Mark Babcock receives endowed chair in music

Mark Babcock, associate professor of music, gave a lecture and organ recital Sept. 23 in the Chapel. The event was a celebration of Babcock receiving the M. Joan Kuyper Farver Endowed Chair in Music.

The chair represents Central’s commitment to the arts and the belief that music is a vital part of the Central experience. It memorializes Farver’s contributions to the economic and cultural life of Central and the people of Pella.

A native of Pella, Farver is chair emeritus of Pella Corporation. She has also served as a member of the Central College board of trustees and received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the college.

“All my life I’ve had a love for music, so it’s especially meaningful and an honor to have Mark Babcock fill the Joan Kuyper Farver Chair in Music at Central College,” said Farver.

Babcock graduated from Central College in 1991 with a degree in vocal music education. He earned his master’s in organ and choral conducting at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J., and has done significant doctoral work at the University of Iowa in the same fields.

As director of choral activities at Central, Babcock leads the A Cappella Choir, the Chamber Singers and the College Community Chorus. He is also involved professionally in the American Guild
of Organists (AGO), for which he is a national councilor.

“The arts are about what is common among all humans,” said Babcock. “The arts open windows so people can see what is beautiful and transcendent in life. Music helps students create a moral compass, wrestle with ideas and become better people.”

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