Hightower has high hopes for Luther choirs

Allen R. Hightower, the new Director of Nordic Choir and Director of Choral Activities, looks to bring a new “color and vibrancy” to the music department for many years to come.

A Texan native, Hightower spent his undergraduate years at Sam Houston State University studying music education, followed by two masters degrees in choral and orchestral conducting from Eastman School of Music and Baylor University and a doctorate in conducting from UCLA. Finally returning to serve as the director of choral activities at Sam Houston, Hightower remained there for 10 years before coming to Luther.

When asked why he chose to leave his alma mater, Hightower cite Luther’s tradition of choral excellence.

“It wasn’t until February, when Dr. Arnold resigned, that [Luther] began a national search for his replacement, and I was invited to apply for the position,” Hightower said. “[We all] want to be someplace where what we love is highly valued. If you want to be a football coach and the University of Alabama says, ‘We want you to come,’ you go there ... and Luther choral music is very highly esteemed. It was a very strong, compelling opportunity.”

For months this spring, the esteemed position of Director of Nordic Choir, remained vacant as Luther sought a replacement for former director Craig Arnold. In May, the music department announced Hightower’s anticipated appointment.

Also adjusting to Decorah is Hightower’s wife, Kristin, a part-time voice faculty member who holds a doctorate in vocal performance from UCLA. The couple has two daughters, Caroline, 4, and Julianne, 1. Hightower and his family look forward to exploring what the area has to offer.

“My relationship to God through Jesus Christ is very important to my family and I,” Hightower said. “It [will be] a joy and challenge to live out my faith in the context of this community ... through the intersection of faith and learning.”

Although the choir has previously been known for a refined and soft sound, Hightower looks to shift Nordic’s focus towards a “healthy, free, and anchored tone.” With such a significant change in direction, many students have been pondering future adjustments to the choral program and Nordic Choir’s characteristic flavor.

“It is significant to me that the sound grows out of the piece itself,” Hightower said. “Different time periods, composers, nationalities: Do we perform all pieces with the same color and sound? Or, like an artist who deals in literal color, can we [allow] the palate of color to grow from the composition itself? For me, that is important.

“My philosophy is to blend the beauty of the soft singing with full [emotion], never losing that beautiful sound.”

Nordic members are excited to get to work.

“Dr. Hightower was so welcoming and open during auditions,” Hannah Myott (‘13), a new member of Nordic Choir said. “I’m incredibly excited to spend the year with him as our conductor and to get to know him better.”

As the holiday season quickly approaches, Hightower’s position as Director of Choral Activities and Artistic Director of Christmas at Luther will allow him to become more familiar among music students on campus.

“[Hightower’s] personality is vibrant and welcoming,” Paige Armstrong (‘12), a veteran Nordic Choir member, said. “I love our sound ... it’s still rich, with a beautiful quality, but is more open and pure, allowing for better understanding of the text.”

Head of the Music Department Timothy Peter (‘86), also commended Hightower’s strong start to the semester.

“I am really excited about the contribution Dr. Hightower can bring as a colleague, teacher and musician,” Peter said. “Community is very important in our choral program, and I know that he will foster that within our students and entire college. It’s been a joy to get to know him and Kristin, his wife, this fall semester.”

With a dedication to faith, music and community, Hightower hopes to usher in a successful and exciting year for the music department, and his musical experience and appreciation for Luther’s choral tradition give his students every reason to hope that this will be the case.