Chamberworks provides students chance to perform
The Waynesburg University music program relies on non-majors to bolster their ensembles, according to Professor of Instrumental Music and Director of the Music Program Dr. Rhonda DePriest.
Several academic departments were represented at the Chamberworks Concert that took place last Thursday, Nov. 10, as students from majors far outside the Music Department worked toward earning a fine arts credit.
“We have 10 small ensembles that anybody in the university can take the class,” said DePriest. “…It’s just another place they can go [that’s] not a huge time commitment.”
DePriest said the university also offers applied individual lessons for specific instruments, and those students can also be represented at Chamberworks.
The concert is held once a semester, and has a different configuration each time. Thursday’s event began with a piece from the all-women Beauty Shop ensemble. This was followed by a performance with both the Beauty and Barber Shops, and then the Barber Shop alone.
Freshman biochemistry major Harrison Scott sang in the Barber Shop ensemble. Scott said that he is honored to be a part of the group.
“I was elated to find out about a group in which I could sing and yet didn’t take as much time out of my week as other ensembles,” he said. “Plus, I enjoy making music with the other singers because it gives me a break from my studying.”
Next was an individual performance by junior singer/guitarist Rachel Phillip, who sang an original piece.
After the vocalists, the woodwind quintet and the brass ensemble were each showcased. DePriest said the groups all had several non-majors who had prior experience with music before college. She said she thought the event went well, and was proud of the all of the work and practice that the students put forth.
“I’m very appreciative and proud of the turn out, and proud of the performance,” she said.
DePriest said the audience at Chamberworks concerts is often made up of the friends and supporters of the musicians. She thinks this is important to help foster “creative spirit” at the university, especially since so many people are from outside of the Fine Arts Department.
“People know the performers and they see people their own age able to do these things…” she said.
DePriest is happy to know that students all around the campus, despite their majors or future career fields, still have an interest and appreciation in music.
“We’re appreciative of people who aren’t majors or minors, because they help the majors,” said DePriest. “And if it weren’t for people taking it for their general education credit, we would not be able to hear some of these ensembles.”
Scott said that he would strongly recommend the Chamberworks ensembles to non-majors and to everyone else.
“Although I’m a music minor, I would’ve definitely been a part of the Waynesburg music program in some capacity because music is one way that I release stress from my day,” said Scott.