Phone: 828-227-3259     
Email: holquist@email.wcu.edu 
Office Address: Coulter 466
Website: Choral Website

Education:

• D.M.A. Conducting, University of Iowa
• M.S. in Teaching, Wisconsin State University
• B.S., Music Education, Wisconsin State University

Biography:

Dr. Robert A. Holquist is professor of music and director of choral activities at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC, where he also serves as chair of the voice division. In addition to conducting the Concert Choir and the Early Music Ensemble and the University Chorus, Holquist teaches applied voice, choral methods, and conducting.

Dr. Holquist’s teaching experience includes three years at the senior high school in Merrill, WI, seven years as head of choral/vocal activities at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD, and graduate assistantships at Eau Claire and Iowa. He joined the music faculty at WCU in August, 1979.

During his tenure Dr. Holquist has maintained an active schedule as a conductor, bass-baritone soloist, and educator. He regularly appears on the faculty recital series, and as a soloist in regional performances of oratorio. Opera roles during the past several years include Figaro in Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” Basilio in Rosinni’s “Barber of Seville,” and Ben in Menotti’s “The Telephone.” In addition to regional choral clinics in NC, GA, SC, and TN, Holquist served as director for the 1992 NC All State Chorus. Western’s choirs sing annually with orchestral accompaniment under his leadership. He has directed adult church choirs since 1966, and has been Minister of Music at First Baptist in Sylva since 1983.

Professor Holquist has a keen interest in junior and senior high school music programs. He often adjudicates choral and vocal festivals, and has served as coordinator of judges to select members of the NC Honors Chorus since 1984. He has served as member of the NCMEA board in several positions. An active member of the American Choral Directors’ Association, he served as state president during 1987-89.

In addition to musical endeavors, Dr. Holquist enjoys family time, golf, hunting, and fishing. He and his wife, Barbara, are natives of northern Wisconsin.