The Hastings College Department of Music is among the sponsors of a unique local performance by the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble and its artistic director Dr. Timothy A. McMillin called “En Route: A Traveling Celebration” scheduled for 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 21 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings. Admission is free.
The program, which is also sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings through the Langenberg Music Endowment, is centered on the themes of travel and home.
“There are multiple representations of each concept,” said McMillin, the ensemble’s artistic director. “From the spiritual home found in the song, ‘Precious Lord,’ to the more immediate home found in Mark Hayes’ arrangement of ‘Home on the Range,’ the performance is filled with sacred and secular selections that promise to be simultaneously entertaining and sumptuous.”
Under McMillin’s leadership, the community-based, auditioned choir from Iowa’s capital city has found unique ways to share its music with its local community members, as well as those a little further afield.
“We are excited for this opportunity to convey our love for music and the sense of community it brings, no matter how far from home you may be,” McMillin said.
The Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble was established in 1992 as a community-based choir that seeks to provide serious musicians with opportunities to pursue excellence in a variety of choral literature and styles that are not otherwise available, to share this music with the community, to encourage the musical development of youth, and to foster cooperation with other fine arts organizations. The 30- to 40-member choir consists of auditioned adult singers of various ages, backgrounds and occupations from the Greater Des Moines area. To find out more, please visit www.dmvae.org.
Timothy A. McMillin accepted the position of Artistic Director for the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble in the fall of 2008. In addition to his work with the DMVAE, Tim is Director of Choral Activities at Simpson College, where he directs three choral ensembles, is on the voice faculty and teaches classes in conducting, music literature and choral studies. Dr. McMillin is also the Director of Music at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines where he conducts the St. Timothy's Choir and coordinates the musical aspects of the parish's worship experience.
Hastings College students and faculty have been making music since the beginnings of the College in 1882. The Music Department has established an enviable reputation throughout the Midwest for its quality programs, dedicated faculty and talented students.
Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,150 students. Hastings College was named 75th Best Value College in the nation and #1 in Nebraska by Forbes.com and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity. It was named a 2010 “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review and rated a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.