For music professor Maurice Boyer, teaching and conducting has always been about more than notes on a staff. He has shaped students’ lives through his instruction, passing on his fervent love of music. That passion is now recognized with CUC’s highest faculty honor.
Boyer was named distinguished professor at the opening chapel service this school year. In order to be nominated for this award, the faculty member must have been teaching at CUC for at least 10 years, hold the rank of full professor, be on the faculty roster at CUC at the time of appointment, and demonstrate exemplary contributions to CUC.
“I love being part of the journey of trying to help students become deeper musicians,” said Boyer. “I love being able to serve God in that capacity.”
Boyer began teaching at CUC in 2007 and has held many roles during his time here. He has conducted the chamber orchestra since his start, and has taught classes and conducted other ensembles while here as well, such as Schola Cantorum (the chapel choir), ear training, and honors courses.
“I really enjoy working with Dr. Boyer because he genuinely cares about his students and wants what’s best for them,” said senior flute player Melanie Goman. “He pushes me to do my best in rehearsals, which has made me improve significantly.”
Boyer has a deep care for his ensembles, specially re-orchestrates pieces in order to ensure they will work for the number of musicians in each group.
“Dr. Boyer puts so much thought into everything he does,” said junior violinist Sarah Redhage. “I feel so blessed to have him as a director and professor, and I have learned so much from him in many ways.”
Music department director Charles Brown, D.M.A., describes Boyer as curious in so many different areas, with a deep love and interest in history, philosophy, poetry, theology, and music.
“Dr. Boyer just knows a lot about everything,” said Brown. “That’s our gift that we receive through him.”
Boyer has been surrounded by music for as long as he can remember, with each of his parents being musicians as well. His primary instrument growing up was the piano.
Boyer holds a D.M.A. in orchestral conducting from the University of Maryland, a M.M. in choral conducting and a B.Mus. in Sacred Music from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Boyer’s reach goes far beyond the CUC community, as he has conducted many ensembles in the area.
He is the associate conductor of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, which rehearses and performs at CUC, but consists of members from the community. This season, he is conducting two of the main season concerts as well as a summer program, and covers rehearsals as well.
Boyer formerly served as the music director of the Heritage Chorale from 2008 to 2015, a community chamber choir based in Oak Park. He was the artistic director of the Aestas Consort which was a group of professional singers that he conducted in the Chicagoland area from 2013-2019.
He also serves as the music director of the American Kantorei, which is based in St. Louis. This chorus and orchestra primarily focuses on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.
“Dr. Boyer has that quintessential connection of musical talent while caring deeply about people,” said Brown. “He is unassumingly brilliant.”
Once or twice each year, the Distinguished Awards Council solicits nominations from faculty members for various awards. Once the council approves the nominations, those names are placed on a ballot. The rest of the faculty then has the chance to vote. At least 50% of the faculty must cast a vote, and of that 50%, two-thirds must vote in the affirmative for the nomination to continue. Then, the Board of Regents must approve of the award recipient.
“Dr. Boyer influences his colleagues through his faithfulness to Christ, deep kindness toward others, and humble commitment to service,” said university president Russell Dawn. “He doesn’t promote himself, he doesn’t seek or create fanfare, he just performs exceedingly well in every facet I’ve ever witnessed.”
There are four other professors currently teaching at CUC who have earned the title of distinguished professor as well: Richard Fischer, Mary Goetting, Carol Jabs and David Rogner.
“I’m glad to serve CUC and the church through what I do here and elsewhere,” said Boyer. “I am moved by this award, and feel very appreciated by this community.”
