Rate My Professor Lawrence Abernathy

Dr. Lawrence Abernathy serves as Lecturer and Director of Choirs in the Department of Music and Theatre at Washburn University, where he also holds the position of Division Coordinator for Vocal Ensembles. Stationed in Room 217 of the Garvey Fine Arts Center, he oversees the choral program, directing ensembles including the Washburn Choir, University Chorale, and VoxAura, a soprano-alto choir formerly known as the Washburn Singers. Appointed in fall 2022, Abernathy has implemented initiatives to expand the choral program, such as selecting energizing repertoire, recruiting from high schools, and enabling the Washburn Choir to perform full-length concerts, a milestone not achieved in several years. His leadership emphasizes high musical standards and broad participation, drawing on his recognition of Washburn's supportive campus environment reminiscent of his undergraduate experience.

Abernathy earned his Doctor of Music in Choral Conducting from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina-Columbia, and Bachelor of Arts from Columbus State University. Prior to Washburn, he held positions as Associate Instructor at Indiana University, Director of Music Ministries at churches including A&M United Methodist Church across from Texas A&M University, North East United Methodist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, and Central Christian Disciples of Christ. He served as Artistic Director of the Dutch Fork Choral Society and prepared choruses for performances like Johannes Brahms' Requiem with the Brazos Valley Symphony Orchestra. As a professional tenor, Abernathy has performed with ensembles such as The Cecilia Ensemble, Spire Chamber Ensemble, Te Deum, and the Bloomington Bach Cantata Project. In 2023, he won the American Prize in Choral Conducting, specifically the Dale Warland Award in the college/university division. Abernathy continues to contribute as a guest artist, lecturer, and church musician at Community Christian Church in Kansas City.