Dr. Michael “Doc” Yopp Behind Thriving Music Department at FHU
Henderson, Tennessee — (Sept. 25, 2024) — Freed-Hardeman University’s music department is hitting new notes with the expansion of its symphonic wind ensemble and its jazz ensemble, both thriving under the direction of Dr. Michael “Doc” Yopp. Since Yopp’s arrival in spring 2023, the symphonic group has grown to 42 players and added strings to the ensemble. Yopp’s leadership has not only expanded the program but has also challenged students to exceed their own expectations with one of his students saying, “He pushes us—we don’t think we can do it and then we do it. He tests our limits that we don’t even know we have.”
Yopp, associate professor of music, is committed to creating more opportunities for students in the music department. “We have more music majors this year than we have ever had,” said Yopp. “People have remarked that we’ve reached a level they expected by year three or four, but we’re ahead of schedule and moving even faster than anticipated.”
When asked about the immediate next steps for the program, Yopp spoke favorably of increasing numbers of majors and making large changes to the specifications of the music degree itself. He hopes for there to be a significant increase in numbers over the next two years. In terms of degree changes, the music department is looking to create specifications for the students to choose various paths for their ultimate career goals.
FHU currently offers a music education degree paired with an education degree; however, Yopp said the university has begun working on a way for students to earn general music degrees with specifications such as directing and performance.
Two of Yopp’s current students—Marlee Gary, sophomore music major, and Anne Kelly, freshman music major—praised not only Yopp’s work ethic but also his dedication.
“He was one of the people that kind of persuaded me to jump to vocal music or just music in general,” said Gary.
Gary and Kelly highlighted how Yopp makes himself available to those he recruits and nurtures in the program.
“He pushes us—throws a whole bunch of stuff at the wall,” said Kelly. “We don’t think we can do it, and then we do it. He tests our limits that we don’t even know we have.”
Yopp has been known for his enthusiastic teaching and encouragement since he joined FHU. His teaching methods and visions have been the product of almost 40 years of experience participating in and building programs across the country. In those years, Yopp has learned that creating a sturdy program lies in the attitudes of those who make it up.
“I’m a firm believer in the philosophy of turning the elephant,” said Yopp. “When you think of turning an elephant, you’ve got those little boys that sit on top of an elephant with just a little stick, and they just tap the opposite direction that they want them to turn. And I’m a tapper. I tap all the time.”
The largest roadblock to creating various musical groups seems to be scheduling conflicts that occur when multiple groups need access to limited space. Despite this drawback, Yopp seemed enthusiastic to entertain the idea of creating so many different groups for students to play in. In terms of new student opportunities, Yopp hopes the next step will be to create a full-string orchestra.
“It’s like reading,” said Yopp. “If you want to be better at comprehension, then read more. If I want to be a better musician, then [I will] play more, sing more, be around it more.”
It is his desire to give the students every opportunity to do what they love.
“I don’t ever want to hear that a student has been directed away from Freed-Hardeman because we don’t offer something,” Yopp said. “I want them to have the tools they need to succeed right here in this building.”
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship, and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.
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