By FORREST HAGE
Reporter

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — Alan Zabriskie knows what he’s talking about when it comes to choir; in fact, he wrote a book about it.

His book, “Foundations of Choral Tone: A Proactive and Healthy Approach to Choral Blend,” was published in 2009.

The next year, he came to UCM to direct the women’s and concert choirs.

He always knew he wanted to be a teacher, as he grew up around teachers: his parents.

“I saw the impact that a music teacher could have on a lot of lives,” he said.

He wanted to be the person who made that same impact on others, and, according to Jon Logan, a choral conducting graduate assistant, he has changed lives.

“Zabriskie is a one-of-a-kind teacher and colleague,” Logan said. “He is kind and patient, yet stern and has high expectations for his students. He has completely transformed my approach to conducting and music education.”

Zabriskie said he is happy teaching college students and future music educators, though he has had other teaching experiences.

“Teaching high school choir is very demanding, and I liked the idea of teaching at the university level for its increased flexibility and the opportunity to work with more advanced singers,” Zabriskie said.

UCM choirs under Zabriskie’s direction have performed at professional venues like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Zabriskie has also directed choirs as a clinician in Africa and has toured with choir in Italy.

Zabriskie said his work at UCM is rewarding.

“I especially love getting to work with more students and having an even greater impact on people because I am now teaching future educators,” he said.