On a High Note

Gil Seeley, James W. Rogers Professor Emeritus of Music, received a prestigious award for his dedication to furthering choral arts in Oregon, including his artistic direction of the Oregon Repertory Singers. On July 18, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski conferred the Governor’s Arts Award on Seeley and seven other distinguished recipients in a ceremony held at the Capitol Galleria.

“Receiving an award like this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Seeley said. “I’m thrilled to see choral music recognized alongside other arts.”

Seeley has devoted more than 30 years to music education and direction in Portland and is one of the longest-serving choral directors in the United States. Seeley joined the Lewis & Clark music department faculty in 1975 and retired this spring. In addition to conducting the College choir, he taught music history, contemporary music, and conducting–and has returned to lead Cappella Nova and to teach world music this year.

As director of the Oregon Repertory Singers since 1976, Seeley has shaped the style and vision of this internationally renowned choir. The Portland-based choral group has toured Europe and released several CDs, gaining critical acclaim and public popularity under Seeley’s leadership.

“Music may be the most intangible of the arts,” says Seeley, “but in my years at Lewis & Clark, I’ve enjoyed teaching my students about what an exciting and uniquely challenging study it can be.”