Mark Babcock has been named president-elect of the Iowa Choral Directors Association, a state organization with more than 900 members. Babcock is M. Joan Farver Endowed Chair in Music, associate professor of music and director of choirs at Central College.
Central hosted the association’s annual symposium last summer, and the college will host the event again in July. At the symposium, Babcock will be installed to serve six years on the organization’s executive board, including two years as president-elect before leading the board as president.
A 1991 Central graduate, Babcock returned to teach at the college in 1998. He also holds a master’s degree in choral conducting and organ performance from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J., and has taught vocal music at Union Middle School and High School in Laporte City and at Kirkwood Community College. Babcock was also director of music and organist at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids and directed the Cedar Rapids Symphony children’s chorus.
As director of choirs, Babcock leads the 60-voice A Cappella Choir, the 18-member Chamber Singers and the large College Community Chorus. Babcock performs professionally around Iowa and takes the A Cappella Choir on tour nationally and internationally. He also involves students in the Iowa Choral Directors Association to provide professional networking opportunities.
Iowa Choral Directors Association serves Iowa choral musicians by providing leadership, support, continuing education and high quality events for directors at all levels of music learning. ICDA is an affiliate of the American Choral Directors Association.
