LSU names John Dickson as new Director of Choral Studies

The LSU School of Music recently announced that John H. Dickson will become the school’s new director of choral studies and serve as a professor of music, effective Aug. 15.

Dickson will fill the vacancy left by longtime Director of Choral Studies Kenneth Fulton, who is retiring after 27 years with the LSU School of Music.

Dickson most recently served as dean and professor of conducting of Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music since July 1, 2008. He previously served as director of choral studies and chair of the conducting division at Texas Tech University. Prior to his appointment at Texas Tech, Dickson served as professor of conducting and associate dean for doctoral studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary’s School of Church Music in Louisville, Ky.

“Ken Fulton and the LSU choral program are synonymous with choral artistry,” Dickson said. “LSU’s choral program now faces a new vision that can embrace the greatness of its past traditions while establishing new collaborations and goals for creative choral excellence. It is at this crossroad with enormous potential that I am honored to accept this new calling and challenge.

“Teaching has always remained my highest priority. Commitment to the sacredness of our tasks as choral musicians has produced my greatest joy – the countless students whose lives have been touched through a shared intimacy and discovery of the mysteries of music making.”

Willis Delony, interim director of the LSU School of Music, said he was excited for Dickson’s recent appointment.

“That a person of Dr. Dickson’s stature in the choral community would be attracted to LSU is actually no surprise, especially given the powerhouse program that Ken Fulton has built during his time here,” Delony said. “Now we have a wonderful opportunity to go from strength (Fulton) to strength (Dickson) and build even further on a tradition of choral excellence that is decidedly world class. Our future is bright, and we’re excited to welcome Dr. Dickson to our LSU family.”

Laurence Kaptain, dean of the LSU College of Music & Dramatic Arts, also expressed his pleasure with bringing Dickson, whom Kaptain referred to as a “world-class choral conductor,” to LSU.