Roy Klassen, D.M.A., music professor, was selected by the Fresno Arts Council for the Ella Odorfer Educator Award, part of the 2009 Horizon Awards.

(Photo by Eddie Melikian courtesy of Fresno Magazine)

Klassen has performed with the New York City Opera Company and numerous orchestras. He joined the FPU faculty in 1977 and teaches conducting and voice, directs the university Concert Choir and Pacific Chamber Singers and is founder and conductor of the San Joaquin Chorale, a community choir. Klassen has also been involved in church music in Pasadena, Bel Air, Glendale, Sanger and Fresno. He has served as clinician and adjudicator for schools throughout the United States and Japan, including festivals and workshops for the American Choral Directors Association, California Music Educators Association and Association of Christian Schools International.

The FAC initiated the Horizon Awards 24 years ago to recognize artists and arts supporters in the Fresno community. Klassen was nominated by fellow music faculty Wayne Huber.

This article was originally published in Pacific, July 2009.