Dean of the Caine College of the Arts receives community service award at annual Veterans Day concert

By Ashlie Albrecht

Craig Jessop, the dean of the Caine College of the Arts, was presented with a community service award on Tuesday night at the seventh annual Veterans Day concert performed by the American Festival Chorus. The leaders of the Bear River chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution were behind the award and selected Jessop because of his creation of the memorial concert as well as his musical service at Utah State University.

Cindy Larsen was the DAR representative who presented Jessop with the award.

“On behalf of the Daughters of the American Revolution, we want to present this award to Craig Jessop for the countless hours of service he has devoted to creating this beautiful music for Cache Valley as well as throughout the state, nation and even the world,” Larsen said.

Jessop said he was touched by the award because making music is the one thing he would pay to do.

“I feel humbled by this and am very grateful and honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution for this recognition,” Jessop said.

Jessop created the American Festival Chorus in 2008. The first concert he directed for the chorus was the Veterans Day concert. Jessop, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, said he felt it was important for the group’s first concert to honor servicemen and their families.

“If we only gave one concert a year, this is the concert I would choose to do because when I see the sacrifice of these families, I am humbled by what they do,” Jessop said.

The featured guest speaker at the concert this year was Rep. Chris Stewart. Stewart told the audience there is no one he has come to respect and admire more than Jessop.

“I tell you, if I ever die and go to heaven, if I can sit and listen to one of Craig’s choirs I’ll be very satisfied,” Stewart said. “Cache Valley, my home, is so lucky to have him here.”

Cortney Bowen, a member of the American Festival Chorus, said even though she has been in multiple choirs throughout her life, Jessop still provides her with new things to learn.

“It’s an honor and an absolute privilege to be able to work with him on a weekly basis,” Bowen said. “Kudos to him on that award. All of us in the choir would have given it to him.”

Jessop expressed his respect for those who serve in the military.

“This concert is just a tiny, little thank you from one very grateful citizen for all they do,” Jessop said.