Priest Bids Farewell to Bluefield College
Dr. Charles Priest, associate professor of music, announced his plans to leave Bluefield College at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year and after 11 years as a music professor and conductor at BC.
During his tenure, Dr. Priest served as chair of the Department of Music and director of instrumental studies. He also taught music history, conducting, trumpet, and other instrumental courses and directed concert bands, jazz bands, stadium bands and orchestra, all while sharing his passion for music and inspiring students.
“He welcomed me to the college when I was unsure of my career path and told me that he would love to allow me to find what made me happy and where God wants me to be, even if it is not at Bluefield College,” said Tim Gasperson, a music education major. “Thankfully, I think I did find that here at BC, thanks to Dr. Priest and the rest of the Music Department.”
While at Bluefield, Dr. Priest served his profession as a member of multiple professional organizations and was a frequent presenter and soloist at conferences and events. Within the community, he was a member of the East River Mountain Town Band and Blue Mountain Performing Arts.
Dr. Priest said that one of his goals with students was to teach them to be curious. Oftentimes, he said, students just don’t care to learn new things or to expand their horizons.
“Many people simply aren’t curious,” he said. “A good student will always hunger for more knowledge, for something else. People that are not curious about new things are boring. Curiosity will carry them far in life.”
When discussing his departure, Dr. Priest said he didn’t want to focus on why he was leaving, but instead what he hoped he would leave with the students that admire his work and wisdom.
“I’m going to miss my students,” he said. “They’re the reason I enjoy coming to work. I’ll also miss seeing the mountain right outside my office window every day.”
Many of his students and colleagues said the news of his departure was “surprising” and seemed “surreal.” They also spoke about his music knowledge and the way he represented himself as a musician. While surprised about his decision to leave BC, they said they understood and fully supported his choice.
“I admire how dedicated he is to his students and how he has an open door for us,” Gasperson added. “He is also unapologetic when it comes to fighting for the Music Department. Dr. Priest jokes a lot but knows how to make everyone focus when it’s time to learn, and that is an invaluable skill I will use in music classes of my own one day.”