First Alma Mater: All hail to Linn-Benton
Friday, May 29, 2009
As spring term winds down, LBCC’s Concert Choir is gearing up for a very special last show. James Reddan, conducting the final performance in June, has the honor of premiering LBCC’s first Alma Mater: “All hail to you, Linn Benton”.
LBCC was established in 1966 as a two-year public college, and has never had an Alma Mater. Reddan decided to take the task on as a personal project because he felt it was time the school needed one.
When I asked Reddan about the importance of an Alma Mater he said, “A school song (Alma Mater) is a way of showing pride in where you go to school, what you have learned, and celebrating the knowledge you take out into the world.”
The Alma Mater for LBCC was created by Eugene local, Rebecca Oswald, a composer. Her history with Reddan extends prior to 2001, where they both attended University of Oregon School of Music and Dance for their master’s programs.
According to Oswald, Reddan proposed the idea of the Alma Mater to her last fall, and she began researching the school’s history, and said, “Words of praise, reverence, and loyalty are essential” in the lyrics.
After much research, which included a survey filled out by students, faculty, staff, and visits to the campus, Oswald completed the Alma Mater in late March and was told by Reddan that the dean and president “heartily” approved of the lyrics.
The debut will take place June 4, 2009, 7:30 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church in Albany. For tickets visit the Russell Tripp Performance Center Box Office or call 541-917-4531.
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