Carson-Newman alumnus to host master class and vocal health lecture

(October 16, 2015) — Carson-Newman University alumnus and baritone Dr. Allen Henderson will host a master class and a lecture on vocal health Friday, Oct. 23.

Both events are free and open to the public. The master class will begin at 3 p.m. in Thomas Recital Hall, immediately followed by the lecture on vocal health at 4 p.m. in Tarr Music Center 108.

Carson-Newman Director of Voice Studies Ann Jones says the events will be of value to local musicians and music educators, but the performances will make a great show for anyone who appreciates music.

“Vocalists like to see how other teachers work with students to get fresh ideas,” Jones says. “Beyond that, they have the opportunity to watch Allen, who has performed all over the world, sing. He has a lot of friends at Carson-Newman and a lot of accomplishments.”

The master class will begin with three numbers sung by Henderson, and then three Carson-Newman students will have the chance to sing. He will work with them individually following their performances.

Henderson has appeared in concert, opera and oratorio across the country. He has been a district winner and regional finalist in the Metropolitan Opera auditions and won the 1995 National Federation of Music Clubs Artist Awards.

He has taught at Oklahoma Baptist University and served as a department chair at both Austin Peay State University and Georgia Southern University.

The baritone soloist leads the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the world’s largest professional association of vocal instructors as executive director. The organization has more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada and nearly 30 other countries.

Thomas Recital Hall is located in the Tarr Music Center along Russell Ave. on Carson-Newman’s campus.