The D. C. Performing Arts Examiner is personally saddened to learn from a trusted source of the death of Mr. Royzell Dillard, Director of Choral Activities at Hampton University.
"Just recently, I had the chance to catch up with Mr. Dillard at the Washington National Opera studio in Washington, D. C. while he was in town with the students participating in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities 105 Voices of History weekend activities. "I see you again?" Dillard with his sense of humour joked as we embraced and chatted about his doctoral work at Shenandoah University. When I was a student at Virginia State University, the Hampton and Virginia State Concert choirs enjoyed a wonderful camaraderie, performing together in the annual Intercollegiate Music Festival. After graduation, I had the opportunity to interact with Dillard as a participant in the Hampton University Minister Conference and Choir Directors' Guild, where he served as co-director. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of my friends at Hampton University, especially Teeshawn Burrell, who has for many years served as Dillard's assistant and was very close to him. As a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I bid my brother farewell."
-LISTEN TO THIS INTERVIEW WITH DILLARD BACK IN 2010
Royzell L. Dillard was a native of Tennessee and later moved to Memphis. His first musical experiences occurred in the church and the public schools. He studied conducting, music history, voice, and educational psychology at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, The Catholic University School of Music, and at Memphis State University respectively and was pursuing a doctorate at the Shenandoah Conservatory in the area of music education. Dillard was director of the Hampton University Choirs for more than twenty three years. Among his teachers and mentors were renowned teachers of music such as Dr. Jerry Mueller, Dale Warland, Dr. John Rivers, Dr. Roland Carter, Dr. Effie Gardner, Dr. Don Lee White, Dr. Carl Harris, Willis Barnett, and JoAnn Richardson.
Further arrangements for Royzell Dillard will be announced as they become available.
Comments