Georgia Music Educators Association Choral Division Robin Yackley, Chair
2010 Georgia All State Reading Chorus Eric Nelson, Conductor Chris Fowler, Accompanist Chris McMichen, Organizer Saturday, January 30th 11:15am Savannah Trade Center / Rooms 203-205 Sponsored by J.W. Pepper & Sons
Eric Nelson
Eric Nelson is a professor, choral conductor, church musician and composer who serves as the Director of Choral Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also the Artistic Director of the Atlanta Sacred Chorale and the Minister of Music at the nd historic 2 -Ponce de Leon Baptist Church. He has conducted choirs throughout North America and Europe, including performances in London, Rome, Krakow, Berlin, Leipzig, Prague, Moscow, Washington, D.C., Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He is currently serving as President of the Georgia chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, and his choirs have performed three times at the Southern and the National ACDA Conventions. His ensembles have been praised for their ability to combine a high level of technical precision with warmth of musical expression. Dr. Nelson’s compositions have been sung by choirs throughout the United States, including performances for the American Choral Director’s Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians, the American Guild of Organists, and for numerous churches, colleges and universities. Dr. Nelson is a passionate apologist for the choral craft and its importance to contemporary society. He is the recipient of a “Crystal Apple” award for excellence in teaching at Emory University. He holds degrees in voice and conducting from Houghton College, Westminster Choir College, and Indiana University.
Chris Fowler
Chris Fowler is the Choral Music Director at Buford High School and the Fine Arts Coordinator for the Buford City School System. He holds the Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Georgia State University. Mr. Fowler is presently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree (ABD) at the University of Georgia. Mr. Fowler is an active performer in many musical styles. He has been a clinician at numerous honor choruses and festivals. His conducting experience includes work with collegiate ensembles and adult community groups. Singers under Mr. Fowler's direction have performed at the Georgia Music Educators state convention and at Carnegie Hall. He has served as a frequent accompanist to district honor choruses and he will serve as the accompanist to the Georgia All State Chorus for the fourteenth time this year. He has served as staff accompanist to many churches in the Atlanta area. He resides in Suwanee with his wife, Joy, and his children, Alex and Hope.