Anderson professor mentors Travelers Rest chorus students

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — On Wednesday March 14, the Travelers Rest High School varsity chorus got a visit from Dr. Richard Williamson, director of choral studies at Anderson University. The students have been learning one of his original compositions, entitled "Cool Moon" for their upcoming spring concert.

Dr. Williamson helped the students to find the expressive phrasing and dynamic moments in the piece as well as connect to the emotional meaning behind its poetic text. The students were eager to hear the composer's ideas about the piece as well as his professional feedback on their singing.

(Advertisement. Continue reading below.)

Dr. Williamson has several choral works published, and "Cool Moon" is one of his newer compositions (2015). The Travelers Rest High School concert on May 8 may in fact be the premiere performance of this piece in the upstate.

Peter Simms is in his first year as director of choirs at Travelers Rest, but is no stranger to the program, having graduated from Travelers Rest HS in 1997.

"I would like to see our choral program be an active part of our thriving community here in TR and continue the tradition of excellence in singing that we've had in the past. Having music professionals from our community and elsewhere sharing their expertise and experience with our kids is an invaluable part of that," he said.

To see more photos from the rehearsal, click here. (All photos appear courtesy of Rick Veazey.)

(Advertisement.)

Stay connected with the Tribune: Facebook — Twitter — Instagram — iOnGreenville

Subscribe to the Tribune's free, weekly eNews.