Written by Makayla Malotte // Photo by Macy Cox
It’s difficult to capture what effort one man has put into a lifetime of service, especially since he has done it all for God. After 55 years at Harding, assistant professor of music Chuck Hicks is retiring. Having been both a student and a teacher, Chuck Hicks has acquired many levels of education, including a Master of Science in education, a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and an Associate of Arts in liberal arts/Bible. As a private guitar and string instruments instructor, he also served as the director for several different ensembles at Harding like The Good News Singers, Belles and Beaux, and the guitar ensemble.
Grayson Thompson, a current student of Hicks’, described his teaching.
“The way he incorporates biblical messages into his teachings empowers me when playing music and in my everyday life,” Thompson said.
Thompson explained how Hicks helps his students feel that they are not just reading what’s on a page, but what they feel a connection with. The encouragement and love for music have made an impact on many students and will continue to empower students in their future with music.
President Mike Williams, described one of Hicks’ characteristics.
“He’s very reflective,” Williams said. “He’s taken those reflections, and he’s given voice to them.”
Department chair and associate professor Dr. Jay Walls said Hicks’ music is never-ending, playing several different styles and rhythms.
“He’s a very versatile musician who can play different styles like classical and contemporary and does it all very well,” Walls said.
Having experience with multiple other arrangements and skills, he has passed on those skills to his students. He’s not afraid of what he loves and his focus on Christ. The amount of time that Hicks puts in is a characteristic that many people have seen and admired about him. Traveling all around the world with his ensembles not only as their director but also as their bus driver showed many people the dedication and encouragement he has for his students.
“He would travel around the country, they would do a concert in Nashville, and the next night they would be in Dallas,” Walls said. “And if that meant driving all night, Chuck was going to do it.”
Throughout this past month, several of Hicks’ previous students have come back together to Harding to reflect on the years and thank Hicks for all the dedication and love he has put in for each of his students over the past 55 years. Harding is not losing Hicks forever, as he will continue to do private lessons in his own time with his students and will still be around to help with events and other parts of the music department.
