Beloved Idaho State Music Professor, Dr. Scott Anderson, Announces Retirement

Dr. Scott Anderson, a cherished figure within Idaho State University's music department and the arts community in the region, will retire at the end of the current academic semester, marking three decades of dedicated service to the university and its broader community.

As Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Anderson leaves behind a profound legacy of musical excellence and community engagement.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Anderson has been instrumental in shaping the university's choral program and elevating its prominence both locally and internationally. Under his guidance, the ISU Choirs have garnered widespread acclaim, earning invitations to perform at prestigious divisional and regional conferences, as well as completing nine international tours. The choral program's reputation for excellence has attracted talented students and faculty alike, cementing its status as one of the Northwestern United States' foremost undergraduate choral programs.

“He brings an intense, mind-blowing love for singing and choral singing,” says Dr. Geoffrey Friedley, Instructor of Music at ISU. “I’ve never met anybody who loves choirs and what choirs do as much as Dr. Scott Anderson.”

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience working with Dr. Anderson these past few years,” says Adam Redd, a Music Major studying Piano and Commercial Music. “He’s a fantastic choral educator and believer in the power of corporate music-making. It’s been such an honor to perform in his Chamber Choir, and quite fun too!”

Dr. Anderson’s leadership has been marked by the establishment of landmark musical events, including the Idaho International Choral Festival, which has grown into one of the United States' premier international choral gatherings since its inception in 1999. Additionally, the ISU Choral Invitational Festival, launched in 1993, has consistently drawn hundreds of high school students to the Pocatello campus each October, fostering a culture of musical exchange and collaboration.

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Anderson expressed pride in the enduring traditions and accomplishments of the ISU Choirs. Notably, the ISU Concert Choir boasts a lineage that spans generations, with current members following in the footsteps of their parents who sang under Dr. Anderson's direction in the 1990s. Numerous graduates of ISU's Bachelor of Music Education program have gone on to inspire countless young musicians as choral educators in schools throughout Idaho.

“Dr. Anderson’s impact on ISU and the community are unparalleled,” says Dr. Shandra Helman, Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Music. “Every Music Education major at ISU has studied with him, has been in his choirs.” Dr. Friedley adds that “Dr. Anderson has made an impact on this community and on our students that is probably impossible to measure.”

Music student Emily Alldrin says she attributes her obsession with choral music making almost entirely to Dr. Anderson. "His passion, expertise, and superior emotional connection with music has inspired and awed me more than any other musical experience I've had. It would be my greatest achievement in life to become even half the musician, educator, and wonderful person that he is."

Miren Gabiola, who will be graduating this spring in Vocal Performance and Music Education says, “Dr. Anderson is a master of his craft. He has high expectations for his choirs not only for the sake of creating excellent music, but also for the sake of creating conscientious musicians and people. During my time in Dr. Anderson’s choirs I have experienced the epic joys of performing at a high level. I have learned the value of professionalism and communication, and I am so honored to be a part of this choral tradition led by Dr. Anderson. He has brought a balance of a professional yet loving choral environment. He will be deeply missed.”

As Dr. Anderson prepares to transition into retirement, he looks ahead with optimism, confident in the continued success of the ISU Department of Music under the guidance of its talented faculty. He expresses gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from the university and its community, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that has fueled his artistic growth and creativity over the years.

“Working with Dr. Anderson has been an incredible privilege, says Mavity Shaw, Voice Major and Choir Librarian. “His intimate understanding of the music and his passion for choral activities is inspiring. I have never worked with anyone as intense and dedicated to the process as he is. He has been an incredible asset to the ISU music program over the last 30 years. I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to sing in his choirs. He will be missed.”

The final ISU Choir concert directed by Dr. Anderson will be on April 24, 7:30 p.m. at the Stephen’s Performing Arts Center, Jensen Hall. The public is invited to attend.