Donald B. Cowan Legacy Choir

Donald B. Cowan was the first choral director at S. H. Rider High School and held that position for 32 years (1961 to 1993). The choir sang only a Capella choral music and did it with superb excellence and musicianship. Rehearsals and concerts were concluded with an eight-part choral arrangement of "Beautiful Savior," and the choir was taught to love each other and to reach out to the world with beautiful music. Under Mr. Cowan's direction, the Rider High School a cappella choir sang in some of the most prominent cathedrals of the world including St. Peter's Basilica in Rome; Notre Dame in Paris; Coventry Cathedral in Coventry, England; and the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, Italy.

In February of 2010 the idea was conceived to see if there was enough interest among Mr. Cowan's choir alumni to come together for a concert--to sing with him one more time. The response was overwhelming. Over 100 voices committed to the project, and the Donald B. Cowan Legacy Choir was established. Each month on rehearsal weekends, the singers migrate to Wichita Falls, Texas, to once again join voices to rehearse some of the most beautiful choral music ever written in preparation for concerts in the summer of 2011.

Mr. Cowan has lived a life doing what he loves, and those who followed his leadership were never the same. His legacy is evident in the voices that have united to sing with him once again. His legacy is surely expressed in the hearts and lives of those who sing with him and also those who will listen to this wonderful music.

For more information about the "Donald B. Cowan Legacy Choir" please contact Ricky Tims at [email protected]