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An Interview with the 2019 National Legacy Directors Chorus Conductors

is enhanced. a more thoughtful mentor to the younger, less experi-
Negative: There appears to be a preponderance of enced teachers and colleagues around me.
performances of non-traditional contemporary litera-
ture that is to be appreciated more for its theoretical
compositional components than for a more humanitar- What is the best professional advice you were
ian message. It’s good to explore any and all new com- given early in your career?
positional styles, but not at the expense of our great
heritage of literature that has spoken to generations of
peoples from the Renaissance to the present. Look for what’s NOT in the score—i.e., seek the Orig-
inal Source of Inspiration.
—John Finley Williamson
What, if anything, would you change about your
professional life? Let your gentleness be evident to all.
— Phil. 4:4
I would be kinder, gentler, and more sympathetic to
the less talented and less popular student. I would give Be joyful always…give thanks in all circumstances.
more time and attention to those in need. I would be — 1 Thes. 5:16-17

Legacy Conductors with Accompanist Kevin Tison. Conductors (L-R): Jerry McCoy, Ann Howard Jones, Donald Neuen, Charlene
Archibeque, Rodney Eichenberger, Sigrid Johnson, Albert McNeil, Kenneth Fulton, Dale Warland, William Hatcher, Eph Ehly

60 CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2025 Volume 65 Number 9