By Bella Whitmore | Intern
As it celebrates more than 100 years of musical excellence and achievement, the Baylor School of Music is supplementing its staff with new directors and lecturers, furthering the legacy of retired staff while also looking forward to the future of Baylor Choir.
Upon the retirement of former Bella Voce conductor and Choral Activities director Dr. Lynne Gackle and many others, the Baylor choral staff was left with some pretty big shoes to fill. Although a daunting task, the School of Music tackled it head on and welcomed new staff with open arms.
“The three new choral directors are awesome,” Dr. Michael Alexander, associate dean for academic affairs, said. “Among the new names joining the Baylor choral staff are professionals such as lecturer Will McLean, associate professor Kristina MacMullen and lecturer Reginal Wright.”
Prior to joining the Baylor staff, Wright worked for more than 20 years in musical education, teaching at Mansfield High School and accumulating many awards for his achievements along the way. As a composer and conductor, Wright works with choirs of all sizes and skill levels and said it was this type of collaboration that drew him to Baylor’s School of Music in the first place.
“My title is lecturer in choral music,” Wright said. “I am excited to work on the collegiate level and in academia. I am also excited to partner with my new colleagues.”
Wright highlighted the importance of staff collaboration for the choir — and the students as a whole — to find success in the upcoming semester. With so many new additions, he said teamwork is key.
“I really think this group will continue the foundation of excellence that is Baylor by focusing on fostering relationships and focusing on our students as humans first, then musicians,” Wright said. “This is in keeping with the wonderful culture that Dr. Lynne Gackle fostered during her illustrious tenure at Baylor.”
As the new staff honor traditions established and practiced by former directors and lecturers, they are also excited to see what opportunities await Baylor Choir. The various ensembles have been preparing for their upcoming season of concerts and competitions, including the Aria Competition, VirtuOSO and the Family Weekend Choral Concert, which Wright particularly recommended.