So, I have a bit of a confession to make: I am a music nerd.

You can, then, imagine my joy and wonder at learning that Furman hosts a church music conference. As part of the conference, several guest clinicians came and hundreds of choir directors descended upon Furman’s campus.

On Thursday, the Furman Singers rehearsed with Dr. Eric Nelson, who directs the choirs at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia as well as the Atlanta Sacred Chorale. Let me just say that he is one of the most infectiously passionate and enthusiastic people that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. The rest of Thursday and Friday were filled with clinics on topics ranging from singing on pitch to choral accompaniment.

The conference culminated in a concert in the Chapel by the Atlanta Sacred Chorale. First of all, if you haven’t been in the Chapel, next time you come to campus, please go. It is one of the most beautiful buildings on campus and home to Dr. Tompkins’, Furman’s organ professor, baby: The Hartness Organ.

Now, I realize that organ music might not be your thing, and I totally understand, but the Hartness is absolutely amazing. The range is so extensive that the lowest and highest notes are more feelings than sounds. And the inside of the organ is a maze of different rods connecting the manuals (keyboards) to different pipes. But my favorite part is the Zimbelstern – little bells that play when their stop is engaged.

But I digress. The Atlanta Sacred Chorale sang an amazing concert with one of my favorite songs and a few others that will become favorites. The Chapel is a wonderful space acoustically that only amplified the already wonderful voices of the Chorale.

It was sublime.

On a (semi) related note, please do not be afraid to walk around campus on your own to explore. Campus tours are great for hitting the high points, but there is so much more to campus than a tour could possibly cover in the time allotted. So, if you want to go exploring, feel free!