A Symphony of Impact

Mark Babcock ’91 Instructing a Class

“Maybe some people would say that they had a career path that took them to a high-achieving place. I’m proud that I help students on an ordinary, day-to-day basis. What is ordinary is extraordinary. We do good every day.”

— Mark Babcock ’91

When Mark Babcock ’91, M. Joan Kuyper Farver Endowed Chair in Music and professor of music, reflects on his 25 years at Central College, his perspective is shaped by the countless students he has mentored and taught.

After obtaining a master’s degree in choral conducting and organ performance from the prestigious Westminster Choir College, he taught at Union Middle and High School in La Porte City, Iowa.

He also directed music and played organ at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids, led the Cedar Rapids Symphony children’s chorus and taught at Kirkwood Community College.

A Central graduate with a bachelor’s degree in music education, Babcock’s return to campus was inspired by the strong bonds he formed with professors. When his mentor, Davis Folkerts, professor emeritus of music, retired and encouraged him to apply, Babcock decided to return. The unique teaching position, encompassing music theory, organ and choral music, drew him in.

What began as a short-term plan became a lifelong commitment. Beyond the classroom, Babcock’s influence shines through his leadership of choirs, delivering performances that deeply resonate with audiences.

“Tours are transformational for students. Not just seeing places but meeting different people from around the world. That’s where we have the most impact,” he affirms.

Babcock is proud to play a part in his students’ growth with exposure to new cultures through international travel and facilitating interpersonal connections through music.

“The biggest impact that I have at Central is that typically around 100 people in a choir each semester. That’s a lot of lives to touch. I feel privileged,” he expresses.

For Babcock, there has been amazing joy in being committed to one place.

“Maybe some people would say that they had a career path that took them to a high-achieving place. I’m proud that I help students on an ordinary, day-to-day basis. What is ordinary is extraordinary. We do good every day,” he states.

Babcock’s most monumental awards and recognitions include receiving the M. Joan Kuyper Farver Endowed Chair in 2011, being promoted to professor in 2018 and being elected as State President of the Iowa Choral Directors Association, an organization of 800.

Not only has his influence at Central broadened the scope of cultural appreciation and variety in the content the choirs perform, but Babcock has also increased the number of students who participate in A Cappella Choir.

“The fact that so many people come in as a first-year student and audition and stay until they are a senior says something about the impact,” he remarks.

Babcock notes that Central has allowed him to learn and grow as an individual. In the spring of 2019, he went on a sabbatical where he learned how to play the carillon.

The newfound skill unexpectedly blossomed into a source of joy during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Easter Sunday of 2020, Babcock played the carillon for countless people, parked in cars as far as the eye could see around St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Des Moines. He still plays there every Sunday at 9 a.m.

Looking ahead, Babcock anticipates milestones at Central, including the 50th anniversary of Candlelight Concerts. It will be closely followed by the 100th anniversary of A Cappella Choir, the oldest musical ensemble on campus.

When it comes to what has made Central home for Babcock, he is appreciative of the faculty he works with in the music department.

“There is a common sense of purpose. I’ve always said that the strength of an institution is the faculty,” he says. “Without a strong, intellectual, caring culture, we don’t exist.”

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