By
Vanessa Francis
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Chamberline brings several years' teaching, conducting experience to UA
A new voice has joined the UA School of Music and Dance Faculty.
Bruce Chamberline, the newly named Director of Choral Activities, came to the University of Arizona this year from the University of Northern Iowa, where he held the same position of Director of Choral Activities for ten years.
The UA's good name and teaching opportunities aided Chamberline in his decision to relocate to Tucson, he said.
"I came here because of the reputation of the university and the opportunity to teach graduate students and choral students in conducting," Chamberline said.
As director, Chamberline is in charge of eight separate choral choirs- the University Singers, Symphonic Choir, Women's Honor Choir, Choraliers, Arizona Choir, Collegium Musicum, University Community Choir and the Recital Choir. Approximately 180 students are under his charge, with each choir ranging in size from 12 to 50 singers.
Chamberline's main objective is to build a solid season filled with quality talent.
"My goal this year is to have personnel (new singers), many conductors and a season," Chamberline said.
After earning his doctorate in conducting from University of Indiana, Chamberline has managed to amass a lengthy resume of places around the world where he has conducted - in addition to his teaching.
Before settling into his new job, Chamberline conducted in Europe.
"I just came this summer from St. Petersburg, Russia, where I conducted the Philharmonic Orchestra," he said.
Chamberline is not the only musically inclined member of his family. Stepson Tyler Dunn is a UA music senior, and his daughter Ellen is a sophomore violin major at University of Indiana.
Lisa Billingham, a choral conducting graduate student, also serves as Chamberline's assistant director.
"He's fabulous," Billingham said. "He's honest and direct and here for the students."
One of Belligham's primary goals for the school year is to recruit new singers from programs outside the music department.
"We really want to get the word out that non-music majors can participate with us," she said.
After yesterday's first Arizona Choir class - which Chamberline also facilitates - member Judy Durocher was impressed.
"He was extremely well-prepared, knowledgeable and efficient," said Durocher, who also referred to Chamberline as a "breath of fresh air."
If interested in auditioning for a musical choir ensemble, please call 626-4990.
