CHORALE
ELON UNIVERSTIY CHORALE (Mus 102A) ~ The Chorale is open to all Elon University students and membership does not require an audition. A typical program for this ensemble will be diverse and include music from several different traditions/cultures. Emphasis is on vocal technique, development of an awareness of and appreciation for diverse literature, and exploring how music contributes to the quality of life in any community. Chorale meets Mondays & Wednesdays ~ 1:40- 3:20.
DIRECTOR
Gerald R. Knight earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Benedict College, the Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance and the Master of Music Education Degrees from the University of South Carolina, and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Music Education/Choral Conducting from The Florida State University. Additionally, Knight has studied at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, The Citadel, Charleston, South Carolina, Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria, and the Studio Lirico, Cortona, Italy.
During his studies in Italy, Knight performed the role of Checco in the opera "Il Convito" by Cimarosa at the Teatro Signorelli and served as a vocal studio accompanist for the Studio Lirico. Knight has appeared in recitals in Cortona, Italy and in Salzburg, Austria. He has appeared throughout the southeast in recital and in oratorio performances. Knight appeared as the featured guest artist for the Fayetteville State University MLK Celebration and has appeared twice as tenor soloist in "Messiah" by Handel with the Fayetteville State University Concert Choir. He has also appeared several times with the Johnson C. Smith University Concert Choir performing the tenor solos in Handel's "Messiah" and "Magnificat" by Bach. Knight sang the roles of Ferrando in "Cosi fan Tutte" and Tamino in "Die Zauberflöte" by Mozart at the Historic Dock Street Theatre in Charleston, South Carolina for the Charleston College/Charleston Opera Workshop.
Prior to pursuing doctoral studies Knight served as Choral Director at Alcorn Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina. Before teaching middle school Knight served as Instructor and Director of the Morris College Chorale at Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina. He has held numerous church positions as Music Director. Most recently, he served as Director of Music at the First Missionary Baptist Church and as Director/Pianist at the St. Jude Catholic Church, both in Sumter, South Carolina. In 2002 Knight held a one year appointment as Guest Artist Director of the Capital City Chorale in Columbia, South Carolina.