About Us
Members of the Vanguard University Concert Choir are selected through audition and interview process, and represent almost all of the thirty (30) academic majors offered at Vanguard University, with more than half of the members being non-music majors. The Concert Choir performs locally at churches, schools, and conferences, and can be seen annually on the Hour of Power broadcast, recorded at the Crystal Cathedral, and televised both domestically and internationally.
The Director
The Vanguard University Concert Choir has been under the direction of Dr. James L. Melton, Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts and Director of Choral Music at Vanguard University of Southern California. Dr. Melton earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree (DMA) in Choral Music from Arizona State University (1987), as well as the Master of Music degree (MM) in Conducting, and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree (emphasis in piano and voice, BME) from Oklahoma Baptist University. While there he won several artist scholarships and awards in addition to performing with the Oklahoma City Symphony. Dr. Melton has teaching experience in schools from high school through the college/seminary level, as well as over 25 years of experience leading music in churches of various denominations and sizes
The Tours
The Vanguard University Concert Choir tours yearly, outside of local, monthly bookings. In the spring of 2001, while in New York City, the Concert Choir performed at Carnegie Hall, Times Square Church, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. In May of 2003, the University Concert Choir was again invited to join guest conductor, Dr. James Melton, in performing Vivaldi’s Gloria and Handel’s Coronation Anthem No. 4 at Carnegie Hall. May, 2006, the Vanguard University Concert Choir once again on tour in New York, and on stage at Carnegie with the University Women’s Chorus, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra from the Orange County High School of the Arts, under the baton of Dr. James Melton.
Recordings
The Vanguard University Concert Choir has recorded four CD projects, the most recent of which was Take This Life, released in 2004. For purchase, please contact Founders Bookstore at www.vanguardbooks.net and click on Vanguard Merchandise to view current CDs.
Booking Information
The Vanguard University Concert Choir is available for booking October through April, often taking longer regional tours in March and/or May. These concerts are being reserved up to one year in advance. Please contact the Music Events Booking office at concerts@vanguard.edu or 714.662.5272 to request the group for your specific event, church, or school.