Alumnus Eric Taylor Appointed Artistic Manager of Detroit Children's Choir

Detroit (June 8, 2016) - Eric Taylor, who graduated in May with a master of music in choral conducting from Wayne State University, has been named artistic manager of the Detroit Children's Choir (DCC), the only community-wide inclusive choral music education program in metro Detroit that serves children ages 8-14. Taylor also received a bachelor of music in music education from the Department of Music.

While at Wayne State, Eric had much exposure to conducting; he has conducted the chamber choir as well as assisted the concert chorale, men's chorus, choral union, and symphonic chorus. Taylor believes his education in the Department of Music has helped guide him to this role. "WSU shaped my musical future through a supportive learning environment and real-world experiences that I could not get anywhere else. Hands-on experiences are what have prepared me for my new position as Artistic Manager of the Detroit Children's Choir. I wouldn't have accomplished all of these goals without the education that I received at Wayne State," Taylor states.

Now completing its 10th season, the Detroit Children's Choir has grown from one in-school choir to 13 ensembles. More than 2,650 students have been choir members and participants in DCC workshops. Children from more than 70 different zip codes have participated in DCC programs.

"I can tell you that choosing Eric was easy for us. He came to the Detroit Children's Choir with amazing references, demonstrated a true knowledge and passion for choral music education, and was easily able to demonstrate his abilities," says DCC board member Aimee Kilcher. "During the audition and interview process, he was able to adapt and adjust to various programs, from our in school programming to neighborhood choirs and our audition only concert chorale. The children and staff who helped choose Eric were engaged and responded to him quickly. He is a great addition to our growing organization and we feel confident that the children and artistic staff will thrive under his direction."

Visit music.wayne.edu for more information on our renowned programs and performance calendar.

Visit the Detroit Children's Choir website for more information on the organization.

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Founded in 1918, Wayne State University's Department of Music has earned a reputation for excellence in the US and abroad. Many members of the music faculty, including musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and some of the area's finest jazz and vocal artists, have toured throughout the world as performers, clinicians, conductors and composers. Likewise, students in the department's ensembles have won international competitions, toured Europe and Asia, and enjoyed repeated invitations to perform at major festivals and conferences. The department also is known for its preparation of music educators.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering more than 380 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 27,000 students.