Spring 2020 Department of Music News

Student Spotlight

Dalton Pendergrass, a junior music education major from Springtown, Texas, came to Howard Payne because of the influence of two of his high school band teachers who were HPU alumni.

“My band directors encouraged me to tour HPU if I was looking for a place that felt like home and had a good music education program and HPU ended up being the only college I toured,” said Pendergrass.

Dalton Pendergrass, Music education major

Pendergrass primarily plays several varieties of trumpet as well as the piano. He is a member of the HPU band, jazz band, marching band and was a member of the choir for one semester. His trumpet playing is also featured in every ensemble. Since beginning his career in the HPU School of Music and Fine Arts, Pendergrass has been awarded the 2018-2019 Outstanding Music Major Lower Division award, an award given to the most progressed lowerclassman musician in the department.

Music became a part of Pendergrass’ life after his parents’ divorce. At such a young age he didn’t have a good avenue for expressing his emotions, so he turned to music. In the fifth grade he auditioned for the school band and his director placed him in the trumpet section.

Towards the end of the sixth grade, his band director gave him advice that has fueled his music career ever since. “He told me, ‘music isn’t about just playing notes on a page, it’s about expressing emotions,’” said Pendergrass.

Pendergrass continued to grow in his talent and love for music as he learned to play with emotion. “I became a music major because I want to help others figure out what they want to do with their lives. You have to put all your heart and soul into whatever you do, whether that’s music or engineering,” said Pendergrass.

Since being a part of the music department at HPU, Pendergrass has matured not only in his musicianship but also as a person. “I’ve grown so much; I can actually open up to people. My walk with Christ has also improved,” said Pendergrass. He credits his growth and maturity at HPU to the influence of both Dr. Richard Fiese, dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts and Mr. Stephen Goacher, professor of music and jazz ensemble conductor.
Pendergrass especially loves the small class sizes in Howard Payne’s music program. “Our professors know us well and we know them. If I make a mistake the professor can specifically call on me and help me to correct my mistake, this is such a different experience than what you would get at a large university,” said Pendergrass.
After graduating from HPU Pendergrass hopes to pursue a master’s degree in music with a focus on orchestral instrumentation with a trumpet primary. Pendergrass also hopes to spend a few years performing in orchestras and later pursue a job in music education.

“I want to extend an invitation to any student musicians who aren’t currently in the music program, we would love for you to audition for the band or choir,” he added.

Alumni Spotlight

Stephen Cox, HPU alumni, is doing big things with his small town band in Eastland, Texas. The small town band director was recently chosen as one of the top ten finalists in the running for the Grammy Award’s 2020 Music Educator Award. Every top ten finalist receives $1,000 for their band program.

Eastland band rehearsal

“I was first nominated by one of my students, and after filling out a questionnaire I was selected as a quarter finalist along with 179 other band directors from across the country. Next, I made a series of three videos that represent our program at Eastland. I was chosen as a top 25 semifinalist and then a top 10 finalist. What helped me in running for this award is that our band program at Eastland is so unique. Everything and everyone in the community is working together for the program to be successful,” said Cox.

Between Cox as the band director and his wife, Stephanie, as the high school art teacher, the couple sees and knows almost every student who comes through Eastland.

“The band program in Eastland is connected to the community very closely. I feel like I get to be a central part of this community,” added Cox.

Cox graduated from Early High School in the spring of 2006 and began his college career at HPU that fall.

“I met Professor of Music, Stephen Goacher when he judged my first band contest. He was in his first year at HPU and I was in the sixth grade. Mr. Goacher influenced me to come to HPU a few years later when I started taking private lessons from him,” said Cox. 

Stephen and Stephanie Cox

Cox primarily plays clarinet and saxophone. While at HPU he was a part of every ensemble, the band, marching band, and the jazz and woodwind quartets. Cox also met his now wife, Stephanie, through their participation in Winds of Triumph, HPU’s instrumental ensemble. Aside from meeting his wife, Cox said the greatest benefit of his time at HPU was the professors who influenced him.

“The professors were just kind people and good musicians, they really helped me out,” said Cox.   Although Cox was set on graduating and pursuing a performance career, he was heavily counseled to stick to music education and become a band director because there is always a great need for them. 

Mr. Cox with Eastland band students

“By the time I graduated I was ready to be a band director. I sought out a big school while I student taught my senior year at HPU but ended up taking a job at a small Christian school right out of college, I learned a lot there. When I left that school, I came to Eastland because the high school director was a close friend of mine,” said Cox.

Despite the challenges that come with a small town and school, Cox believes in working hard and doing things well.

“I believe in doing good work, work that makes the world a better place, it is challenging to be a small town school band director, but I enjoy the challenge, it feels important. The students in Eastland deserve the same experience everyone else gets,” said Cox.

Special Letter to Those Who Love The Department of Music

School of Music and Fine Arts

Dear Music Alumnus: 

As this New Year unfolds, it is often a time to reflect on all of God’s many blessings that we have experienced. One of those blessings I trust you recount is the Christian education in music that you completed at Howard Payne University. Our current and future music students share a bond with you that resonates into eternity; a bond of faith, of aspirations, and of experience. 

Theory classes at 8 a.m., followed by music history courses, rehearsing in ensembles, practicing whenever (and sometimes wherever) and class piano are shared experiences for all music majors and minors. While much remains the same, the technology we use to teach and learn music is changing at an incredible rate. That brings me to the point of this letter. Our class piano laboratory was installed in 1994 and while it was a state-of-the-art facility then, time and use have taken a toll. Many of the units are no longer functioning requiring students to “share” a keyboard during class and the teacher-unit cannot communicate with the other units making instruction extremely difficult and inefficient. We cannot repair the existing equipment, as the units are so obsolete parts are no longer available. We want to replace the equipment in the facility, but we need the help of our alumni to make this a reality. 

Through your gift of any amount in support of our Piano Lab Update, we are hoping that we can reach our goal of replacing the student and teacher units to provide for an experience that will help to ensure our students and graduates have the skills to be successful in whatever field of endeavor God ultimately uses them. You know from your experience that every student in music will be touched personally and profoundly by your generous gift in support of this project. Through your giving, you will be actively involved in continuing the legacy of inspiration and pride that exemplifies the musicians who are graduates of Howard Payne University. 

In the service of Christ Jesus, 

Richard K. Fiese, PhD 

Dean, School of Music and Fine Arts

Howard Payne University

Upcoming Events

Feb 25       Symphonic Band Winter Concert

Mar 24       Faculty Recital

Mar 27-30  Music Dept Recruiting Tour

Apr 21        Combine Choirs Spring Concert

Apr 24-25   Once More from the Top: Re-inventing the Holistic Conductor Workshop

Apr 28        25th Annual American Music Spectacular

Apr 30        Central Texas Community Band Spring Concert

Fall 2019 Department of Music News

Student News

HPU Choir members at the historic Votivkirche in Salzburg, Austria.

Members of Howard Payne University’s Concert Choir and University Singers recently performed in Austria with six other choral groups. The ensemble performed under the direction of Dr. John Dickson, director of choral studies at Louisiana State University. Dr. Dickson is familiar to HPU, having served as the featured clinician at the university’s first annual Conducting Workshop held in the spring of 2018.

Pictured: HPU alumni, faculty and staff Joy Renée Blackstock ’07; Kayla Chadwick ’19; Jessica Jones ’06; Cathryn Rasbury ’15; Danielle Rosborough ’08, database manager; Beverly Ross ’76; Natalie Stephens ’19; and Katelyn Zimmer ’19. Dr. Rosborough led the group from HPU and performed along with choir members. Also accompanying the group were six members of the HPU University Singers, Gary Butka, Angie Calfa, Ann Harris, Bill Slaymaker, Ann Slaymaker and Brent Rosborough.

Article excerpt courtesy of Howard Payne University Department of Marketing and Communications. For information about the Howard Payne University Choirs, email Dr. Christopher Rosborough.

Faculty Spotlight

Stephen Goacher, professor of music at Howard Payne University has enjoyed a busy spring semester of professional musical engagements.  In January, he joined fellow symphony musicians of the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra in a chamber music presentation at the San Angelo Cactus Hotel Ballroom for the Symphony Society Fashion Show & Fundraiser. 

Stephen Goacher, Professor of Music

In February, he joined “All Hands on Deck”, billed as America’s No.1 Patriotic Show, playing flute, clarinet and saxophone in performances in Greenville and Lubbock.  “All Hands on Deck” is based in both New York’s Broadway and Branson, Missouri. Mr. Goacher frequently serves as lead woodwind during the Touring Company’s Texas tours.  This August 23-25 he joined “All Hands on Deck” for performances in Abilene at the Paramount Theatre and Midland at the Wagner-Noel Theatre. 

March 22, Goacher returned to San Angelo where he performed jazz for the San Angelo Symphony Society in an invitation-only concert at the San Angelo Art Museum.  He joined Nashville’s top jazz duo, singer Connye Florance and her husband, pianist Kevin Madill. The ensemble formed a jazz quintet performing jazz selections from the Great American Songbook. 

March 30, Goacher performed with the Temple Jazz Orchestra at the 29^th Annual Temple Jazz Festival.  This year’s festival featured Cuban percussionist, Luis Conte.  Next, was a week of rehearsals and performances with the Abilene Opera Society in their production of “West Side Story”.  Mr. Goacher played piccolo, flute, clarinet and tenor saxophone in the April 5-6 and 7 presentations. 

On April 13, Goacher conducted the Howard Payne University Jazz Ensemble in a morning performance at the Fifth Annual Eastland Jazz Festival in Eastland TX.  Later that same day, he performed in an evening concert with the Temple Jazz Orchestra in Georgetown, TX at the Eastview Jazz Festival. 

September 7, Goacher will join Nashville-based Songwriter Cynthia Jordan for a program of jazz for the San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council at the Cactus Hotel in San Angelo. 

Goacher will be presenting a Faculty Jazz Recital November 14 in Mims Auditorium with guest Temple College faculty; Dr. Ben Irom, piano, Dr. Tarik Hassan, bass and Norman Bergeron, drums.

Faculty News

Gregory Church, professor of music assumed the role of Artistic Director for this year's HPU Homecoming production of Little Women and Joseph Dunlap ('09) will serve as the rehearsal accompanist and pianist for the performances.

Frank Nelson ('77), assistant professor of music and director of bands, recently completed professional development in both the Texas Teacher Evaluation & Support System and Field Experience Supervision.

Christopher Rosborough ('08), assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, was recently invited to serve as a clinician at the 2019 Fort Worth Small-School Choir All-State camp.The event which was held in June 2019 culminated in a performance by attendees at the Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth.  “In attendance for this clinic were 112 students from 21 high schools. They all experienced incredible growth in musicality, vocal execution and personal depth that propelled their performance into new found heights,” he said. “It was an incredible honor to be hosted by these fantastic choral programs and one of the highlights of my year.”

Elizabeth Wallace ('71), professor of music adjudicated for the National Guild of Piano Teachers at the Spring, Texas Audition Center in May 2019.  She also co-taught with Justin Eisenhour (Winthrop University) for the Creation Motion Summer Symposium held at Junaluska, North Carolina, in July 2019.

Alumni Spotlight

Scot McPhetrige graduated from HPU in the fall of 2003.  He completed a Masters of Music in Music Education from Tarleton State University in 2016.

Scot became a part of the Springtown Independent School District band program in August of 2004.  He continues to teach there, currently serving as the Assistant High School Band Director.  He has developed the Springtown Jazz program from 15 students to 60+ students with three jazz ensembles at the high school and a Middle School Jazz Band.

While a Howard Payne student, Mr. McPhetrige was a member of the jazz band, the brass quintet, the brass choir, the marching band, the symphonic band, the concert band, and the community jazz band.

Scot and Sally McPhetrige and family.

He studied trumpet with Dr. Paul DeBoer and Dr. Robert Tucker.  He also studied composition and conducting with Dr. Robert Tucker.  Mr. McPhetrige is a member of the Association of Texas Small School Bands, International Trumpet Guild, Optimist Club International, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Educators Association.

Scot is married to Sally, who also earned a music education degree from Howard Payne and who teaches elementary music in the Springtown ISD.  Both Scot and Sally have been awarded excellence in teaching recognition from the Springtown Independent School District.

The McPhetriges are the proud parents of two boys.  They are active in Springtown First Baptist Church.

Stephen Cox ('10) was a clinician at the 2019 Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio.  Stephen is Director of Bands at Eastland High School in Eastland, Texas.  This past summer  Eastland finished 3rd place in the Honor band Competition and 2nd place in the OPS Concert Category.

  
George Strickland ('73) was inducted into the Texas Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame on July 27, 2019.  George (Buddy) taught for twenty-nine years.  From 2002-2018 he was the Texas UIL Assistant Director of Music Activities.   He also served as the Association of Texas Small School Bands President-Elect, President and Past-President from 1997 to 2003.   As a clinician and adjudicator, George has judged in almost every UIL Region in Texas and in New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, Indiana, and Tennessee.  George and Melinda are members of First Baptist Church, Georgetown.  

Student Spotlight

Suzanne Schad is a Senior Music Education major with a dual instrument emphasis in percussion and piano.  She came to Howard Payne University after hearing one of her high school band directors, Alumnus Mr. Trent Shipp ('12), an alumni of Howard Payne, talk about his time at Howard Payne. He always praised the music department for its intensive program and intentional professors.  At first, she was skeptical of attending a small University. She favored bigger schools like Texas Tech in Lubbock or Texas State in San Marcos. However, after much encouragement from Mr. Shipp, she gave Howard Payne a chance and she says she has never regretted her decision. HPU provided her scholarships that allowed her to pursue her dreams.  

Suzanne Schad with John Dickson and HPU Alums
 Chris and Danielle Rosborough in Salzburg, Austria.

Suzanne loves teaching and performing and she says that attending Howard Payne has given her a priceless experience that she is sure would not have happened at a larger university. She has participated in University Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band, Winds of Triumph, Concert Choir, and Community Band. Because of this university, Suzanne says she has been able to have multiple teaching opportunities in local high schools and through the Pre-College program. She has developed meaningful relationships with professors, alumni and future professional colleagues. Suzanne is entering her final few semesters at this university and says that she cannot wait to tell her future students about Howard Payne and continue the legacy.

Music Alumni News

New Alumni

Marissa Godbey Begay ('18) is currently teaching general music K-6 at Charles Warren Fairbanks in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Paige Bowers ('19) is the assistant band director for the Flatonia ISD.

Kayla Chadwick ('19) is attending Truitt Seminary to pursue a Master of Divinity with a focus on Worship Leadership. During and after her time at seminary, she hopes to serve as a music minister.
Abraham Cooper ('19) recently commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and is currently enrolled at Truman State University in Kirksville, MO pursuing a degree in medicine.  
Camila Cotter ('19) is the choral director at Big Spring ISD junior high school. She is also the assistant director for the high school choir.
Kaeli Goodgion ('19) is working on an architect portfolio so that she can pursue a Master’s degree online while she works.
Kathryn Grice ('19) is the assistant band director at Anson ISD, working with Rob Hartman.
Natalie Stephens ('19) is teaching elementary music at Big Spring ISD.
Katelyn Zimmer ('19) is teaching elementary music at Blackshear Magnet Elementary in Odessa, TX.

Birth Announcements

August 2019

Congratulations to Allen ('14) and Mercedes ('14) Andrus on the birth of their son, Emerson Dean.

Congratulations to Juan ('15) and Kristin ('15) Hernandez on the birth of their son, Atlas James.

New Program

Center for Rural and Small School Music Education

The Music Department of Howard Payne University has established and is maintaining a Center in the heart of Texas to be a guiding force behind building and supporting quality music programs in rural small schools throughout Texas by assisting teachers and learners to engage and apprehend music through instruction provided in the small and rural school context.

The Center for Rural and Small School Music Education seeks to provide assistance, support, research, professional development, and advocacy for the students and teachers in Texas rural small school music programs.

Those who are teaching in rural small schools often lack resources available to larger enrollment schools, including those in urban and suburban settings. Additionally, student experiences, especially with music and the other fine arts are decidedly limited due to the geographical isolation of many rural and small schools. Nevertheless, the students in small, rural schools deserve the opportunity for a quality music education irrespective of where they live.

It is critically important that the needs of students in these schools be addressed as more than half of Texas school districts serve less than 1,000 students. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, Texas has more than 2,000 campuses classified as being in rural areas. When compared nationally, Texas has more schools in rural areas than any other state, with more than 20 percent of all campuses located in rural areas.

Stay up to date on all of our news and events by following the Howard Payne University School of Music and Fine Arts Facebook page.