Linda Rodden

Biography

Linda P. Rodden, has a degree in Choral Music Education K-12, from Anderson University, Anderson, Indiana, and a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Illinois State University.  She is an adjunct professor of voice at IWU, teaching kids of all backgrounds and majors.  Mrs. Rodden is a skilled choral director, having studied under Dr. Gene Miller and Paul B. Smith of Anderson University, and under Dr. Donald Armstrong and Dr. John Ferrell at Illinois State University. She began conducting the First Presbyterian Church choir in Portland, Indiana in September of 1988, and continues in that role today. For the last 15 years Linda has directed over 30 book shows and revues at Bearcreek Farms Country Resort, Bryant, Indiana and at Arts Place in Portland, Indiana.  She has also directed and produced two off-season shows for Marion Civic Theatre, Marion, Indiana, and is currently employed as theatre director for Harmony Cafe and Dance Studio, Portland, Indiana where she directs plays, full musicals, light opera, and where she creates and directs original musical revues and radio shows.  This past Christmas the Harmony Players presented A Christmas Carol for the fourth year in a row, a growing tradition in Jay County.

1776, H.M.S. Pinafore, Pirates of Penzance,The Odd Couple, Fiddler On The Roof, Beauty and the Beast, (Disney version), South Pacific, Seussical, Forever Plaid, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oklahoma, Mame, Annie, Wizard of OZ, Sister Amnesia's Country Western Jubilee, Singin' In The Rain, Make Me A Cowboy, and It's A Wonderful Life are among the productions she has directed.  In addition to these, there are over 15 original revues she has created and produced since 2009, including Beach Blanket Bearcreek, It's My Party, Country Cookin', G.I. Blues, Frank and Friends, A Tribute To Rosemary Clooney, and Nashville to New York, to name just a few.

Education

• Choral Music Education, K-12, Anderson University, Anderson, IN, 1981
• Master's in Vocal Performance, Illinois State University, Bloomington Normal, IL, 1983

Work History

• Professor of Voice and Conductor of Taylor Sounds and Chapel Choir, Taylor University, 1986-1990
• Professor of Voice, Grace College, 1986-87
• Voice Instructor, Arts Place, Portland, IN 12 years
• Theatre Director, Bearcreek Farms Country Resort, Bryant, IN 2009-2013
• Director/Producer/Creator - Crying Baby Productions, 1998-2013
• Director/Producer/Creator - Harmony Players, 2013-present
• Choir Conductor, First Presbyterian Church, Portland, IN, 1988-present

Linda loves teaching in a beautiful, peaceful environment, where kids and faculty are pleasant and hardworking, and she is thankful for the opportunity to share her love of music with her students, helping them reach their full potential.