As many of you know, James Dearing, a member of the IUP Music Department faculty, died in late November.
Mr. Dearing was director of choral activities at IUP for twenty-eight years, during which he toured extensively with the IUP Chorale, both internationally and regionally. He sang with several professional choral groups, including the Roger Wagner Chorale. His wife, Kristi Dearing, is also a Music Department faculty member.
While I didn't have the opportunity to get to know Mr. Dearing, I've heard a great deal about his talent, his passion for music, and his tremendous impact on decades of Music Department students. I want to make you aware of two memorial events to which you are invited.
Mr. Dearing served for many years as choir director at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Church and Seventh streets. His family has arranged a memorial service there on Monday, December 13, 2010, at 7:00 p.m.
In tribute to his memory, students and alumni are planning a concert on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in Sutton's Gorell Recital Hall. Scores of alumni are expected to return for this event and for a reception afterward in Cogswell Hall, where a room, the James C. Dearing Ensemble Library, will be dedicated in his memory.
David Werner
Interim President