Freed-Hardeman University celebrates
the career and accomplishments of Dr. Gary
McKnight, who recently retired as professor emeritus in
music after a 34-year tenure at FHU.
HENDERSON, Tenn., May 24, 2024
/PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a poignant farewell filled with music and
memories, scores of former Sonshine Singers and Chorale members
gathered at the Henderson Church of Christ to mark Dr. Gary McKnight's retirement. The risers were
brimming as both past and present group members united to sing
their traditional closing song, "The Lord Bless You and Keep You,"
one final time. This touching moment not only celebrated the end of
Dr. McKnight's illustrious 34-year tenure at Freed-Hardeman University but also underscored his
profound connection with students spanning generations.
"It has been the dream of a lifetime. I
can't imagine a better job anywhere. All of those memories will
last us a lifetime. We have truly been blessed."
"Dr. McKnight's tenure has upheld the longstanding legacy of FHU
choral excellence, which was established over seven decades ago,"
said Dr. C.J. Vires, FHU provost and vice president for academics.
"His impact on the program and the numerous students he mentored
will be enduring. Under his guidance, the University Chorale
flourished, showcasing exceptional talent and professionalism in
every performance."
McKnight first began his tenure at FHU as an admissions
representative in 1990. Three years later, he was named director of
the Sonshine Singers, and in 2004 he became the first director of
the newly established University Chorale. In the classroom, he
taught courses ranging from academic career development to music
theory, music appreciation, sight singing and ear training, voice
and song leading. He also taught conducting for 25 years.
Former student and chorus member LeAnne
(Estes) Jones ('05), now a private music teacher in
Booneville, Mississippi, credits
McKnight with much of her positive foundational training. "He
taught me so much as both a musician and a person," she said. "All
the classes in college are important but there was nothing better
for my voice, musical ear and practical knowledge of how to be a
director than singing with him for that hour after chapel five days
a week."
In addition to his classroom and choral responsibilities,
McKnight acted as musical director – and occasional actor – for
several Homecoming stage musicals, including "Camelot,"
"Oklahoma," "Fiddler on the Roof,"
"Guys and Dolls" and many others. He has also made several
scene-stealing appearances in club Makin' Music shows over the
years.
Under his leadership, the University Chorale became a frequent
participant in the Christian College Choral Festival, allowing his
students to blend with hundreds of other singers from Christian
colleges and universities across the country. Several of his
students have also auditioned and been accepted into the Young
Adult Honors Choir at Carnegie Hall, giving them the opportunity to
work with world renowned directors and conductors. A select few
were even invited to sing at the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Among those who have performed in McKnight's choral groups,
frequently cited favorite memories tend to involve time spent
traveling together, whether it be to neighboring churches, distant
states or foreign countries. His singing groups have performed in
most U.S. states east of the Mississippi River and have traveled as
far west as Texas.
Internationally, he has led groups to at least nine countries on
six different continents, often offering their singing performances
in conjunction with other mission outreach efforts for local
congregations.
With hours of bus rides and the adventurous unpredictability of
travel, such long tours naturally produced strong relationships and
plenty of inside jokes. These are the times that are recounted most
vividly when former members reunite.
"The times I spent with the group were tremendous," McKnight
said. "For some of these kids, it was their first time traveling
anywhere. I loved being able to see the world open up to them when
they got away from school. They learned about life, about
themselves and about the way they interact with the world. These
kinds of experiences are the best classroom you can have."
His connection to his "kids" is evident in the fact that he has
performed over 30 wedding ceremonies for students who first met in
his group. To them, he is considered so much more than a director.
He has helped to guide them through some of the most formidable
times of their lives.
Riley Bowers ('14), of
Springfield, Tennessee, worked
closely with McKnight in his role as the Chorale student conductor
during his time. "Gary has often said 'cologne is to be discovered,
not announced.' That holds true in his life as well. I learned
patience, kindness, hard work, and so many other things from him
not because he pushed those lessons on me but because I saw them
being lived quietly in his life every day," Bowers said.
"Freed-Hardeman gave me the
opportunity to direct a chorus at a tremendous Christian
university," McKnight said. "In the course of 34 years, that job
has allowed Rosemary and me to literally travel all over the world
while directing and interacting with the finest young people
anywhere. It has been the dream of a lifetime. I can't imagine a
better job anywhere. All of those memories will last us a lifetime.
We have truly been blessed."
The mission of Freed-Hardeman
University is to help students develop their God-given
talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that
integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations
in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor's,
master's, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is
available at fhu.edu.
Media Contact
Dawn Bramblett, Freed-Hardeman University, 731-608-7650,
dawn@bramblettgrp.com, fhu.edu
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SOURCE Freed-Hardeman University