Aurelia Rae Constantine Holman

 

Rae Constantine Holman, a soprano soloist and music educator, taught at one Seventh-day Adventist college and worked as a teacher and administrator in Michigan public schools for over 36 years. She was recognized nationally for her work in providing exemplary educational programs for children and adults in Michigan public schools.

Rae was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and graduated from Kingsway College. After graduating in 1960 from Emmanuel Missionary College, now Andrews University, with a B.Mus., she accepted a position at Walla Walla College, now University, where she taught for two years. Noted for her creativity, Constantine directed the choirs at nearby Clara E. Rogers Elementary School and taught voice and assisted in the choral program at the college, where she conducted the Madrigal Singers. She appears to have been the first at the college to present Renaissance choral music with a group dressed in period attire.

Following her marriage to Andrews University music professor Hans-Jorgen Holman in 1963, they began a custom of conducting annual summer music study tours in many European countries, Canada, and the U.S. These trips, which included solo recitals, radio broadcasts, and television appearances in Vienna and other musical centers, continued for 23 years, until Hans-Jorgen's untimely death in 1986.

During these years, Rae was a member of and frequent soloist with the AU Capella da Camera ensemble and other groups. She was also featured as a soloist in numerous productions of choral masterpieces by major composers on and off campus and as a soloist with Roger Wagner, and sang under Robert Shaw and Hans Gillesberger.

Holman completed a master's degree in voice in 1965 and a Ph.D. in educational administration in 1985, both at AU. She also pursued additional post-graduate study at Michigan State University and the Vienna Musikakademie.

In her work in the public schools, Holman received numerous awards and recognition. In 1988, she was given the National Exemplary Program of Excellence award for her work in local migrant/bilingual education and community education and, in 1990, received a National Outstanding Educator Award. She was a successful grant writer, responsible for bringing in millions of dollars in state and federal money to fund her programs.

Holman has been active in community affairs. She was elected as a trustee of Oronoko Charter Township, where she served two four-year terms. She has also served on the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra board of directors.

 

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Source: Interview with and written materials and programs provided by Rae Constantine Holman, 2009.