Wheaton College Conservatory of Music
Encyclopedia
The Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College is a music conservatory located in Wheaton, Illinois
. It is both a department and professional school of Wheaton College
. It currently has 21 full-time faculty members and approximately 200 undergraduate music majors, and is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
. The Conservatory also operates a Community School of the Arts, serving the music and arts education needs of the surrounding community.
The Conservatory seeks to train its students in four broad areas: composition, performance, teaching, and scholarship. All music degrees require a core of music theory, ear training, and music history. Performance studies are an integral part of the curriculum: all degrees require regular jury examinations on major instruments and participation in large ensembles. This broad approach reflects the liberal arts context of the whole of Wheaton College, of which the Conservatory is a constituent academic unit.
The Conservatory also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music program, which combines 200 hours of music classes with the liberal arts general education track. A music minor is also available.
The Conservatory also employs about thirty-five adjunct faculty members, and a support staff of secretaries, piano technicians, and business and operations managers. The Community School of the Arts has its own faculty and support staff. Facilities are maintained by the College's physical plant staff.
program. Standing chamber groups include the percussion ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Kathleen Kastner, which presents a fall and spring concert; Opera Music Theater, under the direction of Dr. Sarah Holman; piano ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Karin Edwards; and the trombone choir, under the direction of Mr. Joseph Rodriguez. Other groups of traditional and non-traditional instrument combinations are formed on an annual basis. The annual Chamber Music Competition is a showcase of these ensembles. A recent, related addition to the program are the jazz combos.
, Canadian Brass
, the King's Singers
, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
, and the Russian National Ballet. Most years include one event featuring Conservatory ensembles performing a choral-orchestral masterwork or joining with other special artists.
's museums, theaters, and concert halls. The program also includes a weekend trip to Paris
to further explore the European arts tradition.
, London
, Moscow
, and Vienna
, among others, depending on the year.
Wheaton, Illinois
Wheaton is an affluent community located in DuPage County, Illinois, approximately west of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Wheaton is the county seat of DuPage County...
. It is both a department and professional school of Wheaton College
Wheaton College (Illinois)
Wheaton College is a private, evangelical Protestant liberal arts college in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb west of Chicago in the United States...
. It currently has 21 full-time faculty members and approximately 200 undergraduate music majors, and is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music
National Association of Schools of Music
The National Association of Schools of Music is an association of post-secondary music schools in the United States and the principal U.S. accreditor for higher education in music...
. The Conservatory also operates a Community School of the Arts, serving the music and arts education needs of the surrounding community.
Academics
The Conservatory offers both the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees. Majors for the Bachelor of Music include composition, history/literature, performance (orchestral instruments, organ, piano, and voice), emphasis in a music-related field (collaborative piano, conducting, media and film, and pedagogy), and elective studies in an outside field. The Bachelor of Music Education degree offers emphases in choral or instrumental music.The Conservatory seeks to train its students in four broad areas: composition, performance, teaching, and scholarship. All music degrees require a core of music theory, ear training, and music history. Performance studies are an integral part of the curriculum: all degrees require regular jury examinations on major instruments and participation in large ensembles. This broad approach reflects the liberal arts context of the whole of Wheaton College, of which the Conservatory is a constituent academic unit.
The Conservatory also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Music program, which combines 200 hours of music classes with the liberal arts general education track. A music minor is also available.
Administration and Faculty
In 2008, Dr. Michael Wilder was appointed Wheaton's Dean of the Conservatory, Art and Communication. Upon his arrival, the administrative structure of the Conservatory was reorganized to reflect its duality as both a department of the College and a professional school. Reporting to the dean, in addition to the chairs of the Art Department and Communication Department, are a tier of directors managing the Conservatory's programs.- Director of Academic Studies in Music: Dr. R. Edward Zimmerman - oversight of music theory and composition, music history, conducting, and technology
- Director of the Community School of the Arts: Mrs. Jody Grandlienard
- Director of Conservatory Special Programs: Dr. Tony Payne - oversight of the Artist Series at Wheaton College, a series of professional performing artists, and the Conservatory's two summer programs, Arts in London and Music and Ministry in the Great Cities of Europe
- Director of Music Education: Dr. Timothy Yontz - oversight of the music education program
- Director of Performance Studies: Dr. Mary Hopper - oversight of private lesson study, chamber music, and Conservatory large ensembles
Faculty
Full-time faculty:- Dr. Michael Wilder, Dean
- Dr. Johann Buis, Associate Professor of Musicology
- Dr. Karin Edwards, Professor of Piano
- Dr. David Gordon, Assistant Professor of Theory and Composition
- Dr. Carolyn Hart, Associate Professor of Voice
- Dr. Sarah Holman, Associate Professor of Voice and Opera
- Dr. Mary Hopper, Professor of Choral Music and Conducting
- Dr. Daniel Paul Horn, Professor of Piano
- Dr. Lee Joiner, Associate Professor of Violin
- Dr. Kathleen Kastner, Professor of Percussion
- Dr. Shawn Okpebholo, Assistant Professor of Theory and Composition
- Dr. Tony Payne, Associate Professor of Music
- Dr. Jonathan Saylor, Professor of Bassoon and Music History
- Dr. Terry Schwartz, Associate Professor of Trumpet
- Dr. Daniel Sommerville, Associate Professor of Orchestral Music and Conducting
- Dr. Gerard Sundberg, Professor of Voice
- Dr. Howard Whitaker, Professor of Composition
- Dr. Paul Wiens, Professor of Choral Music and Conducting
- Dr. Timothy Yontz, Associate Professor of Music Education
- Dr. R. Edward Zimmerman, Professor of Organ
- Mr. John Zimmerman, Associate Professor of Piano
The Conservatory also employs about thirty-five adjunct faculty members, and a support staff of secretaries, piano technicians, and business and operations managers. The Community School of the Arts has its own faculty and support staff. Facilities are maintained by the College's physical plant staff.
Ensembles
Ensembles are the most visible part of the Conservatory, and provide students an opportunity both for application of their musical training and for fellowship and social involvement.Large Ensembles
The Conservatory has several large ensembles that are open to any Wheaton College student with sufficient skill, including but not limited to jousting and bobsledding. Membership of each ensemble is established by an annual audition.- Concert Choir: SATB ensemble, directed by Dr. Paul Wiens
- Jazz Ensemble: directed by Mr. Josh Moshier
- Men's Glee Club: TTBB ensemble, directed by Dr. Mary Hopper
- Percussion Ensemble: directed by Dr. Kathleen Kastner
- Symphonic Band: wind and percussion ensemble, directed by Dr. Timothy Yontz
- Symphony Orchestra: the college's full orchestra, directed by Dr. Daniel Sommerville
- Women's Chorale: SSAA ensemble, directed by Dr. Mary Hopper
Chamber Music
The Conservatory also has an extensive chamber musicChamber music
Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part...
program. Standing chamber groups include the percussion ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Kathleen Kastner, which presents a fall and spring concert; Opera Music Theater, under the direction of Dr. Sarah Holman; piano ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Karin Edwards; and the trombone choir, under the direction of Mr. Joseph Rodriguez. Other groups of traditional and non-traditional instrument combinations are formed on an annual basis. The annual Chamber Music Competition is a showcase of these ensembles. A recent, related addition to the program are the jazz combos.
Facilities
The Conservatory complex consists of three buildings on Wheaton's main campus in Wheaton, Illinois.Edman Memorial Chapel
In addition to holding undergraduate chapel services and numerous large special events such as Commencement and the annual Talent Show, Edman Memorial Chapel is the Conservatory's primary large ensemble performance venue. The auditorium seats 2400 and houses a handcrafted Casavant organ. A backstage addition was completed in 2009 including a new instrumental rehearsal hall and instructional space for harp, harpsichord, percussion, and string bass.McAlister Hall
Built in the 1960s, McAlister Hall houses classrooms, practice rooms, the department offices, and many teaching studios, as well as common areas where students can relax together between classes and rehearsals. The Harris Rehearsal Room is used for choral rehearsals and conducting classes.Pierce Chapel
Built in the 1890s as the College's first chapel, Pierce Chapel now serves as the Conservatory's recital hall. The building's lower level houses teaching studios, the music technology lab, and two large classrooms, and the upper level, above the recital hall, houses offices for the Community School of the Arts. In addition to serving as the venue for student and faculty performers, the recital hall is also used for student prayer and worship services throughout the year.Notable alumni
- Daniel Buchanan - singer
- Charis Fliermans - singer
- Sylvia McNairSylvia McNairSylvia McNair is an American opera singer and classical recitalist who has also achieved notable success in the Broadway and cabaret genres. McNair, a soprano, has made several critically acclaimed recordings and has won two Grammy Awards....
- Grammy AwardGrammy AwardA Grammy Award — or Grammy — is an accolade by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognize outstanding achievement in the music industry...
-winning singer - John NelsonJohn Nelson (conductor)John Wilton Nelson is an American conductor. Nelson studied at Wheaton College, and later at the Juilliard School of Music with Jean Morel ....
- conductor and advocate for sacred music - Doug Yeo - bass trombonist of the Boston Symphony OrchestraBoston Symphony OrchestraThe Boston Symphony Orchestra is an orchestra based in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1881, the BSO plays most of its concerts at Boston's Symphony Hall and in the summer performs at the Tanglewood Music Center...
- Marty O'DonnellMartin O'DonnellMartin "Marty" O'Donnell is an American composer known for his work on video game developer Bungie's series, such as Myth, Oni, and Halo...
- composer for BungieBungieBungie, Inc is an American video game developer currently located in Bellevue, Washington, USA. The company was established in May 1991 by University of Chicago undergraduate student Alex Seropian, who later brought in programmer Jason Jones after publishing Jones' game Minotaur: The Labyrinths of...
's HaloHalo (series)Halo is a multi-million dollar science fiction video game franchise created by Bungie and now managed by 343 Industries and owned by Microsoft Studios. The series centers on an interstellar war between humanity and a theocratic alliance of aliens known as the Covenant...
video game series
Living emeritus faculty
- Dr. Harold MacArthur Best, dean emeritus (1970-1997)
- Gladys Christensen (1954-1988)
- Margarita Evans (1971-1998)
- Dr. Curtis Funk (1984-2007)
- Reginald Gerig (1952-1987)
- Dr. William A. Phemister (1972-2007)
- Alva William Steffler (1970-2003)
- Ellen R. Thompson (1951-1990)
The Artist Series at Wheaton College
The Artist Series brings professional performing arts groups to campus, with seven or eight events spaced throughout the school year. Orchestras, dance companies, soloists, and world music ensembles are all included in the Series' offerings. Recent guests have been as varied as Bobby McFerrinBobby McFerrin
Robert "Bobby" McFerrin, Jr. is an American vocalist and conductor. He is best known for his 1988 hit song "Don't Worry, Be Happy". He is a ten-time Grammy Award winner.-Life:...
, Canadian Brass
Canadian Brass
The Canadian Brass is a brass quintet founded by Dr. Charles Daellenbach and Gene Watts in 1970. In addition to maintaining a heavy international touring schedule, the Canadian Brass have recorded over 80 CDs and DVDs...
, the King's Singers
King's Singers
The King's Singers is a British a cappella vocal ensemble who celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2008. Their name recalls King's College in Cambridge, England, where the group was formed by six choral scholars in 1968. In the United Kingdom, their popularity peaked in the 1970s and early 1980s...
, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is a British orchestra based in London. It tours widely, and is sometimes referred to as "Britain's national orchestra"...
, and the Russian National Ballet. Most years include one event featuring Conservatory ensembles performing a choral-orchestral masterwork or joining with other special artists.
Arts in London
Arts in London is a month-long study program occurring at the beginning of alternate summers. Faculty from the Conservatory, as well as the Theater and Art Departments, teach courses in art, music, and theater on-site in LondonLondon
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
's museums, theaters, and concert halls. The program also includes a weekend trip to Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
to further explore the European arts tradition.
Music and Ministry in the Great Cities of Europe
Music and Ministry in the Great Cities of Europe is the Conservatory's international missions program. MMGCE is a three-week trip occurring at the beginning of alternate summers. A group of students, formed into a choir and joined by a student brass ensemble, travels and performs in such cities as BudapestBudapest
Budapest is the capital of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary, it is the country's principal political, cultural, commercial, industrial, and transportation centre. In 2011, Budapest had 1,733,685 inhabitants, down from its 1989 peak of 2,113,645 due to suburbanization. The Budapest Commuter...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
, and Vienna
Vienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
, among others, depending on the year.