Now is the time to think about making music at Concordia University Wisconsin this fall—for all kinds of reasons!
The truth is, there are many, many reasons to join one of CUW’s many fine musical ensembles this fall. Music has always been an integral part of our mission, dating back to the very beginning. Since 1881, our Music Department and its talented musicians, faculty, and directors have contributed to the spiritual, cultural, artistic, academic, and co-curricular aspects of campus life.
Want to be a part of it? Here are five of the best reasons to make CUW music a part of your fall semester.
1. Be part of a welcoming community
Joining a music ensemble at CUW is a great way to become part of a larger community. Not only will you meet new people and make new friends, you will make important connections with our supportive music faculty and directors.
“Sometimes, students are unsure if they want to continue with music in college, and my advice would be to go for it!” said Mrs. Johanna Anderson, Associate Director of Instrumental Music and Music Department Recruiter. “Not only do you get to continue to make music, but it’s a great way to get involved and to meet other individuals that share common interests. Many of our students meet some of their best friends in band, choir, handbells, and orchestra.”
2. Earn creative arts electives
When you join a music ensemble, you’re also taking a class—which you can use to meet your creative arts requirements. Every undergraduate must complete three hours of creative arts as part of the core curriculum, which can be met by the following music classes:
- All music ensembles
- Piano class
- Guitar class
- MUS 171 – Creative Arts Music (music appreciation course)
- Private lessons (piano, organ, voice, all band and orchestra instruments)
If you don’t need the credit or if you don’t have room in your schedule for extra music credits, you can take any of the music ensembles for audit (zero credits).
3. Make music with students from across the university
Here’s the best part: Did we mention that you’ll get to make music? Even better, you’ll be doing it with a wide range of students from across the university. Somewhere between 10 and 15 percent of our student population is involved with the music program, representing all six academic schools, and an even wider variety of majors, from Accounting to Youth Ministry!
In other words, you don’t have to be a music major—or even a minor—to take part. Just someone who loves making music!
RELATED: 10 Reasons to be Involved with Music at CUW
4. You can choose from 11 different musical ensembles
At Concordia University Wisconsin, students can take part in a wide variety of musical groups. (Low-stress ensemble auditions are required for most.)
Vocal Ensembles
- Chapel Choir
- Civic Chorale
- Selah
- Kammerchor
Instrumental Ensembles
- University Band
- Jazz Ensemble
- Symphonic Wind Ensemble
- Pep Band and Drumline
- String Ensemble/Chamber Orchestra
Handbell Ensembles
- Chapel Ringers
- Alleluia Ringers
5. Perform, travel, and have fun!
No matter which group you join, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in concerts and campus events, and maybe even travel around the country or across the globe.
Our music ensembles perform at campus events like Christmas at Concordia and other concerts throughout the year, Admitted Student Day, football and basketball games, and more! Several touring groups take performance tours every year, traveling to various parts of the United States or even across the Atlantic to exciting European cities.
“The most important thing that I want people to know about the CUW Music Department is that our music faculty, staff, and directors are some of the most welcoming, supportive, and helpful individuals,” Anderson said. “We are honored to be a part of the CUW mission, and we love what we do. With everything we have been through the past year, I believe that we all need music more than ever, and we are excited to see the return of live concerts and performances this fall.”
To learn more about the various music programs offered at CUW, take a look at the CUW Music Ensemble Flyer or visit the music department page at cuw.edu.
— This story is written by Mike Zimmerman, corporate communications manager for Concordia University Wisconsin. He may be reached at michael.zimmerman@cuw.edu or 262-243-4380.
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