THE RECORD Online

Spring 2002

The Jeff Wilson Era

by Nathaniel West

The butterflies in Greenville College Choir Director Jeff Wilson’s stomach fluttered in concert, no pun intended, as he took his place in front of the singers for his first time in public. Those gathered for Parents Weekend in the fall of 1996 were looking at a man who had stepped into the tuxedo of a GC legend, Dr. James Wilson, who led the choir for 39 years prior to his retirement in 1996.
“I was very nervous, but the students did very well,” said the younger Dr. Wilson. “My predecessor had been here for 39 years, and I was not yet 39 myself. I was walking into a situation where there had been a long tradition.”

Since then, Wilson has endeavored to uphold that tradition, and at the same time, “put my own stamp on things.”

He came to GC after completing his doctorate and master’s degree at the University of Illinois. Wilson also has experience teaching math, reading and of course, music in northern Illinois. He even coached basketball.

For all of his life, said Wilson, he has been involved in church music. When he first started at GC, Wilson said his goal was “just to learn what happened before I came.” His first year “was spent coming to a great deal of respect of what had happened,” as he didn’t make that many changes to the choir program already in place.

“Although I think I may have brought a fresh perspective,” added Wilson.
His personal touch first became apparent, he said, when he began introducing new literature for the choir.

He also started increasing the size of the group. During 1996-97, the choir roster listed 47 singers. It rose to 55 the next year, and to 70 the year after.

“We found a bigger bus,” said Wilson. “And a van.”

In 2000-01, the choir was reduced to 60 singers, but another “entry-level” group called the Chorale was revived. It consists of 12-15 members, who perform at on-campus venues. Regular choir members can also audition to be a part of the 16-24 piece Chamber Singers group, which was reinstated to sing both early and contemporary music.

During Wilson’s first year, he also expanded the college/community group. In addition to the annual Messiah performance in the winter, the 120-150 member group now presents a Spring Choral Union Concert.

In his second year as choir director, Wilson oversaw the changing of the singers’ uniforms from robes to formal dresses for the women and tuxedos for the men.

The group has continued the tradition of annual recordings, some of which have been played on Christian and classical radio stations across the country.
Wilson revived the String Ensemble, which accompanies the Messiah and spring events and also delivers its own separate concerts. The String Ensemble is now under the direction of adjunct professor Dr. Alan Pearlmutter.

This spring, the choir members will revive the Madrigal Dinners, which formerly took place during the holidays and ceased about 15 years ago. April 11-13 and 16-18, a Renaissance-themed dinner will be presented. The Chamber Singers will make up the royal court, and the Chorale members will serve the food. The GC drama program will also perform with the musicians.

Even before he came to GC, Wilson said he has been thinking about and preparing for the choir’s 75th anniversary. In addition to the publication of Dr. James Wilson’s book and the performance of choir alumni during Homecoming, the celebration of the milestone included the first-ever overseas trip by the choir.

From Jan. 3-23, the choir toured England, performing nine major concerts in such historical venues as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, York Minster, Oxford University Church and Wesley’s Chapel.

“It was a life-changing trip for a lot of us,” said Wilson.

He expressed gratitude for the support of many GC alumni and friends, who donated more than $50,000 to help fund the trip to England.

Also in honor of the 75th anniversary, Wilson commissioned a new composition for the choir. Based on a Charles Wesley hymn, “Jesus, Love of My Soul” was written as a southern folk hymn by Chester Alwes, a U. of I. music professor.

“I think each choral director has his ideal standard for the choir – certain literature, a certain concept – of what a choral group is,” said Wilson. “I’ve had a lot of freedom to shape the choir.”

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Last updated: March 19, 2002