December 7, 2024
CLEVELAND, Ga. — On Saturday night, Nov. 16, faculty, students, alumni, and donors gathered in the Harris Athletic Complex to celebrate the success of the Keys for Mission campaign and to dedicate the newly purchased pianos to the glory of God. The night and campaign was held in honor of Dr. Becky Lombard, who served in various positions at Truett McConnell University for over 14 years.
The night opened with a performance from the TMU Jazz Band, followed by the TMU Hymn, “God’s Word Stands Sure Forever,” adapted by Dr. Emir Caner and Nan Allen from a work of Balthasar Hubmaier. The night featured student spotlights, including Elisebeth Terry’s performance of “Linus and Lucy,” and Elizabeth Pohl’s stirring performance on harp.
Several alumni returned to pay tribute to the woman who shaped the way they worship – Lauren Chancey Lloyd, owner and instructor at Lauren Lloyd’s Vocal Studio in Cleveland, and gifted pianist Jake Williams, as well as alumni who now serve as TMU faculty: Phillip Simmons, who teaches composition, and Caleb Ferguson, a recent addition to the School of Music. The evening closed with a performance by the TMU Chorale.
“The Keys for Mission Celebration was a wonderful night showcasing our students, alumni, and faculty. Our honoree, Dr. Becky Lombard, who taught full-time at TMU for 14 years, was honored by all who attended. All who performed acknowledged her impact on their lives and musical journey,” noted Dr. Ken Gabrielse, chair of the Felix Manz School of Music, “We were able to go past our $30,000.00 goal with the giving from those in attendance. The five new studio pianos are in place and being used by students and faculty – we are grateful to God for such generous friends!”
Four concert pianos, purchased in October, were given in honor of Dr. Becky Lombard, while a fifth was given in memory of Fred and Margret Duren and Carl and Velma Lewis by their children, Jim and Kathy Duren and Wanda Duren Ammons. The generosity of donors, such as Jubal Ministries, Patsy Benton, and the Cotton Family will have a lasting impact on TMU’s music program for years to come.
Tuesday night, TMU’s Chorale proudly presented a performance of selections from Handel’s Messiah at First Baptist Cleveland. It was another beautiful night of powerful worship!
Next, the Felix Manz School of Music looks forward to Christmas Chapel on December 3 in the Harris Athletic Center at 11 am. To close the semester, there will be a Jazz Band Concert, Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. in Sewell Plunkett Hall and a String Ensemble Christmas Concert, Friday, December 6, at 7:00 p.m. in Sewell Plunkett Hall.
