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CANTON, Mo. — The �������� Choir is stepping into an extraordinary educational experience this year, commissioning and premiering two choral works thanks to the generosity of Dr. Thelma (Tommye) Leenhouts, Ph.D. The project not only expands the global choral repertoire but also provides Culver-Stockton students the rare opportunity to collaborate with a living composer and debut music written specifically for their voices.

The first commission is a newly re-voiced arrangement of There’s a Meeting Here Tonight. Originally written for the professional tenor-bass ensemble Cantus of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the work has been reimagined for SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) voices, allowing more choirs to experience its American Gospel folk style.

Culver-Stockton students will premiere the piece during the Fall Choral Concert, which is set for Sunday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Merillat Chapel Recital Hall in the Robert W. Brown Performing Art Center on the C-SC campus. The concert is open free to the public.

The second commission is a brand-new composition by acclaimed composer Timothy C. Takach, created expressly for the �������� Choir. Written in a traditional choral style with piano accompaniment, this world premiere will highlight the ensemble’s artistry at the Spring Choral Concert Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3 p.m. in Merillat Chapel. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

“Commissioning new music not only expands the canon but also strengthens our students’ education by giving them a creative role in bringing new works to life,” said Dr. Andrew Schroetter, Director of Choral Music at Culver-Stockton. “Learning a piece no one has ever performed before demands deep listening, problem-solving, and collaboration. It’s an experience that will shape their musicianship long after graduation.”

As part of the project, Takach will visit campus in spring 2026 to rehearse with the choir and deliver a lecture on composition, music entrepreneurship, and professional performance. His involvement provides students with direct access to a composer whose works have been performed by ensembles such as Roomful of Teeth, The St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and The Boston Pops.

For Dr. Leenhouts, supporting this project reflects both a personal passion and a commitment to enriching student learning. A lifelong choral singer and member of The City Choir of Washington, D.C., she was first introduced to Culver-Stockton through her husband, Joseph MacDoniels ‘63, a longtime trustee and current emeritus member of the �������� Board of Trustees. Over time, her connection to the College grew through support of student awards and scholarships.

“It was last spring while on campus that I decided I wanted to do something that reflected my love of choral singing,” said Leenhouts. “Commissioning these works underscores the vital role that music, and choral music in particular, plays in a liberal arts curriculum. For students, this experience will challenge them, as well as cultivate pride in bringing new music into the world. I hope these pieces will inspire them now and for years to come, while also bringing recognition to the College.”

Learn more about Culver-Stockton’s academic programs in music at /majors/.