Preface and Acknowledgments
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I debated seriously with myself regarding writing this document using first person. I have been fully conscious of the fact that this is not my history, but that of the Evangel University music program. So many important leaders, colleagues, educators, and students have contributed significantly to the school’s progress. I wish to communicate that as plainly as possible. I arrived at the campus in the early years of the college and I spent 31 years at the school during a time crucial to its development. To avoid using first person language seemed awkward and unnatural when writing about activities where I was personally involved. I trust the reader to understand the circumstances described as being as accurate, clear, and complete as possible.
When I joined the Evangel music faculty in the fall of 1960, the college had just completed its fifth year and graduated its second class of seniors. Jesse Peterson had just been appointed Music Chairman (Fall of 1960). Lesley Stubbs, Evangel’s first chair (1955-1960), left the college in the spring of 1960 to return to his home in Texas. At that time, the Fine Arts Department was comprised of music, art, and speech. Professor Warren Straton, who had joined the Evangel faculty in 1956, led the art area. Dr. Nona Dee Dalan had come a year later (1957) and headed up the speech area. In these early years, the Chairmen of the Fine Arts Department – first E. Lesley Stubbs (1955-60), then Warren Straton (1960-62), Jesse Peterson (1962-66) and then myself (Nicholson, 1966-1981) – carried (some) administrative responsibility for all three areas (Art, Speech, and Music). All three disciplines were represented in the Academic Council meetings by the Fine Arts Chairperson (1). In 1971-72 under Dean Robert Cooley, Speech, Drama, and Art were moved out of Fine Arts; both Art and Speech/Drama were assigned to the redesigned Humanities Department. In 1984-85, Speech became aligned with the newly-created Communications Department while Drama and Art remained within the Humanities Department (2). Music was the sole discipline in the “Music Department” and the label “Fine Arts Department” was technically discontinued although informal such references to the area persist to this day (even though Art and Drama have accountability and administrative oversight completely separate from music).
During the 1964-1966 school years, Jesse Peterson took a sabbatical leave. He continued to carry some Evangel responsibilities while devoting himself to doctoral studies (for the DMA - completed in 1968). Edna Baker shared Department Chair responsibilities during Peterson’s final year (1965-66). In the summer of 1966, he resigned from Evangel to pursue other responsibilities. I was named Chairman. This was one year before I completed my studies and received my doctoral degree (DMA, 1967).
It should be said that both Stubbs and Peterson laid a good foundation for Evangel’s music program. Both sought after excellence, working to establish strong and versatile studies via a good curriculum. Only the finest Pentecostal – Spirit-filled – musicians were sought for the faculty. Student recruitment efforts for the entire college centered on the use of vocal and instrumental groups from the Music Department. Often referred to as “promotional groups,” the focus of their activities was church ministry. These ensembles would travel to churches, conventions, and music camps – often on weekends and/or during fall or spring breaks. These young student musicians and their faculty directors advertised the college and recruited prospective students who majored, not just in music, but in other academic disciplines such as business, science, and education. The college is indebted to these first two music administrators who served so well in the early years of the new college.
My immediate successor as chairman of the Music Department was John Shows who served on the faculty 41 years (1966-2007) and as department chairman for 25 years (1981-2007). Only a few faculty (college-wide) have served longer, and no chairman of any department has come close to his lengthy tenure as department administrator. Many good things were accomplished under his leadership. Please note Appendix II which reviews his “Thoughts on 25 Years as Music Chairman.”
In 2007, when John Shows retired, Dr. Michael Kolstad was elected by the music faculty to succeed him. Michael had been one of my trombone majors and an Evangel alumnus. He first joined the music faculty in the Fall of 1991. He assumed the administrative responsibilities beginning with the 2007-2008 school year. See Appendix IV to read Dr. Kolstad’s overview from his first year in the office and his fresh vision for the future.
One of the significant achievements of the department during my tenure as chairman was the professional accreditation of the music program in 1970 by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). This was accomplished during my fourth year as divisional chairman (my tenth year on the Evangel faculty). Evangel has remained in good standing with this organization for more than 38 years (1970 to the present) giving its music program recognition, respect, and a “mark of excellence” that could not have been achieved any other way. More about the NASM is included later in this document.
After finishing my second graduate degree (DMA, 1967), I was invited by the music faculty at the University of Missouri at Kansas City (UMKC) to join Pi Kappa Lambda, the premiere honor society for university students and professors. It was my first introduction to the society. I was grateful for the opportunity offered by UMKC. I became a member. Some years later, after I left the chairmanship of the Music Department but was still serving on the music faculty, I researched various options that would bring recognition to Evangel’s many exceptional music students. Recommendations were brought to Chairman Shows and the music faculty; the process for a chapter membership in Pi Kappa Lambda began. Evangel’s chapter was installed in 1985. More details about Pi Kappa Lambda are included later in this document.
My 31 years at Evangel (1960-1991) were rewarding, fulfilling, and meaningful. It was an honor to be Chairman of the Fine Arts Department for 15 years (1966-1981). I thank the Lord for the privilege of serving with outstanding colleagues, capable musicians and teachers who became my best friends. It was a real joy to participate in recitals and concerts with students and faculty, to perform with colleagues in the Faculty Brass Quintet (3), to direct choral and instrumental ensembles (4), to appear as soloist (trombone) with the band (directed by Jesse Peterson) in programs across the nation and in Canada and in Europe in the first overseas band tour (Summer of 1964) and in Living Sound and Song concerts. It was also a privilege to direct the Concert Choir in the 1969 Living Sound and Song programs. (John Shows conducted the band). I look back with a great sense of appreciation for the experiences – working with talented students, visionary administrators, and capable faculty members – outstanding colleagues. I thank the Lord for allowing me to serve in this capacity as a music educator.
While the program was active for only one week for each of three successive summers, Life Enrichment Week had an impact that participants recall with appreciation and enthusiasm to this very day. The first two, under my direction, were conducted in June of 1984 and June of 1985. In 1986, Ron Johnson, Professor from Science and Technology, led the program. Each enrichment week was planned for individuals and whole families; activities were scheduled for all ages. Workshops, seminars, and camps offered instruction in athletics, music, drama, computer, photography, marriage enrichment, history, literature, and writing. Special opportunities were provided for young people involved in Teen Talent Competition or Bible Quiz. Parents, grandparents, teenagers, and children converged on the Evangel campus for a unique “vacation” experience designed not only for pleasure, but also individual enrichment through various courses of study. The schedule typically included a music concert, drama production, cave tour, and a trip to Branson for the “Shepherd of the Hills” outdoor drama or a country-western music and comedy show.
For inspiration and help in the writing of this document, I am indebted to many. When the idea to write a history of Evangel’s music was first seriously pondered in 2005, President Spence was not hesitant in revealing his strong interest and support. Likewise, Chairman Shows indicated an eagerness for this undertaking. As the process got underway, Head Librarian, Woodvall Moore, and members of the library staff eagerly and ardently made themselves available. Betty Chase, Archives Administrator (and her successor, Shirley Shedd), were especially helpful – assisting with historical photographs, school catalogs, yearbooks, papers, pamphlets, student newspapers, printed programs, and other materials. Former Music Department head, Jesse Peterson was helpful in verifying and clarifying many points, especially those relating to the early years. Dr. Michael Kolstad, who followed John Shows as Music Chairman in 2007, has been very supportive and helpful of this process. Tonya Thurman and Lynne Hall in the music office assisted in my review of the music newsletters (Overtones), programs, and other materials. Many of the music faculty gave of themselves unselfishly in reading the manuscript to help verify the accuracy and completeness of its content. Carol Stair, secretary to the Music Department 1976-1981, proof-read the document and made helpful suggestions. Very beneficial editing of the document was provided by Dr. Zenas Bicket. I am deeply appreciative for each of these.