Composer John Leavitt @ MidAmerica Nazarene University

Composer, conductor, teacher, and church musician are all titles familiar to John Leavitt. To the students of MidAmerica Nazarene University, he is the new choir director.

Just days before the end of the fall semester, Professor Juan Hernandez stepped down as the Director of Choral Activities to take the position of

Assistant Dean of Music at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Music professor Mary Jane Wilder-Hardee headed the search committee that was left with the difficult task of finding someone qualified to fill the position before the start of the spring semester.

She was advised by a nationally respected composer to pursue Leavitt.

“I saw an opportunity to network and ask experts their ideas and was told Dr. John Leavitt would be a good person to interview,” Wilder-Hardee said.

With only days until classes began, the music department approached Leavitt about interviewing for the position. Because of weather delays, Leavitt was brought in on the first day of class, interviewed, and was offered the position.

“I thought this would be a great opportunity and great fit,” Leavitt said.