Talent and heart: Introducing Oklahoma Christian University’s new choir director

3 minute read

This year, Oklahoma Christian University welcomed Daniel Bircher as the new chorale, voice and performance director for the music department. Bircher’s first public appearance with the chorale will be at the Fall Grand Concert in Baugh Auditorium at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29. 

In his short time on campus, Bircher said he sees the talent of the choir students. 

“The sky’s the limit with this group musically. It’s also the heart of the students which makes the choir special,” Bircher said. “ It’s one thing to have the ability to sing, but to have the heart too … it’s something I had to work hard to get at other places, and here, it’s just natural.”

Sophomore music major and member of chorale Drew Hamil said he is looking forward to the new direction Bircher is leading the choir in.

“I am most looking forward to the new direction Mr. Bircher will be taking us in and the kinds of events we’ll get to perform at,” Hamil said. “The pieces we’re singing are also incredible, and I can’t wait for us to perform them at the concerts.”

Bircher focused on opera throughout his undergraduate years at Abilene Christian University before a unique opportunity to pursue a masters at Yale opened up for him.

“I actually sent a Christmas card off to the director (at Yale) and about a week after sending that, I got a call,” Bircher said. “They asked if I could come up that year to audition. So I went to Yale for grad school for Opera Performance.” 

To expand the chorale program, Bircher said he wants to get the choir performing in different places more often.

“I would love to get out into the community and get the choir out there more, doing more. I’ve been talking to people about potential tours we could do,” Bircher said. “I know the choir used to take tours, and I think it’d be great to bring it back.”

Hamil said he appreciates the attitude and energy Bircher is creating in rehearsals.

“Mr. Bircher has great energy and passion in his directing that helps me a lot in connecting with the music and enjoy singing in choir. He also is very insightful and detailed in how he wants us to sing which is helpful,” Hamil said. “I enjoy his attitude and approach to directing he has in rehearsals. He always shows up in a positive mood and is encouraging to us which makes me feel motivated to try my best.”

Bircher described how he wants to lead the music program at Oklahoma Christian.

“Students come to college, and they want a taste of what they would do professionally. I want to focus inward on creating a good, solid program which is exciting to be a part of and has a positive environment,” Bircher said.

Bircher said his past experience prepared him for his new role. 

“I have taught in a lot of different situations and a lot of different schools. I spent some time in secondary and college programs of all sizes,” Bircher said. “I think every position prepared me for the next one. The last position I held was Blinn college, and it was a very small program. When that position originally opened up, they were trying to rebuild it back up to a functioning level again.”