Music at Marist

ChelsV
Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:22:52 +0000

I’m a junior at Marist and I’m a music minor on scholarship, vocal concentration. There aren’t music majors, everyone can fit it in with their other majors. The music department is pretty big… there are a lot of different groups. We’re actually outgrowing the space we have… apparently they’re trying to raise money to get a performing arts center built. I don’t know if your son wants to perform or just study music but either are possible. There are some general classes which focus on different styles of music and how they developed. Those are open to everyone. But on the whole the department is more performance oriented.

There are several bands and instrumental ensembles, including a jazz band. The pep band does a lot of rock music actually. There’s also a guitar ensemble which does mostly rock music. There is also a string orchestra but that’s mostly classical. The larger concert band is more general, but they perform a lot of fun songs. The repertoire changes every year. I also know a lot of people who play in smaller bands at a lot of local venues so he can get a group together and do that if he wants.

On the vocal end of things, it is a bit more classically focused on the larger scale but there is a gospel choir that does a lot of different styles of songs and the chamber choir, which is an advanced audition choir, does a lot of variety as well. General singers does have some rock and jazz, but it’s not the main focus. They try to vary the repertoire, it’s different every year. I’ve also done a lot of private voice study but unless he has a voice concentration, he probably won’t do that. It’s heavy in classical voice but they also work with you on whatever other styles you want. Also, if he’s a good singer, he can try out for the a capella group time check, which is almost all rock and other contemporary styles. They’re really popular and perform at a lot of functions. There are a lot of opportunities, depending on what his preferences are.

I’m not sure what exactly he’s looking for but I hope this helps. I really like the music department. It’s big and crazy, but there’s always something going on. If he comes to marist, most likely he will be able to find something in the music department he will want to do. You should contact Art (Arthur.Himmelberger@marist.edu) , he’s the head of the music department. He might be able to help you more :)