Philip Copeland takes position at Samford University

ChoralNet blogger Philip Copeland will move a few miles south to direct choral music in the fall.

The choir director at UAB for the past nine years, Copeland will become director of choral activities at Samford University, replacing Timothy Banks, who retired this month. As associate professor, he will focus on the A Cappella Choir, conducting and music education curriculum.

At UAB, Copeland led the choir at national conferences and garnered recognition at choral competitions in Ireland and France. He also has led the Birmingham Concert Chorale, which was recently renamed Alabama Symphony Chorus, the official chorus of the Alabama Symphony. He is active in the American Choral Directors Association and serves as director of music ministries at South Highland Presbyterian Church. Copeland received his doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

“He is a nationally recognized leader among choral conductors, and he has a tremendous heart for teaching and ministry,” said Joseph Hopkins, dean of Samford’s School of the Arts.

This fall, Dr. Copeland will lead the newly formed Alabama Symphony Chorus in preparation for masterworks with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra.  He currently serves as Chairman of ACDA’s Technology Committee and the ChoralNet board of directors and frequently presents sessions at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association in the area of technology.  He also serves as Director of Music Ministries at South Highland Presbyterian Church where he attends with his wife Leigh and their triplet six-year old daughters, Catherine, Caroline, and Claire.