By Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College’s Department of Music will present Fall Sing 2025: “A New World,” a choral concert celebrating new beginnings and fresh musical horizons.
Performances are set for Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m., and Friday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m., in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Thatcher campus. Tickets are $5 per seat and are available through the EAC Ticket Office at eac.edu.
The theme “A New World” reflects a sense of renewal for both EAC’s choral students and the music department.
“We are literally experiencing new beginnings at EAC and in our programs,” said Fine Arts Director Dr. Gideon Burrows. “Our students are beginning new stages in their lives, and we’ve welcomed new faculty to the department. Truthfully, we are embarking on a new world of achievement and discovery within the choral program.”
Two new faculty members join the choral leadership this year. Marilee Decker, associate professor of Choral Music Education, directs the GilaSoul Singers, Symphonic Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Revue (show choir). An EAC alumna, Decker previously led award-winning choirs at Mesa High School and is completing her master’s degree at Liberty University.
Dr. Michael Shoaf, Associate Professor of Music (Voice) and Director of Musical Theatre, leads Resonus, the tenor-bass choir. A countertenor with international performance experience, Shoaf earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Utah.
The faculty team also includes Patti Raines, associate director of the Vocal Jazz Ensemble, whose leadership continues to enrich EAC’s concert season with expressive performances.
The concert begins and ends with “A New World,” the title song from the musical Songs for a New World, arranged by emeritus professor Dr. Bruce Bishop. Highlights include Revue’s performances of “On My Way” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” the Vocal Jazz Ensemble’s “The Grass Grows Greener,” and GilaSoul Singers’ “Flight.”
The A Cappella Choir will perform works centered on peace and renewal, including “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” John Rutter’s “Distant Land,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” The combined choirs will close with Dr. David Lunt’s arrangement of EAC’s “Alma Mater” and Darmon Meader’s arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Fall Sing 2025: “A New World” will be held Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Eastern Arizona College campus in Thatcher. Admission is $5, and tickets are available at eac.edu.
About Eastern Arizona College
Founded in 1888, Eastern Arizona College is the oldest community college in Arizona and serves students throughout Graham, Greenlee, and Gila counties. The college offers more than 90 degree and certificate programs, as well as community education and cultural opportunities that enrich the region. For more information, visit eac.edu.
About EAC Fine Arts
The EAC Fine Arts Division is home to the college’s award-winning programs in music, theatre, and art. With a focus on performance, creativity, and collaboration, the division provides students with opportunities to learn from experienced faculty and perform in professional-quality venues. Freshman students take the stage in their first semester, gaining hands-on experience that builds confidence and stagecraft from the start.
EAC is also home to the only community college marching band in the state of Arizona, offering students a distinctive opportunity to perform, travel, and represent the college at community and regional events. Each semester, EAC Fine Arts presents concerts, theatrical productions, and gallery exhibitions that engage audiences across southeastern Arizona.
