Dr. David Blackburn As st u dents progress through their college experience, many are faced with challenges and struggles. During these challenges they often come in contact with professors who offer them the encouragement and support they need to meet and exceed their goals. Not only are they encouragers, but these individuals invest in the lives of their students and challenge them to be successful. This is certainly the case for many alumni of McMurry who were in school in the 1970s and were influenced by Dr. David Blackburn. “David Blackburn was the focal point for what became a very magical time for those of us lucky enough to be his students in the 70s at McMurry University,” states Patricia Guinn Rutland ex ’77. Dr. Blackburn, former professor and Chair of Music and Fine Arts at McMurry, passed away September 28, 2008. After his passing, many former McMurry students have taken the time and opportunity to reflect on the profound influence that he had on their lives. David Blackburn served as the Chair of Music and Fine Arts at McMurry from 1973 to 1978. During this short tenure, Dr. Blackburn’s influence extended outside the classroom. “Dr. B was more than a teacher to many of us. He was our inspiration, our mentor, and our friend,” says Steve Harter ’78, who currently serves as Minister of Music and Arts at First United Methodist Church of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Harter first came in contact with Dr. Blackburn during his senior year in high school in the fall of 1973. “I remember being impressed with his demeanor and with the ‘aura’ that seemed to surround him.” In his first year at McMurry, Dr. Blackburn revitalized the choral program and turned it into an 10
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exciting and vibrant program. According to Harter, “During that year I became convinced that McMurry was the right place for me.” Dr. Blackburn recognized that his students had a love for music, and regardless of musical ability, he always brought out the best in everybody. Derrell Patterson ’77 reiterated that point by recalling his own experience: “Dr. Blackburn knew that I loved music, but he recognized that I did not have good vocal technique.” Through his work with Dr. Blackburn and also his work with other music majors, Derrell’s technique and performance improved. Patterson continues, “Not only did he want to make us better vocalists, he wanted us to be successful. He was able to take a mediocre talent and make that person believe he could excel.” Steve Harter also recalls the strong encouragement that Dr. Blackburn provided to him. “Certainly he modeled musical excellence; however, he also taught me to be more self-confident and strong. After each voice lesson, I walked away feeling like I could do so much more than I ever thought possible.” Not only did Dr. Blackburn challenge individuals to become better, he placed lofty expectations on his choir. However, according to Derrell Patterson, those expectations did not scare people off. “Those who sang under him were not discouraged by his huge expectations; rather, we wanted to perform our best.” Patricia Guinn Rutland reiterates that point by stating, “He brought us together, molded us into a fine choir and instilled the philosophy of ‘Just Do It’ long before anyone ever heard of Nike.” Randy Stevens ’78 shares the same feeling regarding the influence that Dr. Blackburn had on him: “His influence on my life led me to graduate school at Indiana University and later to Texas Tech’s doctoral program. He modeled for all of us effective conducting and to always strive for the highest quality in all that we do.” Under Blackburn’s guidance, the music program, and the choir program in particular, excelled. In addition to the Chanters, another musical performing group was formed during the Blackburn years called Morning Star. This group specialized in performing hymn arrangements, as well as contemporary and Christian music of the time. During Dr. Blackburn’s tenure at McMurry, Morning
