Schola Cantorum Partners with Huntsville High School Choir to Record Newly Commissioned Work

The U of A’s Schola Cantorum recently joined forces with the Huntsville High School Choir to record a new work, “In Remembrance of a Veteran,” composed by Schola Cantorum director, Stephen Caldwell.

Recording at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center

The work was commissioned by U of A alumna and Huntsville choir director, Mindy Williams, in memory of her father who passed away at the beginning of the academic year. Williams’ father was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a huge fan of the Razorbacks.

“As the choir sings, one can hear Taps played in the background to honor his service,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell said Williams was a clarinet major during her time at the U of A, so she specifically requested that instrument be used in the composition.

“Nophachai Cholthichanta, associate professor of clarinet, generously volunteered to record the clarinet solo with the choirs,” Caldwell said. “It is an empowering experience for all involved in a project like this.”

“Students in Schola Cantorum get to serve as mentors to younger singers, the high school students get a small glimpse of what it is like to be in college and get a chance to sing with one of the best choirs in the country, and everyone gets to be a part of the process of creating a new piece of music,” he added.

A video of the recording session is viewable on the official U of A Choirs YouTube channel and at this YouTube page.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.