Music Department

As an important part of a liberal arts education, academic courses in music give students the opportunity to improve their appreciation and understanding of music.

Performing instrumental and choral ensembles provide the opportunity to deepen musical skills through live performance. Credited instrumental ensembles include the Symphonic Band, Chamber Winds and String Chamber Orchestra. From these, non-credited ensembles, including Jazz Band and smaller woodwind, brass, percussion and string ensembles, are formed. Credited choral ensembles include Concert Choir and Women's Chorale. Three select ensembles, Chamber Choir, Mane Men and Albright Angels (non-credited) are formed by audition. Performances by all ensembles take place on- and off-campus.

Full-time and adjunct music faculty provide applied lessons in piano, voice, guitar, woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings and organ. Practice rooms with pianos are available for all students in the Center for the Arts. For organists, the Maier Memorial Pipe Organ, installed by the Schantz Organ Company, is located in Memorial Chapel. An electronic music studio and recording studio are available for both courses and independent study.

The co-concentration and special program in music business provide students the opportunity to combine general liberal arts studies with more in-depth study of the business of music industry. Music business combines easily with most concentrations, such as business administration, communications or digital media, and provides students with a strong base of core courses with specialized knowledge in music-related fields that enable them to continue their studies or to enter the job market.

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Faculty

Full-Tme Faculty

• Adlai Binger, Instructor in Music and Dept. Co-Chair; B.S. Gettysburg College; M.M.E. Shenandoah University
• Rebecca Butler, Professor and Co-Chair; B.M. Oberlin College; M.M. Temple University
• Jeffery Lentz, Artist-in-Residence; A.B. Albright College; M.M. Yale University School of Music
• Robin Zaremski, Instructor in Music Business; J.D. Temple University

Lecturers

• Kathy Crusi, voice
• JoAnne Earnest, applied piano
• Christopher Keeney, guitar
• Christopher Rodgers, choral assistant
• Stephen Rozek, jazz ensemble
• Annie Sallade, voice

Events and Concerts

• Student concerts are free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary.
• Albright Concert Series offers a variety of music events throughout the year.
• Music Department concerts and Concert Series events are listed in the Albright Events Calendar.
• For tickets, subscription series information or questions, call the Performing Arts Box Office at 610-921-7547.

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Instrumental Musical Organizations

MUS 103
Section A: Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band rehearses at least twice weekly and performs at least one concert per semester. The band experience includes classic and contemporary band literature and often features guest artists. Numerous ensembles are formed from among band members, providing additional instruction and performance opportunities. Students wishing to participate in Symphonic Band as a non-credited course must fulfill credited class requirements and have permission of the director.

Section B: Chamber Winds
The Chamber Winds, for the advanced instrumentalist, rehearses twice weekly and performs two concerts per semester. Participation is by audition. Music performed is advanced traditional and classic wind ensemble literature, often featuring guest artists. Membership is determined by audition. Students wishing to participate in Chamber Winds as a non-credited course must fulfill credited class requirements and have permission of the director.

Students receive one course unit of credit upon completion of four semesters of MUS 103 with a grade of C or better. For non-concentrators this fulfills the general studies fine arts requirement. An additional four semesters may be taken for elective credit.

MUS 104
String Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra consists of string players from the College and surrounding community. This group rehearses twice a week and performs at least once each semester. Music ranges from the Baroque era to popular contemporary. Smaller string ensembles are formed from the larger group, providing experience in chamber music performance. Students wishing to participate in orchestra as a non-credited course must fulfill credited class requirements and have permission of the director.

Students receive one course unit of credit upon completion of four semesters of MUS 104 with a grade of C or better. For non-concentrators, this fulfills the general studies fine arts requirement. An additional four semesters may be taken for elective credit.

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Choral Organizations

MUS 105
Section A: Concert Choir
The Concert Choir rehearses twice weekly in preparation for various on-campus programs. The choir experience includes choral literature from chant through the present, giving all members opportunity for personal vocal development through a variety of choral traditions. Membership is determined by audition. Students wishing to participate in concert choir as a non-credited course must fulfill credited class requirements and have permission of the director.

Section B: Women's Chorale
The Women's Chorale rehearses twice weekly in preparation for various on-campus programs. The chorale experience includes literature from chant through the present written specifically for women's voices, giving all members opportunity for personal vocal development through a variety of choral traditions. Membership is determined by audition. Students wishing to participate in Women's Chorale as a non-credited course must fulfill credited class requirements and have permission of the director.

Students receive one course unit of credit upon completion of four semesters of MUS 105 with a grade of C or better. For non-concentrators, this fulfills the general studies fine arts requirement. An additional four semesters may be taken for elective credit.

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