Mai Doan
Review staff writer

The Linfield Concert Choir combined with Linfield’s Brass Quintet,
Women’s Vocal Ensemble and McMinnville’s Masterworks Chorale for the Christmas Choral Concert on Dec. 10. It was a tribute to Dr. Larry Marsh, professor of music and director of choir
activities from 1981-2008.
Marsh earned his doctorate of musical arts in choral conducting from the University of Washington. Before coming to Lifield he was also a music faculty member at the University of Michigan, the University of Texas and Western Washington University. Marsh’s work as a clinician, an adjunct professor and a guest conductor served him in multiple places, domestically and abroad. He led students to explore the world of music and various cultures through January travel courses to New Zealand, Australia, China, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe.
“[Marsh] is very well-known,” Anna Song, director of choir activities, said. “We have many great stories about him, and he is very dear in students’ hearts.”
Song aquired her position following Marsh’s retirement. She directs the 37-student concert choir. The choirs have practiced for the concert throughout the semester.
Memorizing the lyrics made the process more difficult, but students become expressive with the music, Song said.
“I see their potential,” Song said. “I push hard on students to be their best,” she said.
“[Anna Song] is very professional, and she knows a lot about music,” freshman Kayla Wilkens said. “She pushes hard on us, but I like it because it makes us better.”
The concert choir had a wide variety of music in its performance this year. The concert opened with of a Nigerian carol accompanied by drums and dances. The performance was under the direction of sophmore Mary Odunuga, an international student from Nigeria.
“The choir really did well,” Odunuga said. “I’m really impressed with them.”
Odunuga said she was surprised at how well other students did with the music. She performed in a concert choir in Nigeria for some time before she came to Linfield.
“Professor Song is really open to my ideas,” she said.
Song said she is grateful to have Odunuga coach other students on singing and performing true to Nigerian tradition.
The song was followed by traditional carols, modern carols and a tribute to Marsh from Reverend Bernard L. Turner, trustee of Linfield College.