May 5, 1997

Music instructor seeks better fit in California

By Ian McCann

ohn DeHaan, associate professor of music, will resign at the end of this semester to take a position at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., near San Francisco.

DeHaan's new position will be similar to his position at SMU, according to Martin Sweidel, chair of the division of music.

DeHaan was unavailable for comment because he was in Kansas City rehearsing.

"In the long run, he feels it's a better fit," Sweidel said.

DeHaan began teaching at SMU in the fall of 1995. Though he was only at SMU for two years, Sweidel said that it is not unusual for faculty to find other schools that would suit them better.

Associate Professor of Music Virginia Dupuy said that most people stay at SMU longer than DeHaan has but that the move to Pacific will probably help DeHaan's singing career.

"People come here and realize what a stimulating environment this is," Dupuy said. "The student body's small enough that we can nurture them and help them move on in their careers."

Both faculty and students praise DeHaan's abilities as both a performer and a teacher.

Jennifer Glidden, first-year voice major, said she is considering transferring to Pacific to follow DeHaan.

"He and I have a really good rapport," Glidden said. "He is really clear and precise in his way of teaching. I've learned so much in just this year."

Paul Hindemith, junior voice major, said that DeHaan has had a positive effect upon his voice and his performance.

"I've won several competitions because of what he's put into me," Hindemith said. "My voice has improved vastly."

Dupuy said that DeHaan brings a strong background in both performance and education.

"He's thoroughly educated in the pedagogy," Dupuy said. "He understands the science and art of teaching and performing."

A replacement for DeHaan will be found between now and the fall semester, Sweidel said, and the division will conduct a search next year for a permanent replacement. Some of DeHaan's students will be assigned to the new professor while others will study under current faculty.

Hindemith said that studying under a new professor will be different for him, but it could be positive.

"Everyone has their own perspective," Hindemith said. "Anyone new will have a different take on singing and teaching."

While teaching at SMU, DeHaan continued his performance career as an operatic tenor. Sweidel said that DeHaan will be able to find more opportunities to sing in California.

Before coming to SMU, DeHaan taught privately and sang professionally, Sweidel said. He received his master's degree in music from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and his bachelor's degree in music from Union College.

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