David Holdhusen

Dr. David Holdhusen is the Director of Choral Activities and the Douglas and Susan Tuve Distinguished Professor of Choral Music at the University of South Dakota. His responsibilities include serving as conductor for the Chamber Singers and teaching courses in conducting. In addition to his teaching duties, Holdhusen is currently the Chair of the Department of Music and Director of the university’s annual Choral Directors Institute as well as the USD Summer Music Camp. He is also the co-founder and Executive Director of the Vermillion Children’s Chorus.

Holdhusen received his Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University. He holds a M.M. from Northwestern University in Choral Conducting and a B.A. in Music with education certification from Gustavus Adolphus College. While at Gustavus, Holdhusen was elected to Pi Kappa Lambda and awarded the Presser Foundation Scholarship.

In demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, Holdhusen was the recipient of the SD-ACDA Encore Award for excellence and achievement in the field of choral music, the President’s Legacy Award, and the prestigious Belbas-Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching — the highest honor USD bestows on its educators. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the College Music Society, the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Holdhusen has had research published in national journals, presented clinics and interest sessions throughout the country, and his book, Commitment to Musical Excellence is published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing. He has been elected to leadership positions in various organizations, including a term as President for the South Dakota Chapter of ACDA. Choirs under his direction have been invited to perform at state and regional conferences, have won first place and grand champion awards in music festivals throughout the country, and have been honored with the American Prize in Choral Performance.

Albums

America the Beautiful

Release Date: June 28, 2024
Catalog Number: NV6628
20th Century
Vocal Music
Choir
Navona Records is pleased to present David Holdhusen and the University of South Dakota Chamber Singers’ performance of the iconic America the Beautiful. Initially arranged by KJ Phillips to accompany a 2021 Veterans Day celebration, the patriotic work flourishes with modern compositional flair, and is accompanied by a visual presentation of the ensemble’s performance. Beginning with a solo line that builds in slow, unfurling intensity, Phillips’ America the Beautiful weaves through several dynamic planes before ascending to a bright, resonant, and cathartic summit, inspiring admiration and reverence for the land of the free.

Out of the Ashes

Release Date: January 5, 2024
Catalog Number: NV6597
21st Century
Folk Music
Vocal Music
Choir
The highly lauded and honored USD Chamber Singers, directed by Dr. David Holdhusen, bear a message of resilience to Navona Records with their newest release OUT OF THE ASHES, a collection of beloved choral works given a refreshing new voice. Featuring choral favorites like Biebl’s Ave Maria, Hogan’s Ain’t That Good News, and Whitacre’s Sleep, the Chamber Singers, like a phoenix, paint a narrative of rising from the ashes after a time of destruction, rising on the wings of a song. The artists wish that these recordings would provide comfort and reassurance after times of struggle, and offer a modicum of hope to those still facing great challenges of faith and courage. The Chamber Singers have given a new life to treasured gems of the choral repertoire and portray a bright future for artists and listeners alike.

Lux Aeterna

Release Date: November 19, 2021
Catalog Number: NV6385
20th Century
Vocal Music
Choir
The University of South Dakota Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. David Holdhusen proudly presents LUX AETERNA, a new album of choral works from Navona Records. As its title suggests, this collection employs the power of music to shed light into the lives of listeners. Beautifully performed by the elite group of vocalists carefully selected from the university’s student body, the album evokes a variety of musical genres, vocal colors, and historical styles, taking listeners on a spiritual journey through life’s tribulations to ultimate redemption. LUX AETERNA is a meditation on universal human themes that listeners will find richly meaningful.

I Carry Your Heart

Release Date: January 25, 2019
Catalog Number: NV6203
Folk Music
Vocal Music
Choir
The album commences with the Rhodesian miners' song Tshotsholoza, an upbeat encouragement to carry on despite challenges. Similar in tone and spirit is Muie Rendera, a vibrant folksong from Northeastern Brazil. Traditional Swedish dancing song Och jungfrun hon går i ringen is just as cheerful and even festive.

Let Me Fly

Release Date: October 14, 2016
Catalog Number: NV6060
21st Century
Vocal Music
Choir
LET ME FLY showcases the extraordinary talents of the University of South Dakota Chamber Singers in a compilation of American choral music under the direction of Dr. David Holdhusen. The album, recorded from 2014 to 2016, primarily draws on two mainstays of contemporary American choral repertoire – traditional folk song and spiritual arrangements and new works featuring a lyrical, lush harmonic language.