RIO GRANDE — The University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College has named Sarin Williams as its new Director of Choral Activities, and she is looking for community members interested in being part of a vocal music group on campus.

Williams recently earned her Doctorate in Musical Art and Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, and moved from Missouri this summer to take the position at Rio Grande. She previously taught music and conducted for three years at a high school and for two years at a community college.

Asked to explain what made her want to move across the country to take this position at Rio Grande, William said the answer is simple.

“It was the people,” she said.

Williams enjoyed meeting faculty, staff and students during her visit to campus, and appreciated the positive atmosphere on at Rio Grande.

“The students are just so enthusiastic here, that’s one thing I love about Rio Grande,” Williams said.

Assistant Professor Chris Kenney, Ph.D., said Rio Grande officials were impressed with Williams’ energy and attitude toward the position, as well as her skills as a teacher and director.

“She is exactly what we needed,” Kenney said. “She has a lot of great ideas on how best to help the music program grow.”

Although she has only been on campus for a short time, Williams has already come to love Rio Grande. She is impressed with the small, scenic campus and said that the southeastern Ohio landscape is similar to where she lived in Missouri.

“I think Gallipolis is beautiful,” said Williams, who lives in the city. She is enjoying living near the Ohio River and getting to know people on campus and in the community.

At Rio Grande, Williams is teaching and is also directing the Grande Chorale vocal music group and the Masterworks Chorale vocal music group.

The Grande Chorale is made up of entirely of Rio Grande students and has performed vocal jazz music in recent years.

The Masterworks Chorale is made up of students and community members, and Williams is actively looking for more area residents to join the group.

“The Masterworks Chorale is open to anyone with enthusiasm for singing,” Williams said. Members of the group could be newcomers to vocal music groups, or they could have a great deal of experience with music.

The group is truly open to everyone and Williams is hoping to keep the veteran members of the group and attract several new members this year.

“We are going to have a good time singing great music together,” Williams said.

The Masterworks Chorale rehearses on Mondays from 7-9 p.m. in room 115 in the Berry Fine and Performing Arts Center. Area residents do not need to call ahead, as they are welcome to just show up for rehearsal.

For the group’s fall semester concert, Williams is planning a show featuring classical music from composers such Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.

For more information on the Masterworks Chorale or on the vocal music program at Rio Grande, call Williams at 1 (800) 282-7201.