by Ben Ruby
Staff Writer
As Nathan Hettinger begins his second semester as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music, he aims to create a learning environment based on positivity and collaboration.
“People don’t make…their best music when they’re beat down, when they’re worried about making mistakes,” Hettinger says.
In his role, Hettinger serves as the choral director to two ensembles: Concert Choir, which is open to all students of varying skill levels, and Chamber Singers, an audition-based group. Hettinger constantly encourages students in both choirs to show up to every rehearsal with a “plus one” mindset. He acknowledges that the amount of effort each student is able to bring will vary from day-to-day, but he thinks the most important thing is everyone shows up striving to get one step closer to achieving beautiful music.
“This idea that we’re all in this together to make this place a special place—that’s exactly my approach to choir” Hettinger says.
Hettinger replaced the former director, Mary ‘Beth’ Gibbs, who served in the position for 15 years prior. After receiving a job offer to work with graduate students at the University of Nevada, Reno, Gibbs made the difficult decision to leave Polk County, where she grew up, and pursue a new life. Because of the short notice, the music department chose to hire a short-term replacement while they found a suitable long-term replacement for her. After a series of interviews and class demonstrations, the committee landed on Hettinger for the position.
Hettinger brings a lot of experience to this role. Originally from Iowa, Hettinger completed his undergraduate studies at Morningside University before earning a graduate degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. He then returned to Morningside as a faculty member, where he spent three years conducting choirs, orchestras and operas. Afterward, he went back to the University of Southern Mississippi to pursue his doctoral work. His career and relationships eventually brought him to Florida when he became Executive Director of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. This eventually led him to Florida Southern College, where he returned to teaching and working directly with students.
“Music has brought literally thousands of people into my life…it’s been really interwoven into pretty close to everything,” Hettinger says.
During his time at Florida Southern, Hettinger has fallen in love with the resources offered for students, both those looking to pursue a professional musical career and those who do it for enjoyment.
“This faculty here truly does work together to better the student experience—and that’s not as common as you might think,” says Hettinger.
As he finishes up his interim role this semester, Hettinger has goals to enhance the student experience. For Chamber Singers, he aims to shift the emphasis from ensemble-building to repertoire refinement and musical execution, so that they will be able to perform for two concerts: one at the end of February and one in April. From there, he looks forward to combining the choirs for the April concert.
“To be in one room making music together, I think will be special,” says Hettinger.
Beyond that, Hettinger is leading select students in a guest appearance with Italian Tenor Andrea Bocelli in his Feb. 17 concert at Benchmark Arena, Tampa, as well as a special Video Games live performance at Branscomb Auditorium in March.
