Make Music with Us! – Albright College

Make Music with Us!

Join a thriving community of musicians and artists at Albright!

The Music Department invites all Albright students to take a fresh look at our revamped ensembles, virtual and live performances, and our on-campus record label, Lion Records! We have a wide range of performance and study opportunities across many genres of music. Join other Albright students in one of our ensembles or study one-on-one with private lessons. Opportunities for music-making range from campus events to gigs around the city of Reading to recording tracks in our studios.

Keep reading for more information on ensembles and contacts.

We hope to see you soon in the CFA!

Professor Mark Lomanno (Director of Applied Commercial Music)

— 

INFORMATION:

Only 200-level music ensembles require auditions, which will take place the first week of classes in the Fall Semester.

  • For the Lion Records Studio Band auditions, please contact Professor Jay Shaffer (jshaffer@albright.edu) for more information.
    • Seeking 4 vocalists (men and women), 2 guitarists (rhythm and lead), bass, drums, piano/keyboard, and 2-4 horns (trumpet, trombone, saxophone)
  • For both Leo Chorum and Roaring Lions auditions please contact Professor Thompson (dthompson@albright.edu) for materials to prepare over the winter break.

PRIVATE LESSONS

We offer private, one-on-one instruction in many instruments and all voices; music theory, composition, and improvisation; and music technology (also in music business and entrepreneurship). Whether you’re a beginner, want to try something new, looking to sharpen your skills, or polishing material for performances, our private instructors and professionals will work with you to devise a personalized study plan that helps you grow into the musician you want to become. Contact the lessons coordinator, Prof. Tammy Black (tblack@albright.edu) for more information.

JUST WANT TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE?

If you are not currently enrolled in an ensemble and are interested in an open rehearsal to try it out at this semester’s first rehearsal, please email the ensemble director listed below:

  • This group is a workshop for performers and songwriters in a variety of commercial and popular music styles, with emphasis on small combos. Students will have opportunities to rehearse and perform their original material, as well as arrangements and covers of contemporary and classic repertoire. Meets M/F 1:30-3:00pm in CFA 213. Contact director Jay Shaffer (jshaffer@albright.edu) for more details.

  • These small groups focus on a variety of jazz styles, performing music representative of many eras of jazz history, with emphasis on improvisation and contemporary, as well as classic tunes, from the jazz world. During the pandemic, the bands perform work on individual musicianship through private mini lessons and create recordings in the studio for our Zoom concert. All instruments and levels welcome. Meets T/Th 4-5:20pm in Roop Concert Hall. Contact director Mark Lomanno (mlomanno@albright.edu) for more details.

  • This performing ensemble consists of rappers and beat makers looking to perform live and get their music distributed on the digital marketplace. Rehearsals consist of workshops in songwriting, music marketing, and music production. Each week, students submit works in progress to each other for feedback, culminating in the release of a single and a performance on campus. Open to all skill levels and experience. Contact director Mike D’Errico (mderrico@albright.edu) for more details.

  • The Chamber Orchestra consists of string players from the College and surrounding community. This group rehearses twice a week and performs at least once each semester. Music ranges from the Baroque era to popular contemporary. Smaller string ensembles are formed from the larger group, providing experience in chamber music performance. Meets W 4:30-6:30 in Roop Concert Hall. Contact director Dana Allaband (dallaband@albright.edu) for more details.

  • Amplify your voice by singing in the Lion Pride (formerly Concert Choir). Focuses on works by living composers. Accepting community of singers. Low-stress placement sing required. Meets M/W 4-5:20pm in Memorial Chapel. Contact director Derrick Thompson (dthompson@albright.edu) for more details.

  • This brand-new group focuses on a variety of commercial and popular music styles, performing music representative of many eras, with emphasis on small ensemble work. Students will have opportunities to rehearse and perform arrangements and covers of contemporary and classic repertoire. Membership is determined by audition and all instruments and voices are welcome to participate. Meets W 6:00-8:50pm in CFA 212. Contact director Jay Shaffer (jshaffer@albright.edu) for more details.

Roaring Lions (formerly Mane Men)
  • One of two premiere a cappella ensembles – Tenor/Bass. Dedicated singers, impactful repertoire. Audition required. Meets T 5:00-6:00pm and Th 4:00-5:00pm. Contact director Derrick Thompson (dthompson@albright.edu) for more details.
Leo Chorum (formerly Angels)
  • One of two premiere a cappella ensembles – Soprano/Alto. Dedicated singers, impactful repertoire. Audition required. Meets T 4:00-5:00pm and Th 5:00-6:00pm. Contact director Derrick Thompson (dthompson@albright.edu) for more details.

Join the Albright College Spiritual Ensemble

Description: The Spiritual Ensemble will perform music of the African American tradition at various events on campus and in the community. Open to faculty, staff, community members and students. Rehearsals begin August 28, 2023 and continue Mondays 7 – 9 p.m, MPK Chapel. Contact Derrick Thompson at dthompson@albright.edu for more information.