West Liberty University’s Concert Choir, under the direction of Alfred de Jaager, typically presents a “farewell” concert in the springtime to mark the departure of the choir for its overseas tour. This year, the concert takes on special meaning, as it will be the final concert under the direction of de Jaager who is retiring at the end of the 2014 school year.
“We wish Al well as he approaches retirement and we thank him for his many years of excellent service. He has touched the lives of countless students and left a mark on West Liberty University that will not soon be forgotten,” said President Robin C. Capehart.
The concert takes place at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 27 at Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church and is open to the public. The program will include both sacred and secular compositions, including Mass in G Major (sung in Latin), by Franz Schubert.
de Jaager is director of Choral Activities at West Liberty and an associate professor of music. He joined West Liberty in August 1966.
He holds degrees from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music (Bachelor of Music) and West Virginia University (Master of Music). He holds the Choir Master Certificate from the American Guild of Organists (1964) and has completed additional graduate studies at West Virginia University, Westminister Choir College, the University of Texas at Austin, North Texas State University and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
At West Liberty, he directs the University Chorus, the Madrigal Choir, the Concert Choir and the Opera Workshop. He also teaches conducting and music literature classes. Professor de Jaager was given the Award of Excellence by The American Choral Directors Association of West Virginia in 2002. And recently, he received the 2006 Professor of the Year award from the West Liberty State College Student Government Association.
A resident of Bethlehem, W.Va., he was born in Paterson, N.J.
Choir members performing at the April 27 concert include: Celesta Berga, Rosaleah Brill, Emily Chiles, Alan Cline, Lindy Cole, Megan Cook, Kacie Craig, Alexis Cutshall, Nathan Dunn, Carrie George, Amanda Gouldsberry, Anna Gross, Chad Grubb, Kaydon Hardman, Nathan Johnson, Brent Kimball, Eli Lambie, Andrew Leaptrot, Kodey Liller, Michael Murphy, Matthias Naill, Daniel Nixon, Kassidi Reitter, Megan Riley, Mikayla Schultz, Patrick Scolaro, Devon Thompson, Emily Wade, Timothi Williams, Kimberly Wolfe and Valerie Zamski.
Begun in 2007, the WLU Concert Choir spring tour offered students a chance to perform in varied settings for international audiences and enjoy a memorable educational experience. de Jaager hosted the tour. Though the choir is not going on an overseas tour this spring, de Jaager will be moving overseas to Cambodia where he’s building a home.
The Division of Music offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance and music technology. Among its many ensembles are University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and the Hilltopper Marching Band.
For more information, please contact the Department of Music and Theater office at 304-336-8930.