Story by Laura Kuzmicz, Arts Editor
Aquinas College has a new chorale director joining the music department! I interviewed Professor Austin McWilliams on what it means to be a Saint and a new member of the Aquinas music family!
Laura: Why is music your passion?
Austin: Music, and specifically vocal music, is my passion because of the unique community that singers build together. There’s no instrument more expressive than the voice, and there are few acts more vulnerable than singing in front of others. I think it’s this ritualistic act of vulnerability that allows singers to form genuine relationships with one another that are hard to find elsewhere.
LK: What made you choose Aquinas?
AM: Aquinas was the obvious choice! I’ve lived in Grand Rapids for three years, conducting at Opera Grand Rapids and Fountain Street Church. I’ve also been commuting to Kalamazoo to teach at Western Michigan University. When this opportunity at Aquinas opened, it made perfect sense for me to apply: work at a smaller, more manageable institution so I can make better connections with the college community; run my own choral program and play a crucial role in many students’ college experiences; and cut my drive down US-131!
LK: What music can we expect for the upcoming concert?
AM: Our first choral showcase is Sunday, October 29, 3:00 pm, in Kretschmer Recital Hall in the Art & Music Center. This concert features music of personal empowerment, of finding one’s true self, of forging new paths in life. One week in, and the choirs already sound magnificent!
LK: What is your favorite genre of music to sing when directing?
AM: I love contemporary vocal music. New music can speak to human joys and struggles more poignantly and relevantly than music of other eras, and I love choosing stories and poetry that audience members can immediately connect with.
He said it here first! You can watch Professor. McWilliam’s and Aquinas’ student chorale performance Sunday, October 29, 3:00 pm, in Kretschmer Recital Hall in the Art & Music Center! Personal empowerment and self growth seems to be the main theme of this concert. A theme that applies to everyone! Come out and show some support!
The Saint 