July 19, 2011
For Immediate Release
By Phil Carlisle, student news writer
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| Dr. David Hedrick, fourth from left, assistant professor of music at Campbellsville University, is serving his 39th season in “The Stephen Foster Story” in Bardstown. In addition to being the musical director and music arranger for the show, he plays the role of Stephen Foster’s father.In this particular scene, they are arguing about a songwriter making a living writing music. For most of the performance they are estranged and finally reconcile in the scene where “Old Folks at Home” is performed. Others in the picture from left are a lawyer (Stephen’s rival for Jeanie), the maid Lievy, Mrs. Foster, Stephen, and Dunning (Stephen’s brother). (Photo courtesy of “The Stephen Foster Story”) |
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Dr. David Hedrick, assistant professor of music at Campbellsville University, is involved with the dramatic production of “The Stephen Foster Story” in Bardstown, Ky. for the 39th year at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
“The Stephen Foster Story” is celebrating 53 years with “breathtaking costumes, lively dance and the timeless music of America’s first great composer,” according to the website stephenfoster.com.
The show continues until Aug. 13 with Saturday indoor matinees through Aug. 6 (subject to change).
“This is a live production that one can take the entire family to see, including children, and not be embarrassed by what they see and hear,” Hedrick said. “The experience of performing before a live audience is great and the music is part of America’s musical history.”
Hedrick is in his fourth year as the show’s chief arranger and musical director.
The production tells the story of Stephen Foster, the pre-eminent songwriter of the 19th century in the United States. Many of Foster’s songs, such as “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Oh, Susanna” and “Camptown Races,” remain popular today, 150 years after they were written. His song “My Old Kentucky Home” is the official state song of Kentucky.
Having been involved with the production for so long, Hedrick knows that retirement may be in the near future, though not eminent.
“I will probably look at year 40,” Hedrick said, “but I really see no reason to stop as long as I have my health.”
Hedrick taught for 28 years as director of vocal music at Shelby County High School in Shelbyville, Ky.
During his tenure there, his choirs consistently received distinguished ratings at Kentucky Music Educators Regional Assessment Festivals and in State Music Assessment.
Hedrick is an assistant professor of music at Campbellsville University, where he will begin his sixth year in August, teaching voice and music education, as well as directing the Handbell Choir and Concert Chorus.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master’s degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.