. Shangkuan's meticulous and creative approach shaped the choir into a cohesive and expressive unit. Under her direction, the Alumni Choir sang several times at the elite national conference of the American Choral Directors Association, but some of its most meaningful performances come at funerals. Shangkuan's emphasis on the communal nature of choral singing fostered a strong sense of community within the choir.
Sean Ivory (2019-Present): Sean Ivory, the current conductor, took over the baton in the spring of 2019. Ivory led the choir through their first virtual performance in the spring of 2020, a collaboration with Dan Forrest of “How Great Thou Art.” He also led the ensemble through a year of rehearsals culminating in their first virtual concert in May 2021.

Each conductor has brought their expertise and vision to the choir, contributing to its artistic growth and expanding its repertoire.

Accomplishments and Recognition

The Calvin Alumni Choir has achieved significant milestones throughout its history, solidifying its reputation as a premier choral ensemble.

Performances: The choir has performed at numerous conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) at national, division, and state levels, showcasing its talent to a wide audience of choral professionals. They have also performed for the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) and the American Guild of Organists (AGO). In addition to its annual concerts, the Calvin Alumni Choir participates in worship services at area churches and other community functions.

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Recordings: The choir has released several commercial recordings, preserving its performances and making its music accessible to a global audience.
Commissions: The choir has commissioned new works by various composers, contributing to the expansion of the choral repertoire. Many of these commissioned pieces have become staples in choral repertory sung around the world.
Awards: In 2010, the choir received third place in the American Prize competition, recognizing its excellence in the performing arts.
Collaborations: The choir has collaborated with the Grand Rapids Symphony, serving as the featured guest chorus in performances of Bach's B Minor Mass and Magnificat at the Grand Rapids Bach Festival. The choir also performed at the prestigious Templeton Prize ceremony honoring Calvin graduate and former professor Dr. Alvin Plantinga.

These accomplishments demonstrate the choir's commitment to musical excellence and its impact on the choral community.

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The Choir's Mission and Values

The Calvin Alumni Choir is driven by a clear mission: to create a space where artistry and faith intersect, and where members continue to grow together through music. This mission is reflected in the choir's values:

Artistry: The choir strives for excellence in its performances, pushing the boundaries of choral artistry.
Faith: The choir is rooted in the Christian faith, and its music often reflects spiritual themes and messages.
Community: The choir fosters a strong sense of community among its members, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.
Growth: The choir encourages its members to grow both musically and personally, providing opportunities for learning and development.

These values guide the choir's activities and contribute to its unique identity.

The Experience of Singing in the Choir

Singing in the Calvin Alumni Choir is a rewarding experience for its members. The choir provides an opportunity to:

Continue making music: Alumni can continue to pursue their passion for choral singing after graduating from Calvin University.
Connect with fellow alumni: The choir brings together alumni from different generations, creating a network of friendships and shared experiences.
Serve the community: The choir performs at worship services and community events, sharing its music with a wider audience.
Grow musically: The choir challenges its members to improve their vocal skills and expand their musical knowledge.

The choir's members represent a variety of professions, spanning from recent graduates to alumni from the 1970s. This diversity enriches the choir's community and brings a range of perspectives to its performances.

The Oratorio Society and the "Messiah" Tradition

The Calvin Oratorio Society, closely linked to the university's history, has played a significant role in fostering a love for choral music within the Calvin community. The Oratorio Society is celebrating their 100th year of singing Handel’s “Messiah.” The performance has been a longstanding tradition here at Calvin and this year is no exception. The choir is made up of students, alumni and other community members who gather together once a week to practice under the direction of Calvin professor Sean Ivory. “Sean Ivory brings meaning to the Bible passages through the music. "The Messiah" is a large work and Oratorio Society did not perform the piece until 1919. As Oratorio Society grew, “in 1933 the 500-voice Calvin College Augmented Chorus and the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra performed the 14th annual ‘Messiah’ for more than 5000 listeners in the Civic Auditorium,” according to Stapert. Scholten has been singing in Oratorio Society for 12 years, starting when she was a student. “I first joined Oratorio because I wanted to sing and be part of a choir but I didn’t have the time to commit to the student choirs on campus,” Scholten said. For her, singing in Oratorio Society has been an intergenerational experience: “I am the third generation to sing in the Oratorio Society.”

The Oratorio Society's annual performance of Handel's "Messiah" has become a cherished tradition at Calvin, bringing together students, alumni, and community members in a celebration of music and faith.

The Calvin Community Symphony

The Calvin Community Symphony, formerly the Alumni Orchestra, was founded in 1994 by former members of Calvin University's student ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Derald DeYoung. The symphony allows local musicians to continue to serve the community, hone their skills, and bless God by sharing performances of classical orchestral literature.

The Future of the Calvin Alumni Choir

The Calvin Alumni Choir continues to thrive, driven by its mission, values, and the dedication of its members. As it looks to the future, the choir seeks to:

Expand its repertoire: The choir aims to explore new musical styles and genres, while continuing to perform traditional choral works.
Reach new audiences: The choir seeks to share its music with a wider audience through concerts, recordings, and online platforms.
Strengthen its community: The choir is committed to fostering a strong sense of community among its members, providing opportunities for social interaction and personal growth.
Support music education: The choir supports music education initiatives, inspiring the next generation of choral singers.

With its rich history, talented members, and unwavering commitment to musical excellence, the Calvin Alumni Choir is poised to continue its legacy of harmony for years to come.

Supporting the Choir

The Calvin Alumni Choir is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of its supporters and patrons. Individuals can support the choir by:

Making a gift: Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.
Becoming a patron: Individuals can become patrons through specific levels of support, receiving special benefits and recognition.
Attending concerts: Attending the choir's concerts is a great way to show support and enjoy its music.
Spreading the word: Sharing information about the choir with friends and family can help to increase its visibility and reach.

By supporting the Calvin Alumni Choir, individuals can help to ensure that its legacy of harmony continues to inspire and uplift audiences for generations to come.

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