Trinity Valley Community College and Tyler Junior College are excited to present
“Masterworks Concert” on April 27 at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center in Tyler.

“Masterworks Concert” is TVCC’s and TJC’s first opportunity to partner together for a spring choir concert. The idea to partner together came from TJC Director of Choral Music Robert Boren when he approached Dr. Kristin Huggins.

While assisting students at Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio in late-February, TVCC Division Chair of Fine Arts and Kinesiology, Professor of Voice, and Interim Choral Director Dr. Kristin Huggins explained Boren introduced himself as a TVCC alumni of the music department and that he had a great idea for the TVCC and TJC choir programs. Huggins continued that Boren explained that TVCC and TJC are seen as rival colleges, but he would love for the colleges to work together.

“He said he realized we were supposed to be "enemies” but thought that shouldn't keep us from working together and giving TVCC students opportunities to sing major choral works,” Huggins said. “He invited TVCC choir students to sing with TJC choirs at their final Spring 2024 concert.”

Boren shared that when he heard Huggins had stepped into the position of Interim Choral Director, he had to reach out to her for the opportunity.

“I wanted to give those students the experience of singing in a larger ensemble and performing a masterwork,” Boren said. “I’m very passionate about the Junior/Community college programs since that’s where I [started].”

Boren is excited to collaborate with Huggins and partner TVCC and TJC choirs.

“We’re very excited to combine forces!” Boren commented. “As a graduate, I am always watching and rooting for the TVCC Choral Program.”

Boren invited TVCC Cardinal Singers’ to perform in John Rutter's “Gloria” and Faure's “Requiem.” Huggins will also be performing as a Soprano soloist in “Requiem.”

“Both [pieces] are outstanding choral works,” Huggins exclaimed. “They are show-stoppers!”

Huggins shared how exciting it is to see these two colleges collaborate.

“This is such a great example of how performing arts bridges all boundaries, even those between "rival colleges,” Huggins expressed. “I'm so thrilled for our choir students to have the opportunity to sing with a larger ensemble of 50-60 singers and to get to tackle these iconic choral works. This will be such a fun experience for us all!”

The Masterworks Concert is set for Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center in Tyler.