In his new position as associate dean for the performing arts at Morningside College, Dr. Heath Weber is asking how Morningside can better share with the community all of the wonderful things happening in the music and theatre departments. How can we push ourselves to the next level and really show off our skills?

“We are poised for incredible growth,” he said. “We’ve got incredible faculty. We’ve got kids who want to move forward quickly. That’s where the beauty of this position lies is that I get to be a catalyst for many changes. I get to say things like, ‘All right, what’s the opera we’re going to do next year?’ as opposed to ‘Do you think we can?’ One of my strengths is my positive nature. We won’t stop until we reach our goals.”

Weber led the award-winning choir program at Sioux City East High School from 2001 to 2011. Previously he taught in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Bloomington, Minn. During his 14 years as a high school choir director, his ensembles won over 20 grand champion titles at various competitions, with three of them being national titles. Weber also has experience helping to direct high school theatre productions.

Weber already is helping faculty members realize goals to start a musical theatre summer camp and a community trombone choir. He also started a new show choir program, and he has increased the presence of the performing arts program in area high schools.

“Recruiting is important because we do have a great thing here,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place full of incredible minds and people who are dedicated to excellence.”