The Texarkana Regional Chorale (TRC), under the direction of conductor Marc-André Bougie and accompanied by pianist Mary Scott Smith, is the premiere large choral ensemble of the Ark-La-Tex.
TRC includes auditioned participants from the entire region, and the group performs regularly in a number of regional, national, and international venues. TRC has been featured five times on the Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall, and the group has been at the forefront of New York premieres at the famous venue, as well as world premieres in our own community. World-renowned guest conductors and clinicians have included Dr. David Rayl, Dr. Wallace Long, Dr. Tim Sharp, and Les Dala. TRC rehearses weekly from August until May on Tuesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Music Hall of the Stilwell Humanities Building at Texarkana College.
Marc-André Bougie, Music Director
Praised for his visionary musical leadership, captivating performances, and engaging personality, Marc-André Bougie has established himself as a highly sought-after conductor, composer, & educator in North America and abroad.
Among several leadership accomplishments, he has been Music Director and Conductor of the Texarkana Regional Chorale since 2004 and Associate Professor of Music at Texarkana College since 2007. He was also the Founding Music Director & Conductor of the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, which he directed for twelve seasons. He has conducted the New England Symphonic Ensemble (New York, NY), Arkansas Chamber Singers (Little Rock, AR), Orquesta Sinfónica de Falcón (Venezuela), Pleven Philharmonic (Bulgaria), Orchestra Cantelli (Italy), Orchestre des Sources (Canada), Shreveport Symphony, Shreveport Opera, Shreveport Chorale, and Shreveport Metropolitan Ballet – a sum of experiences which speaks to the versatility and adaptability of his conducting style. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2010.
Mary Scott Smith, Accompanist
Mary Scott Smith, pianist, is in frequent demand as both a soloist and an accompanist. She recently retired as a full-time Professor of Music at Texarkana College but remains on staff as the piano teacher and accompanist for the Texarkana Regional Chorale.
At TC, she was the recipient of the 2009 Texarkana College Endowed Chair Award for Teaching Excellence and served a term as President of the Texarkana College Faculty Association. She founded the TC Music Series and still performs often on campus concerts. Additionally, Mrs. Smith was a founder and principal keyboard player with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and has been a featured concerto soloist. She is a frequent Texas Two Year College All State Choir accompanist and has also accompanied the Rhode Island All State Choir, ACDA choirs and various All State and All Region choirs. Professional memberships include the Music Teachers National Association, through which she holds national certification, the AR-TX Music Connection and the Texarkana Music Teachers Association. She is also a member of the Sue Sanderson Garden Club.