 |
| |
Our Directors |
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Dr.
Richard Nickerson |
 |
| |
Richard
G. Nickerson received a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Music
Education, the Master of Music in Choral Conducting from
the University of Maine and the Doctor of Musical Arts
degree in Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of
Music - University of Missouri - Kansas City . While
at UMKC Dr. Nickerson conducted the Men's Choir, taught
undergraduate conducting, supervised student teachers,
and was assistant to Dr. Eph Ehly and Dr. Charles Robinson.
He was also the Senior Choir Director at Hope Lutheran
Church in Shawnee , Kansas . He
is Past-President of the Maine chapter of the American
Choral Directors Association and served as Repertoire
and Standards Chair for Ethnic and Multi - Cultural Perspectives. |
| |
| |
|
For
the past 19 years Dr. Nickerson has been Director of Choral
Activities at Windham High School in Windham , Maine where
he conducts 3 choirs and teaches courses in music theory
and music history. He is also the conductor of Pihcintu ,
a Portland based multi-cultural choir made up of immigrant
children. |
| |
|
In constant demand
as a guest conductor and clinician, Nickerson has made
guest appearances in 15 states, 3 Canadian provinces and
6 European countries. He has conducted in major concert
venues throughout the world including Carnegie Hall, Notre
Dame in Paris , La Salle de Musique in La Chaux de Fonds,
Switzerland , the White House and The Austria Center in
Vienna . |
| |
Dr. Nickerson's
choirs have appeared in concert with artists including
Kenny Rogers, Andy Williams, Josh Groban, John Rutter,
Jodi Benson, The BareNaked Ladies, Noel Paul Stookey (Peter,
Paul and Mary), Paul Sullivan (Paul Winter Consort) and
the Portland Symphony Orchestra. Recently, he was the children's
choir director for the nationally broadcast Tim Janis special,
Coastal America narrated by George Clooney. |
| |
Dr.
Nickerson is listed in 2 editions Who's Who in America ,
6 editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers ,
has been named a finalist for Maine Teacher of the
Year and, in 1996, was named Maine Music Educator
of the Year . In 1997 he was presented an Academy
Award from the Maine State Academy for the Performing
Arts for outstanding contributions to the performing
arts in the State of Maine . He is a member of the American
Choral Directors Association, Music Educators National
Conference, Chorus America ,The College Music Society and Pi
Kappa Lambda. He lives in Portland with his
twin daughters, Sarah and Arianna. |
| |
|
|
| |
 |
Patrick McCarthy |
| |
| Patrick
J. McCarthy attended both the University of Maine in Orono
and the University of Southern Maine from 1995-2000. While
studying in Orono, he was part of the University of Maine
Singers and Chorale. He also sang in an all-male student
run octet known as the Maine Steiners. He played tuba in
both of the University's Symphonic bands. |
| |
| For
5 years, he performed in the all-male semi-professional
vocal band, "6 Day Week," of which he was a founding
member. At Southern Maine , he sang in the Chamber Singers
under the direction of Dr. Robert Russell and shared some
of the directing responsibilities for that group and for
the Concert Chorale. Patrick's
first professional teaching job was at St. Joseph 's College
as director of St. Joseph 's Glee Club.
|
| |
| He
was the Spiritual Music Director for State Street Church
where he continues to lead a worship band for their non-traditional
service. In 1998, he sang in Portland Choral Arts Society's
select ensemble, the "Camarata," directed by Dr. Robert
Russell. Patrick is now in his third year as vocal and
general music teacher for grades 6-12 for the Westbrook
School Department. |
| |
| About
Lower Octave, Patrick says, "We've grown!" He
has enjoyed the past three years directing these talented
and dedicated young men and is looking forward to many
more years of music making. |
| |
|
| |
| John
Rimkunas |
 |
| |
| John A. Rimkunas earned his
Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University
of Southern Maine , where he studied voice with Ellen Chickering
and Bruce Fithian, and conducting with Dr. Robert Russell.
He earned his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the
University of Maine , where he studied with Dr. Dennis Cox.
In addition he has earned is Level I, II, and III Kodaly
Certification at the Hartt School , University of Hartford
. |
| |
In
the Lyric (Training) Choir, the new boys in the organization
learn vocal technique, choral skills, sight reading and
repertoire in prepartion for placement in the concert
choir. John also directs the Spirit Risers Children's
Choir for children ages 8-12 First Parish Church , U.C.C.,
Gorham. |
| |
|
For
six years he directed the Gorham Community Chorus, an adult
group of 70 singers, and is also musical director for his
family and friends group, Sibling Revelry, which performs
throughout Maine and New Hampshire every summer. He has
in the past directed festival choirs, including the U.C.C.
State Conference Choir in 2001, and the York County Middle
School Festival Choir in 2002. |
| |
|
John
is active in the Maine chapter of the American Choral Director's
Association, and currently serves as the Repertoire and
Standards Chair for Boychoirs in Maine . He is also active
in the Maine Music Educators Association, and serves each
year as a judge for the All State Chorus auditions. |
| |
|
John
believes that every member of the community, young or old,
provided the opportunity and environment, can contribute
artistically. He has taught in the public schools for the
past twenty years; Elementary, Middle and High School.
He currently teaches General Music and Chorus at Skillin
Elementary School in South Portland , and lives in Gorham
with his wife, Allie, and three children: Peter, Miriam,
and Jonas. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
