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 combined area of concentration in music business and special programs within the Music Department provide students the opportunity to combine general liberal arts studies with more in-depth study of music or 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.
