Chaplaincy welcomes new music director Thomas B. Dawkins

The Tufts University Chaplaincy hosted a welcome concert and reception for its new music director and organist, Thomas B. Dawkins, on Oct. 11. The event was previously scheduled for Oct. 4 but was postponed due to an illness that Dawkins was battling.

Approximately 20 people were in attendance at the Goddard Chapel.

Dawkins was appointed to the position of music director and organist in August. University Chaplain Reverend Greg McGonigle explained that the search for a new music director was an open process.

“After the application and interview process, Tom stood out as having the best match of instrumental and vocal skills, the most enthusiasm for the role, and the best track record of overall success in his past positions," McGonigle told the Daily in an email.

McGonigle also praised Dawkins for his vast musical talents.

“One of the key assets Tom brings is being a trained vocalist as well as a very talented organist and pianist," McGonigle said. "Given that our program staff is limited and many of us wear multiple hats, it is very helpful to have an organist and pianist who can also lead song."

Dawkins is most excited to engage the Tufts community in both listening to and creating music.

“I would like to see the chaplaincy become a destination for people who want to listen to high-quality sacred music, but also for people who want to make it,” he told the Daily in an email. “Right now, we have glorious spaces, a wonderful organ, piano, and carillon, and I think that if we reach out to the Tufts community of students, faculty, and staff, there will be people who would like to come together and make music here.”

The concert began with opening remarks from McGonigle. Dawkins then performed a short piano and organ recital, including: Johann Sebastian Bach’s Pièce d’Orgue in G major, BWV 572; Franz Schubert’s Moment Musical in A flat major, D. 780 No. 2; and Jules Massenet’s Méditation from the opera, "Thaïs."

After the concert, Chaplaincy Program Manager Zachary Cole delivered the closing remarks, inviting the audience to attend the Chaplaincy’s upcoming events, including the annual Halloween Midnight Organ Concert on Oct. 31. The audience was then invited to a reception in the lobby of the Goddard Chapel.

Reverend Daniel Bell, the university's Protestant chaplain, told the Daily in an email that he's excited to collaborate with Dawkins.

“He works closely with me and student leaders in the Protestant Students Association (PSA) to plan and play at weekly worship services," Bell said. "Music is an integral part of our spiritual life gatherings so his role is vital.”

Bell also listed several programming initiatives that Dawkins is planning to support.

"I'm excited to have him on board. Special services he is helping to support include our ... Advent/Christmas Lessons and Carols on Dec. 2," he said.

Dawkins added that there are many existing opportunities for students to become involved with music at the Chaplaincy. He also extended an invite for students to email him and meet with him about getting involved.

“I’m very glad to be at Tufts and ... I look forward to hearing from students, faculty [and] staff who would like to engage with chaplaincy music in a meaningful way," he said.