Genevans Spring Concert

On March 24, Dr. Copeland says farewell to The Genevans after 31 years.

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Dr. Robert Copeland

BEAVER FALLS, PA (03/19/2012)(readMedia)-- During the Genevans Spring Concert on Saturday, March 24, members of The Genevans, the student choir of Geneva College, will honor the faithful service of director Dr. Robert Copeland with a special reunion performance. After 31 years, over 725 concerts and more than 40 concert tours, Dr. Copeland is retiring, making this his final concert with the group.

The theme for the concert is "Choral Favorites," and the repertoire includes many songs that The Genevans have performed throughout the past three decades. Concert selections represent a variety of eras and styles. The principal work is J. S. Bach's great motet Jesu, meine Freude. Also included are sacred and secular works ranging from the Renaissance to the contemporary, including folk songs, spirituals and hymns, Russian church music, and selections from Broadway musicals. The Genevans always prominently feature settings of the Book of Psalms.

"The program is made up of material that choir members and veterans liked and have asked to sing," explains Copeland.

Over 130 alumni singers will join the current 70-voice choir to perform several numbers during the concert. They will rehearse on the day of the concert under the direction of Geneva alumnus John Pusateri '01, a high school music teacher in Maryland who will also conduct a few selections during the concert.

"Hearing 200 voices joining in some old Genevans' favorites will be a special and unique experience," notes Copeland's wife and Geneva music professor Louise Copeland. "Never again will this particular group be assembled."

As for retiring, Copeland, or "Dr. Bob" as he is affectionately called by his students, says he has mixed feelings. "It's time to move on, but I'm sure going to miss it. It's been a wonderful experience. I've met so many terrific people through the program and had so many great choirs. And this year's group is one of the best!"

The Genevans Spring Concert is this Saturday in the auditorium of the Beaver Falls Middle School at 7:30 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public.

Geneva College is a comprehensive Christian college of the arts, sciences and professional studies. Founded in the tradition of the Reformed Christian faith, Geneva prepares students to serve Christ in all areas of society: work, family and the church. Geneva College's philosophy of education is based on the Foundational Concepts of Christian Higher Education. Geneva is a founding member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).