Ahn, Holmes Appointed to SMTD Leadership Positions

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Ahn

Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University and the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance recently announced two promotions in leadership positions. Dr. Christopher Holmes will serve as the academic director and Dr. Caroline Ahn will serve as the artistic director.

Embracing a wide spectrum of musical styles, Ahn writes music inspired by the natural world. Born in Seoul, Korea, she holds degrees from Yonsei University, Eastman School of Music, and Indiana University. Her compositions include orchestral, chamber, and theatrical works that have been widely performed in South Korea, the United States, Europe, and South America. Ahn also serves as a chair for Opus Composition Festival, a chair of the Commissioned Composer program at IMTA, and as a president of the non-profit community serving group, Sound of Hope.

“I am very humbled, honored, and excited that I have been appointed as the artistic director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance,” said Ahn. “I believe the SMTD is an amazing place for students to feel welcomed and succeed. It is a special place where students can learn, grow, and thrive academically and socially, mature as an individual, and grow in Christ under our awesome faculty.”

Holmes

Holmes studied music theory at the University of Texas at Arlington and music history at Baylor University. He earned his PhD in musicology from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, completing a dissertation on the music of Peter Maxwell Davies.

Holmes’ primary research interests are in the relationship between 20th century music, and tradition and aesthetics. He has presented papers at regional and national conferences on the music of Arnold Schoenberg and Davies, as well as pre-concert talks for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. He also organized a series of talks at the Anderson Public Library.

At Anderson University, Holmes teaches a variety of courses in music history and literature for music students and non-majors. He is also the founding director of the Community School for Performing Arts at Anderson University. He has previously taught music history courses for both undergraduate and graduate students at Indiana University.

“I’m excited to continue to build on the strength of the SMTD and to think about how we might do this over the next few years,” said Holmes. “That said, as we seek growth, we will continue to strengthen our programs to draw students with the quality of our programs of study. I would like to thank Dean Jeffrey Wright for his work and for building a School of Music, Theatre, and Dance of which we can be proud.”

To learn more about the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance visit Anderson University online.

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.