Augusta Chorale names Anderson as music director

DR. PHYLLIS W. ANDERSON Dr. Phyllis W. Anderson, music consultant for Zion Baptist Church in Millen, has been selected as music director of the Augusta Chorale. She succeeds Ellis Johnson, who retired from the chorale last spring, after serving 20 years as its music director.

Although Dr. Anderson lives and worked in Augusta, she has volunteered her professional services and expertise to the youth and youth leaders of Zion Baptist Church. Her many visits to the church culminated in Dr. Anderson conducting a Youth Ministry Workshop in April of this year. Deacon and Mrs. J.C. Douglas had the original vision for the workshop, and they expressed delight with the results.

This summer, Dr. Anderson assisted the Rev. Broomfield, pastor of Zion Baptist Church, with youth camp, by introducing and providing dynamic and vibrant techniques and materials for reaching youth today.

Dr. Anderson has also conducted youth rallies and workshops at William Grove Holiness Church of God in Christ in Millen, where Elder Kenneth Thomas serves as pastor.

Presently Dr. Anderson works at Euchee Creek Elementary School in Grovetown, where she teaches music to "600 little darlings" each week. She was hired the year Euchee Creek opened its doors, and has the honor of being its first and only music teacher.

Dr. Anderson was voted "Teacher of the Year" at Paine College and at Euchee Creek Elementary School.

A grant, "When Mozart Comes to School," written by Dr. Anderson, was funded by the Junior League of Augusta. The grant allowed children to listen to Mozart's music in mathematics class.

Dr. Anderson earned a bachelor of science from Norfolk State University, a master of arts from Ohio State University and a doctor of musical arts from The University of Georgia.

She is a member of Friendly Church of God in Christ, where she directs the Cantata Choir and the Friendly Instrumental Ensemble.

Since 1995, Dr. Anderson has served as music consultant at Good Hope Baptist Church, where she directs the children's choir.

Her professional memberships include the Music Educators National Conference, the American Choral Directors Association, the Augusta Chapter of the Links, Inc., Delta Kappa Gamma Society and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.

She is married to Walter W. Anderson, maintenance supervisor at Augusta Service Co. Their son, Joseph, is an Evans High School sophomore and a violinist.