Former Mormon Choir Leader Lands At Utah State

Former Mormon choir leader lands at Utah State
April 4, 2008

LOGAN, Utah (AP) -- The man who suddenly resigned as music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has a new job at Utah State University.

Craig Jessop has been named head of Utah State's music department.

Associate Dean Edward Glatfelter described Jessop as an outstanding artist and director. He resigned from the Mormon choir on March 5, saying he planned to do more teaching.

Jessop was music director since 1999. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints last week named Mack Wilberg as the choir's new director. He served under Jessop for nine years.

Jessop said he was thrilled to work at Utah State. "First of all, I'm an Aggie," he said in a statement Friday. "My wife is an Aggie and all four of our children are Aggies."

"And to now be in a position to give back to the educational process is a dream come true," Jessop said. "I believe that everything happens for a reason, and I feel strongly that this is the season of my life to give."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)