Performing and Fine Arts
February 6, 2018
David De Lyser, who became chair of the University’s Department of Performing and Fine Arts (PFA) in January, has set two goals for his tenure: to help continue increasing both the quantity of students and the quality of their work. De Lyser wants the department to continue expanding the number of students taking PFA classes, not only with more major and minor students but also with more students attending PFA classes from other majors. He says he also hopes the department will continue to build on the “amazing strides” made in the quality of theatrical and musical performances, as well as student work in all the fine arts.
Along with his responsibilities as chair of the department, De Lyser is switching roles after eight years as director of the University’s orchestra, to directing the University Singers starting next fall. Leaving the orchestra will be hard. During one particular rehearsal for the orchestra’s February 27 concert featuring music from movie soundtracks De Lyser recalled, “The orchestra played the opening chord of ‘Star Wars’ and it was amazing and I got chills, and I thought ‘I can’t give this up!’” But he says that making the change is the right decision for him. Pursuing choral conducting is more in line with his current professional development and his work as a composer.
During his time directing UP’s orchestra, De Lyser has remained involved in choral conducting outside of the University. For the past six years he has been artistic director and conductor for the Choral Arts Ensemble, one of Portland’s premiere choirs. Under his direction, the Ensemble placed third nationally for Choral Performance, Community Division at the 2016-2017 American Prize Competition, an organization that recognizes and rewards excellence in the performing arts. Though he will miss directing UP’s orchestra, he is looking forward to focusing all of his energy toward choral singing, “For the first time in my professional life, I will actually not be split between orchestra and choral,” he said.
When he begins working with the University Singers next fall, De Lyser wants his students to enjoy engaging with good musical literature to sing “at their best, and to feel proud to be a part of this amazing group.” He also wants to continue to raise their profile regionally.
De Lyser began singing in choirs when he was in third grade. Two years later, he began playing the trumpet. But rather than pursue a performing career, he realized that his personality was better suited to helping his students achieve their greatest potential. When they receive accolades, when they are accepted into graduate programs, when they achieve professional goals—that is when he is happiest. “That’s why I do this!” he says.
De Lyser says he loves having non-majors participate in UP’s music, theater, and fine arts classes. He encourages students who come to UP with previous performing experience to continue pursuing “creating this beautiful art. It’s a way to get your head out of the more traditional classroom space and do something that is artistically creative and communal.” He believes non-majors are essential to the success of all of UP’s performing and fine arts.
De Lyser wants students to realize that they are working in an art form that can move people to tears. He says the emotional high of being part of a great performance and the collective feeling between the ensemble and the audience doesn’t have to stop at graduation. “This is something you get to do your whole life,” he says, “even if it’s not your vocation. Even if they’re not music majors, if students leave here and continue to be involved in music in their lives, then I’m happy.”
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