FERRUM, VA, June 26, 2024 – Dr. Jennifer Ayers-Barnard, Assistant Professor of Music at Ferrum College, will assume the directorship of the Franklin County Community Chorus when fall rehearsals begin in August. The appointment was announced by the choir on June 21, World Music Day.
Dr. Ayers-Barnard earned three degrees in music education: her bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin and her master’s and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Since 2019, Dr. Ayers-Barnard has served on the Ferrum faculty. She coordinates the music program and teaches classes in music education, music business, and music performance. She also directs the Panther Singers, who recently performed in London and Eastbourne, England, and the Jazz Combo. Ayers-Bernard has been an active member of the American Choral Directors Association for over 30 years.
Dr. Ayers-Barnard has performed widely in both classical and secular settings, including with the following organizations: Bel Canto, UNCG Chamber Singers, UNCG Collegium Musicum Ensemble and UNCG Opera Workshop, Piedmont Chamber Singers, Piedmont Community Chorus, Piedmont Repertory Company, and High Point Community Theatre (Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad Region); Schola Cantorum Choir (Raleigh); Liverpool Cathedral Choir in Residence (Liverpool, England); the University of Texas-Austin Opera, Chamber Singers, and Concert Choir; San Luis Valley Community Choir (Alamosa, Colo.); Rockingham Community Theatre; and the Franklin County Community Chorus. As a young vocalist, she toured in Europe with America’s Youth in Concert.
Dr. Ayers-Barnard said, “I have been very fortunate to study with some of the country’s most reputable and scholarly mentors in all aspects of teaching and performing choral music during my pursuance of both undergraduate and graduate music degrees.”
Previously, the Chorus was directed by Dr. Erma Rose, Professor Emerita of Music at Ferrum College. Dr. Rose was the group’s director for nearly thirty years and its accompanist prior to her appointment as director.
The FCCC plans to continue its tradition of performing two concerts in December and two concerts in May each year.
“We were pleased to learn that Dr. Jennifer Ayers-Barnard, a member of our music faculty, was appointed as the Director of the Franklin Community Chorus,” said Ferrum College President Dr. Mirta Martin. We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on the chorus and the community.”
