New Faculty Member Q&A: Holly Dalrymple
Associate Professor of Practice and Associate Director of Choral Activities Holly Dalrymple’s career has focused on training future choral educators through courses in pedagogy, conducting, vocal pedagogy and music literacy. She was most recently an associate professor and director of choral activities at Southwestern University. Dalrymple has conducted honor choirs across the U.S. and internationally, earning notable invitations such as a PBS feature with the Bel Canto Treble Choir at the University of Wyoming. She is passionate about elevating treble ensembles and promoting vocal techniques and literacy. She currently conducts the Saengerrunde Damenchor in Austin and the Faith Lutheran Choir in Georgetown. Dalrymple holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas, an M.M. in Choral Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin, and a B.M. in Music Education from Texas State University.
Tell us about the classes you’ll be teaching this year.
This semester, I will conduct two choirs – the University Chorus Treble Ensemble and Tenor Bass Ensemble. These ensembles are open to all UT students regardless of major and require no audition! In addition to the choirs, I will teach Graduate Choral Literature, oversee the Collegiate ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) student chapter, and co-mentor graduate students in our Monday night Repertory Chorus.
What attracted you to the Butler School of Music and The University of Texas at Austin?
As a UT alumna, I’m thrilled to return to the Forty Acres, and alongside my close friend, Dr. J.D. Burnett, create an exceptional experience for our students and community. Austin is my home, so to continue my academic career where I was born and raised is a true dream come true.
How did your professional pathway lead to your current artistic focus?
When I chose music education as my major, I knew that I wanted a future in teaching choral music. After I completed the doctorate and began working with university students, I found that my deepest calling was to mentor future teachers. My new position at UT allows me to do exactly that, every day!
What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?
I’m a third generation Longhorn – my parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents attended UT.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching/conducting/working?
I enjoy being outside, on the water, and finding new adventures. I also have a bit of a house remodeling interest and have flipped a few houses over the last 10 years. The creative process of bringing a design idea to reality feels like another form of art.