Dr. William Skoog, an esteemed professor at Rhodes College, has received the prestigious Clarence Day Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity.
“It is an honor and a humbling experience to have received this prestigious award,” says Skoog. “We have esteemed, respected, prolific colleagues in our academy who are making significant and substantial contributions in scholarship to many diverse and important disciplines. To have received this award in the company of such friends and colleagues is indeed an honor I shall value, be ever grateful for, and am humbled by.”
Katherine Clay Bassard, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dr. William Skoog, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies (Photo: Rhodes College)
Dr. Skoog’s exceptional teaching abilities, extensive research, and creative projects have earned him this honor. “The projects that led to this recognition were focused on works by esteemed national and international composers and musicians,” says Skoog. “The research and creative projects highlighted were essentially grounded in my work as a conductor.”
Growing up in a musical family, Skoog’s love for music was nurtured early. “They say I sang before I could speak,” says Skoog.
“I started piano lessons at the age of five and have never known a day of my life without music.” His training as a pianist, singer, and conductor gave him a deep understanding of the intricacies of musical compositions.
Skoog’s work as a conductor was beneficial in his research and creative projects, allowing him to analyze, prepare, and perform choral works with a profound understanding of the text and composer’s unique style. “Each work becomes a Rubik’s cube of its own - a puzzle to be taken apart, analyzed, understood, comprehended; then shared, taught, rehearsed, performed; and then communicated with an audience, conveying the message from each composer for a given work,” says Skoog. By partnering with renowned composers such as Jennifer Higdon and Dave Brubeck, Skoog could showcase his musical talents globally and nationally, presenting debut performances of fresh compositions. These experiences broadened Skoog’s artistic perspectives and enriched Rhodes College and Memphis by introducing significant music and acclaimed composers to the scene.
As someone who has studied classical and jazz piano, Skoog was captivated by the fusion of these genres and its impact on his musical understanding. “An important attraction for me in coming to Rhodes was the deep and important arts community here, especially regarding music,” says Skoog. Skoog uncovered music’s pivotal role in Memphis, encompassing not only classical institutions such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Memphis, and Ballet Memphis, but also the soul-stirring realms of jazz, blues, and the flourishing theater scene. As a musician immersed in this unique environment, he can’t help but feel an immense sense of pride.
The internationally renowned musical artist and scholar has conducted choral festivals and performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall, enriching his role as a professor. Skoog believes in the importance of sharing these experiences with students, helping them understand the connections music creates and broadening their perspectives.
As part of the Rhodes Singer Tour, Skoog embarked on a transformative journey to Europe with his students, aiming to harness the power of music and bridge the gap between the small Memphis campus and the diverse communities they encountered. “How is it that I am so lucky to have just had that experience sharing incredible music with souls from all over the world, connecting us in those moments? Music is a universal language, to be sure”, says Skoog. “It is a completely soulful and spiritual experience for me, and I truly hope for them [students] as well.” By bringing his students on this journey, Skoog seeks to cultivate a sense of empathy, cultural appreciation, and social awareness among the participants.
Students have praised Skoog as a motivating and inspiring professor, with many considering their time with him a highlight of their Rhodes career. He strongly believes in the importance of music in society and advocates for the integration of arts in education. “I have a compelling fire in my belly for the art form - its necessity to have a healthy society - and I make no secret about my feelings in this regard to members of my ensembles or students in my classroom,” adds Skoog. Skoog’s teaching approaches involve encouraging students to reflect on their goals and contributions to the ensemble, engaging them in critical listening exercises, and fostering a sense of community among the performers.
Looking ahead, Skoog plans to continue significantly impacting Rhodes students and the broader musical community. He aims to further his research, exploring new focus areas, and collaborating with other musicians and scholars. Skoog’s dedication to sharing his experiences and insights with students ensures that future musicians will benefit from his profound understanding and passion for music.
His commitment to sharing his knowledge, fostering a love for music, and creating a sense of community among his students have left a lasting impact on Rhodes College, and the broader musical society.
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