معرفی
Benjamin Hawkinson serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Millikin University's School of Music, conducting the flagship University Choir (recently touring Belgium and France) and premiere vocal jazz ensemble OneVoice while teaching Conducting and Choral Rehearsal Techniques courses.
His academic credentials include:
- Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University
- Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College
- Bachelor in Vocal Music Education from Northern Arizona University
Dr. Hawkinson's research centers on choral conducting pedagogy and vocal jazz performance, with significant contributions to music educator mental health through his lecture series "Beating the Burnout: Time Management for Teachers" featured on Choir Fam podcast, addressing burnout prevention and time management strategies for music educators.
Ensemble achievements under his direction include:
- Two DownBeat Student Music Awards (2024) for OneVoice
- 2022 Jazz Educators Network conference performance in Dallas, TX
- 2023 Illinois Music Educator’s Convention performance
He mentors students through conducting ensembles and coursework, with ensembles annually touring regionally and internationally. His work with the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra (including Bernstein's Chichester Psalms) and honor choirs demonstrates significant artistic leadership beyond campus.
Dr. Hawkinson directs the University Choir and OneVoice ensembles while serving as Director of Music at Central Christian Church in Decatur, IL, maintaining active community engagement through both academic and ecclesiastical musical leadership.
