Maestros of Ministry: Their Legacy in the Department of Music and Worship

INTRODUCTION |  x iii degree of excellence in choral direction and music theory, along with a passion for ministry, has shaped the lives of many, many students as well as the Department as a whole for nearly a half century. As the only maestro in this volume still actively serving as a faculty member, Anderson continues to impact the lives of students. In 1978 Professor Charles Pagnard joined the faculty, bringing with him an excellence in technical ability on the trumpet and a demanding studio teaching style, along with competitive levels of ensemble performance, especially seen in his Brass Choir. His high level of performance skill added to a growing list of competitive qualities that raised the bar throughout the Department. Pagnard was the right person with the right skill set arriving at just the right time. His long tenure of more than thirty-five years made an indelible mark on the Department’s growth. The following year, 1979, President Paul Dixon, in one of his first moves as President, recruited Michael DiCuirci, Sr. to join the Music Department with a charge to develop a Symphonic Band. DiCuirci’s experience in Music Education proved to be an invaluable asset as well, as the Department sought to strengthen its elementary and secondary certification by the Ohio Board of Education. Throughout his thirty-seven years on the faculty, DiCuirci was a driving force in building the Symphonic Band and Jazz Band, coordinating major events such as Veterans’ Day, and preparing Music Education students for successful careers. As a director of several large ensembles, his life has touched thousands of students for Christ. Dr. Charles Clevenger was another of Matson’s recruits, although Clevenger’s own story is that he was first drawn to Cedarville by Matson’s style and godly character as a touring choral director. From his begin- ning at Cedarville in 1982, Clevenger quickly rose to become Chair of the Department in 1989 when Matson stepped down. Clevenger’s engineering mind and background, along with his excellent leadership,