Henderson, Tennessee – (June 27, 2024) – With a vision to build on the excellence of FHU’s music program, Dr. Scott Wyatt has been named Freed-Hardeman University’s new director of the University Chorale and assistant professor of music. Wyatt aims to cultivate an unparalleled musical journey for students while expanding the Chorale’s influence in churches, high schools and audiences worldwide.
“I’m very excited to welcome Dr. Wyatt to the faculty of Freed-Hardeman University,” Dr. C.J. Vires, provost and vice president for academics, said. “He comes to us with tremendous experiences, and I know he will continue the rich vocal music tradition of the University, building on past successes and taking the program to new heights. It’s a very exciting time for the University’s music program as we continue to expand vocal and instrumental music opportunities for our students.”
Wyatt comes to FHU with extensive musical experience in teaching, conducting, directing and performing. Most recently, Wyatt served as adjunct professor of musicology and music history at Miami University in Ohio and as adjunct professor of choral and voice at Cincinnati Christian University.
His conducting experience includes serving as choral director of the Butler Philharmonic Chorus, Trance Vocal Ensemble, the Concordia Sacrae Singers and the Voices of Sumphonia.
Wyatt himself is an opera singer and symphony soloist whose professional engagements include leading and supporting roles with: Hawaii Opera, Israeli Opera, Paris National Opera, San Francisco Opera, Washington D.C. Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Houston Grand Opera, San Diego Opera, Virginia Opera, Long Beach Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, The Aspen Music Festival, The Zwingenberg Music Festival of Germany, Singapore Symphony, Viennese Salon Orchestra, San Diego Symphony and Austin Symphony, among others.
Wyatt and his wife, Shawn, expressed their great excitement to join the FHU family and shared some of their goals for the future of the music program: “Our goal is to make being a part of the Freed-Hardeman University Chorale the most moving and memorable spiritual experience that our students have ever encountered before!” he said. “We want to take this group to such heights that every student on campus will be breaking down the door to get in and be a part of it! Then we want to take our ever-growing musical family on the road, and in the air, in order to share our hearts and voices with churches, high schools and audiences all over the world. We want to move everyone we can to a closer walk with God; great and spirited music can do that. We can’t wait to get started!”
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.