A brief history of Turning Point

Now that we are quickly approaching Eastern University’s Centennial Celebration, it is only fitting that we reflect on the history of one very special part of our university: our Turning Point vocal ensemble. 

For those who are unfamiliar, Turning Point is a prestigious, audition-only vocal ensemble, composed of students who are truly committed to honing their craft, learning and creating beautiful music together. Turning Point has traditionally been made up of upperclassmen, but in recent years, more sophomores and freshmen have joined the ranks of these students pursuing musical excellence together. 

In order to learn more about the history of our talented choir, I sat down with the current director, Dr. Perry Brisbon. 

Turning Point began in 1975 as an outreach for the college. At this time, Eastern was still known as Eastern Baptist College, and the music department didn’t even yet exist. While admissions and administration orchestrated the ensemble’s beginning and event schedule, the ensemble itself was entirely led by students and their instruments. The ensemble primarily performed contemporary praise and worship music. The students bore the responsibility of structuring their own performances, and representing the university at churches, retirement homes and other events.

Turning Point has since slowly developed into the more classical choral group we know now. Much of this development took place under the leadership of our university president, the former music department director, Dr. Ron Matthews. As the music department gained its footing in the ‘90s, Turning Point was incorporated into its administration, leading it to its current state as a formalized, directed choir. Brisbon credits Matthews with firmly establishing the structure and culture of the choir. Matthews’ time as the director brought much of the organization and musical repertoire that is so important to Turning Point today. Furthermore, because of his work, the ensemble director’s role is not just to steward the students’ musical talent, but to come alongside them in their spiritual growth during their time in the choir. This development in the structure and organization of the ensemble has not detracted from student leadership, but rather further enhanced it with more established roles and responsibilities. Students still take on the role of President, Vice-President, and as necessary, the social media manager. 

Turning Point has performed extensively, even joining other choirs at prestigious locations like Philadelphia’s own Kimmel Center. In 2022, the choir recorded two songs: one, a rendition of Psalm 57, and the other, a song for Ukraine. Yet, Brisbon pointed to the smaller, more personal moments with members of the ensemble as the true, marking events of Turning Point. He described a breakfast with the ensemble’s then-President, Vice President, and the soon-to-be Vice President as one of these such moments. “We weren’t singing a note. It was just the fact that there was such love for the group. Here’s a young lady who’s graduating [the then-President]…she could have said, you know, I’m out, I’m graduating, and leave it to the next group. But now we’re all sitting there, strategizing on the direction for Turning Point. And it’s like those are the moments I remember,” Brisbon said. The pillar moments that now make up Turning Point’s legacy were not necessarily the brightest or most flashy, but instead, the more ordinary times where the ensemble came together in beautiful ways. 

Turning Point turns 50 years old with our university’s Centennial anniversary, and since its beginning, has represented students who deeply care about music, excellence, and growing together. Their legacy is one of ownership of their work, commitment to their craft and appreciation for each other, a legacy that will hopefully be continued on until the ensemble celebrates their Centennial anniversary.