SEARCY, Ark. – The Christian Academy Choral Festival, a musical
collaboration of Christian high schools from surrounding states, will
be held in Harding’s Administration Auditorium Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7:30
p.m. It is free to the public, and seating will be available on a
first come, first served basis.
Participating schools will include:
. Alabama Christian Academy
. Georgia Christian School
. Harding Academy
. Mars Hill Bible School
. Middle Tennessee Christian School
The production will involve about 250 singers. Every group will sing
two songs each, and all the groups will perform five songs together,
including selections of English, Latin and Brazilian spirituals.
The festival is an annual event and is very beneficial to the high
school students involved.
“It gives [students] the opportunity to work in a large group and to
have intensive rehearsals with an outstanding director,” Dr. Cliff
Ganus, Harding professor of music and director of choral activities,
said. “It’s a good way to get high school students on our campus and
let them see what’s going on.”
Choral directors Shawn Frazier of Middle Tennessee Christian School
and Brooks Gatlin of Alabama Christian Academy are both recent Harding
graduates. Joey Derr is director for Mars Hill Bible School, and
Deland Guthrie is director for Georgia Christian School. Craig Jones,
Harding Academy’s director, is also a graduate of the University.
Harding assistant professor of music Dr. Kelly Neill will serve as
clinician for the performance. For more information, call
501-279-4343.
Harding had a record enrollment this year of more than 6,600 students
from all 50 states and 49 foreign countries. It is the largest private
university in Arkansas and attracts more National Merit Scholars than
any other private university in the state. Harding also maintains
campuses in Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece,
Italy and Zambia.
