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Mr. Kidd at Oxford


Mr. Murray Kidd attended a 10-day choral intensive at Oxford Choral Institute this summer as part of his second master’s degree.

Mr. Murray Kidd, Xaverian's director of choral activities, has been busy this summer and his hard work will benefit our Hawks. He flew over to England for a 10-day choral intensive at the Oxford Choral Institute hosted at St. Stephen's House of Oxford University. This is part of a second master's degree for Mr. Kidd, with a focus on sacred music and youth choir pedagogy through Westminster Choir College.

During the program, Kidd and nine other conductors worked closely with Dr. James Jordan, who is the author of over 60 books on the choral arts and a Grammy-nominated conductor. In addition, Dr. James Whitbourn, multiple Grammy-nominated composer and Oxford Research Fellow, was part of the team of experts who, Mr. Kidd says, were integral in making this experience deeply profound and unique. His stay included daily lectures and demonstrations by Oxford faculty and distinguished guests, all leaders in their field. Mr. Kidd and his fellow conductors were able to work with the Westminster Choir each day in preparation for a final concert on July 27. Mr. Kidd led the choir in singing Brahms' masterpiece, "O Schöne Nacht" (O Beautiful Night). After the conference ended, he was happy to be able to spend three days in London to attend some concerts, museums, and decompress.
 
"I am grateful for Xaverian's commitment to supporting higher education among its faculty and I'm excited to bring this knowledge back to the students this fall," says Mr. Kidd. 
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Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.