(April 20, 2007)

Contact: Lynn Stewart, Centenary News Service, 318-869-5120, or Dr. Gale Odom, Dean, Hurley School of Music, 318-869-5235

Centenary College Names David Hobson New Director of Centenary College Choir

David A. Hobson, Director of the Centenary College Choir effective July 1, 2007

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College of Louisiana has appointed David Andrew Hobson to be the A.C. "Cheesy" Voran Choir Director of the Centenary College Choir, effective July 1, 2007. Hobson, who is an alumnus of both Centenary College and the Choir, becomes only the fourth conductor in the choir's 65-year history.

Hobson replaces Dr. Will K. Andress, who held the position for 33 years and retires June 30. Other conductors were the late founder, Dr. A.C. "Cheesy" Voran (director from 1941-1972) and the late Dr. William J. Ballard (1972-1974).

"The Centenary College Choir is a unique organization and has had an important effect on countless alumni, including myself. Building confidence, character, and musicianship are only some of the formative aspects that I took with me upon graduation," Hobson said. "The bonds that each of us form when we are part of the choir transcend our own time in the ensemble, so that we feel a deeper connection to other alumni from various eras and ultimately to the music that is the heart of those bonds. It is a special situation, and I am honored to become part of an exceptional lineage of directors."

In addition to conducting the Centenary College Choir, Hobson joins the staff of the Hurley School of Music as a full-time faculty member. "The whole of my Centenary education, especially within the Hurley School of Music, proved substantial in my later educational and vocational pursuits. The opportunity to return and give back to the choir and college is exciting," Hobson said. "I look forward to not only continuing the rich traditions and travels of the choir but also heading the sacred music program among other teaching responsibilities."

Hobson is a 1998 alumnus of Centenary, earning a bachelor of music degree with honors. He later completed the master of sacred music program at Emory University, studying conducting with Eric Nelson. He is currently finishing the doctorate of musical arts in choral conducting at Louisiana State University, where he is a student of Ken Fulton.

While earning his academic credentials, Hobson stayed active in music ministries at churches in Shreveport, Atlanta and Baton Rouge. He has directed vocal and hand bell choirs of all ages, and his youth choirs have toured extensively across the South and Midwest. Most recently, Hobson staged and directed productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell, and Fiddler on the Roof at University United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge. Hobson has also led several seminars in the area of music and worship for various churches and is available as a guest choral clinician in both academic and religious settings.

Hobson is married to pediatrician Dr. Emily Robinson Hobson, a native of Shreveport. The Hobsons have two young daughters, Hannah, 4, and Landry, 6 months. Hobson is a native of Marshall, Texas, where his father, Al Hobson, is a retired high school band director, and his mother, Emily, is a retired high school librarian.