快猫视频

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥斅�(Sept. 25, 2024) 鈥斅牽烀ㄊ悠碘�檚 music department is hitting new notes with the expansion of its symphonic wind ensemble and its jazz ensemble, both thriving under the direction of Dr. Michael 鈥淒oc鈥� Yopp. Since Yopp鈥檚 arrival in spring 2023, the symphonic group has grown to 42 players and added strings to the ensemble. Yopp鈥檚 leadership has not only expanded the program but has also challenged students to exceed their own expectations with one of his students saying, 鈥淗e pushes us鈥攚e don鈥檛 think we can do it and then we do it. He tests our limits that we don鈥檛 even know we have.鈥澛�

Yopp, associate professor of music, is committed to creating more opportunities for students in the music department. 鈥淲e have more music majors this year than we have ever had,鈥� Yopp said. 鈥淧eople have remarked that we鈥檝e reached a level they expected by year three or four, but we鈥檙e ahead of schedule and moving even faster than anticipated.鈥�

When asked about the immediate next steps for the program, Yopp spoke favorably of increasing numbers of majors and making large changes to the specifications of the music degree itself. He hopes for there to be a significant increase in numbers over the next two years. In terms of degree changes, the music department is looking to create specifications for the students to choose various paths for their ultimate career goals.聽

FHU currently offers a music education degree paired with an education degree; however,

Yopp said the university has begun working on a way for students to earn general music degrees with specifications such as directing and performance.聽

Two of Yopp鈥檚 current students鈥擬arlee Gary, sophomore music major, and Anne Kelly, freshman music major鈥攑raised not only Yopp鈥檚 work ethic but also his dedication.

鈥淗e was one of the people that kind of persuaded me to jump to vocal music or just music in general,鈥� Gary said. Gary and Kelly highlighted how Yopp makes himself available to those he recruits and nurtures in the program.

鈥淗e pushes us鈥攖hrows a whole bunch of stuff at the wall,鈥� Kelly said. 鈥淲e don鈥檛 think we can do it, and then we do it. He tests our limits that we don鈥檛 even know we have.鈥�

Yopp has been known for his enthusiastic teaching and encouragement since he joined FHU. His teaching methods and visions have been the product of almost 40 years of experience participating in and building programs across the country. In those years, Yopp has learned that creating a sturdy program lies in the attitudes of those who make it up.聽

鈥淚鈥檓 a firm believer in the philosophy of turning the elephant,鈥� Yopp said. 鈥淲hen you think of turning an elephant, you鈥檝e got those little boys that sit on top of an elephant with just a little stick, and they just tap the opposite direction that they want them to turn. And I鈥檓 a tapper. I tap all the time.鈥�

The largest roadblock to creating various musical groups seems to be scheduling conflicts that occur when multiple groups need access to limited space. Despite this drawback, Yopp seemed enthusiastic to entertain the idea of creating so many different groups for students to play in. In terms of new student opportunities, Yopp hopes the next step will be to create a full-string orchestra.

聽鈥淚t鈥檚 like reading,鈥� Yopp said. 鈥淚f you want to be better at comprehension, then read more. If I want to be a better musician, then [I will] play more, sing more, be around it more.鈥�

It is his desire to give the students every opportunity to do what they love.聽

鈥淚 don鈥檛 ever want to hear that a student has been directed away from 快猫视频-Hardeman because we don鈥檛 offer something,鈥� Yopp said. 鈥淚 want them to have the tools they need to succeed right here in this building.鈥�

The mission of 快猫视频 is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist, and doctoral degrees.