Palmer grad sings in national concert

When the Willamette University's choir participated in the CBS/Hallmark Christmas Eve special Wednesday night, there were two Palmer students participating.

In addition to Curtis Bell, Bill Pippel, a Willamette freshman and 2003 graduate of Palmer High School, was singing in the Male Ensemble Willamette, which was featured in the television show that was broadcast to a national audience in David Letterman's time slot.

The choir performed at the First Presbyterian Church of Salem (Ore.) for the concert. The music director at the church is also a part-time music professor at Willamette University. The church was selected from more than 60 applicants nationwide.

"We're pretty excited about it," said Mimi Pippel, Bill's mother.

Pippel is a freshman at Willamette, and he is studying political science and world history.

Pippel made the Male Ensemble Willamette choir as a freshman, which is tough to do, his mother said.

Pippel was active in many music groups while a student at Palmer High School, but the transition to college choir is a big one.

While he excels in the choir, Pippel is also excelling in the classroom.

He choose Willamette because of his academics -- and the fact he was rewarded handsomely for his success. He received the G. Herbert Smith Scholarship from Willamette University -- a $60,000 scholarship.

"He really likes it there and he enjoys singing with the Male Ensemble Willamette," Mimi Pippel said.