The Stampede

Media Credit: Tim Hurtak John Wakefield

Milligan choir trips are never complete without the games that are played along the way, but the undefeated winner of “Chubby Bunny,” John Wakefield, associate professor of music, is retiring. 

“It’s no secret,” Wakefield said, “We’ll face a lean year next year. I was offered an early retirement and I took it.” 

Wakefield has been at Milligan for a total of 18 years, first teaching here for seven years in the 1970s until he left to become minister of Westwood Hills Christian Church in Los Angeles.

Between his first stint at Milligan and his return 11 years ago, Wakefield lived in California, Ohio, Austria and England. Over his years at Milligan, Wakefield has taught about 6,700 students. 

Wakefield has no intentions of leaving the region or taking another position at a different college. 

“I’m passionate about this place,” Wakefield said with a laugh. 

While here, Wakefield taught a number of courses including Advanced Conducting and Vocal Pedagogy, along with voice lessons and conducting the Concert Choir. 

“I like teaching in this building [Seeger Chapel],” Wakefield said.  “It defines the college.”

This year the Concert Choir, under the direction of Wakefield, performed a show called “Step into the Spotlight” in the fall as well as a concert a few weeks ago. 

When asked where his favorite performance took place he said, “Let me instead tell you my favorite place that I went with the Concert Choir.  I remember we had the joy of performing in Coventry Cathedral- in England!” Wakefield said again with a laugh. 

Aside from teaching, Wakefield is also a music ministries director and plans to continue doing so after retirement. He also has plans of obtaining more private voice students, writing, publishing and recording more.

“He teaches us more than music,” sophomore Rabecca Boyer said. “He teaches us community and fellowship. He produces a choir family that works hard to get ready for performances but also has fun together. I will miss him as a teacher and a friend.”

This is one of the many things Wakefield will miss. 

“Keep in touch,” he said. “These are the things this place is about- relationships.”

A successor for Wakefield has not yet been lined up, but his load of voice students will be distributed between Adjunct Instructor of Applied Music Charlotee Anderson and Professor of Music David Runner. David Hendricksen, director of the Johnson City Civic Chorale, will direct the concert choir.

Article Tools