As of this semester, Scott Hochstetler, professor of music, is o n sabbatical until the fall. In this time, changes have been made in the music department to accommodate for his absence. The two most notable changes are Jimin Seo, visiting assistant professor of music, who has taken over Chamber Choir, and Jeshua Franklin, executive director of the GC music center, who has taken over Vox Profundi for the time being.
The Goshen College Chamber Choir is a group of 24-45 students, selected after a round of auditions. They perform a variety of music throughout the school year, both on and off-campus. Abigail Donovall, sophomore music major, and a member of Chamber Choir shared some insight into what things look like now with a new director.“Chamber Choir under Professor Seo is a fairly different experience from what we’re used to, but I think it’s very good for us as singers and performers,” Donovall said. While the approach is different from what Chamber Choir members were used to in the past, Donovall says, “I’ve found it helpful to work toward mastery in this way.”
Anton Alstrom-Brookhyser, sophomore music education major, added, “Professor Seo has a very different approach to teaching and different ideas about how the choir can improve. I am excited to use her expertise especially as we integrate back into a choir with Scott next year.”
As far as Vox Profundi, GC’s low voices choir, Franklin is looking forward to directing the group for the semester. “It’s a real treat to get to work with those students this spring in Dr. Hochstetler’s absence. I don’t ordinarily get to interact directly with students much in my position, so I’m really looking forward to getting to know these students better,” Franklin said. When asked what his goals were for Vox Profundi in the time they have together, Franklin said, “My main goal is to help Vox have a successful semester, so that both they and Dr. Hochstetler feel good when they’re back together in the fall.”
As Donovall says, “Of course we miss Scott, but last semester definitely felt like the last push before a break, so I think we’re all glad to have a different experience this semester!”
