Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Candace (Peterson) Wicke ’83
Major: Vocal and Instrumental Performance, Music Education and Conducting
Occupation: Conductor-in-residence for MidAmerica Productions, New York City
Dr. Candace (Peterson) Wicke was involved in Concert Choir, Symphonic Band, Chrism and drama productions while she attended Evangel. “Each experience laid a foundation on several tiers: artistically, spiritually, educationally and personally. I liken it to weaving a tapestry, not of cloth, but of life,” Dr. Wicke said. “Experiences, exposure and relationships come together to prepare you for the next door of life God leads you to.”
She fondly remembers great friends, HarvestFest, brother/sister floor activities, sledding on cafeteria trays, crazy nights in the dorms, choir tours, 7:30 a.m. band practice and teachers who encouraged and challenged her.
“Mr. [John] Shows accepted a phone call at home from a ‘sick’ student,” recalls Dr. Wicke. “He told me to get out of bed and play my flute jury . . . yes, I would want my instrumental certification—I’ve conducted instrumental ensembles and symphonies around the world.”
She also remembers classes that have helped her with her career: “Dr. [Calvin] Johansson’s Church Music class, which now affects Creato Continuo in Carnegie Hall, and Mrs. Edna Baker’s vocal technique and her Cesari’s The Voice of the Mind book, which I use with 200-voice Symphonic Choirs.”
Dr. Wicke is thankful for the preparation she received at Evangel. “God is faithful to use a vessel that is prepared,” she said. “And once that preparation is complete, we can step through that new and open door with power in the present and faith for the future.”
After earning her bachelor’s degree at Evangel, Dr. Wicke earned her master’s degree and her doctorate in musical arts from the University of Miami. She moved to Manhattan, New York, to work for MidAmerica Productions. Dr. Wicke made her Carnegie Hall conducting debut in 2002, premiering the Symphony of Psalms by Imant Raminsh. She has premiered new works in each of her Carnegie Hall appearances, including the world premiere of Stephen Edwards’ Revelation and the New York premiere of the Ave Maria Mass.
Under her baton, many ensembles have received national and international acclaim. The ensembles have performed for the Global International Women’s Summit, Musica Mundi International, Legatus International and the Miami Civic Associations Young Artists Debut. In 2004, Dr. Wicke conducted the world premiere of Bernadette.
As a recording artist and vocalist, Dr. Wicke has recorded numerous solo albums on the Tempo label and conducts on three recent CD releases. As a popular clinician and judge, she has appeared as conductor in the Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur, Massabielle and the Theatre Fountaine in France. Prior to MidAmerica Productions, she served as Fine Arts Chair, Director of Choral and Instrumental Studies at Lourdes Academy, and Director of Music at Central Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida.
“At the end of my student teaching, Mrs. [Sharon] Wilkins called me into her office,” recalls Dr. Wicke. “She told me, ‘The Bible tells us there is the gift of preaching, the gift of prophecy and the gift of teaching … you, my dear, have the gift of teaching.’ So, the girl who was never going to teach has enjoyed more than 20 years of inspiring young lives to demand the best, to live their dreams and to follow their faith.”
