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Show The Thunderbird Monday, November 7, 1983 Ronald Aden director of SUSCs Opus II, Chamber Chorale and Concert Choir Paqe 7 would like to lay down 'good, healthy musical foundations.' Ronald Aden an arm waving professional by Lanai Green halgh It would seem that a performer who has conducted choirs throughout the United States and Europe wouldnt be found teaching at a relatively small college such as SUSC. But that wasnt the case for Ronald Aden, director of SUSCs Opus II, Chamber Chorale and Concert Choir, who accepted a teaching position here two years ago. I came to Southern Utah with a negative attitude about small state schools, Aden said. But after seeing the beautiful country and interacting with a few college students, I felt that SUSC was a place I could teach. Aden received his masters and bachelors degrees at the University of Northern Colorado, after which he spent four years instructing vocal jazz and straight choir groups at the University of Seattle, Washington. He is now working toward his doctrate which he's near completing. At one point in his life, Aden took his musical talent on the road with a straight jazz and gospel choir. About this experience Aden said, It is full of smoke and drunks. I didnt like the late hours ar.d motels, or performing for people who didnt care. Many SUSC music students can be found seeking career advice from Aden in performing and conducting. He tells them, The road is whatever you want it to be, all you have to do is know where you are going. That solid advice is practiced repeatedly by Aden himself as he continues in his musical career., He received an Army Commendation Medal for outstanding service as conductor of the Seventh Army Soldiers Chorus, and other honors include being named "Professor of the Year by McPherson College for his distinguished teaching and dedication. Even as a young child, Adens goal was to be a music director and he knew the price he would have to pay to get there. As the result of years of hard work and study Aden has organized and perfected numerous programs which have been' successes. Adens current goal is to bring about a change in how music is being taught in schools today. He feels that more pop and jazz should be incorporated into the curriculum, with less emphasis on music. I want to build a choral contemporary dynasty based upon todays music, he said. Aden intends to make Opus II, SUSCs swing choir, the best jazz group throughout the state of Utah, possibly even in the entire western region of the United States. He also wants to make the Chamber Chorale a reputable straight choir. Aden believes these goals wi',1 take four or five years to accomplish. He is hopefull that he will be around to see it happen. One of Adens main desires related to his job here is music-relate- d to help lay good, healthy musical foundations on which future choral instructors can build on. I see a tremendous potential in teacljers and students who are in the music field; it will take a great amount of time and money to organize programs we can be proud of. To an extent, the lack of funding prevents improvements and advances Aden and his department colleagues are striving for, as is the case with most departments. dont feel that the problem is unique to SUSC, however. No school system is funded adequately to allow the growth and development we all would like to see, Aden explained. Aden admits that he receives some extra financial help from the community and the college administration fqr his singing groups. We plan to do a lot of touring this year, he said. Our publicity as performers is a good recruiting tactic for SUSC. Aden considers himself a professional in the music business. I stand around and wave my arms for a living, he joked. Its what do, what I went to school for. I must be a professional." Aden has never stayed with the same job for more than two years. But, because of the opportunities that SUSC offers, he plans to continue teaching here tor a while. My family loves the area and the skiing nd hiking that southern Utah offers. Aden sai l he plans to continue at SUSC as long as the opportunities hi e abound. 1 1 , |