IMAGE|
The ever growing ATU music department has committed itself to expanding its horizons and increasing its quality of performances and education. After being hit with COVID-19, decreasing its numbers, the music department is determined to bounce back and become better than ever.
The music department is composed of two different ensembles: instrumental, ATU Band, and choir, ATU Choir. Within these ensembles there are more specific and prestigious groups that students can be a part of.
The choir ensembles include the university choir, concert, chorale, and choral artists. The university choir is a select choir of 50 members. The concert chorale is a non-select choir of 90 members. The choral artists is a select choir of only 25 members.
Senior Noah Sumler is majoring in music and participates in choral artists and the university choir. He stated “I was irresistibly drawn to the music department at ATU in high school when the choral artists went on their recruitment tour and came to my school.” Sumler found a passion for music and those surrounding it and he has been an active member ever since.
Each choir presents two major concerts per semester. They also perform many other community service concerts. Students interested in auditioning for choirs can email music@atu.edu or choir.office@atu.edu or call (479)-968-0468.
This semester, there are three concerts including: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m.. They are all free to attend and according to senior Sam Holtkamp, “You won’t hear anything else like them in the state of Arkansas.”
There are three choir officers including Sam Holtkamp, Dax Driggs, and Carlie Westra. When asked why he wanted to be a choir officer, Holtkamp stated “I have been in love with Tech’s choirs since the first time I heard them, and I wanted to be a part of improving something that I care so much about.”
The instrument ensembles include marching band, concert band, symphonic band, symphonic wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and chamber ensembles. Chamber ensembles can be anywhere from duets and quartets to full orchestral winds.
The chamber winds and brass choir present three recitals per semester. Students interested in auditioning for instrument ensembles are encouraged to contact Dr. Daniel A. Belongia at dbelongia@atu.edu or call (479)-968-0287.
Pianists are encouraged to email Dr. Tim Smith at tsmith@atu.edu or call (479)-968-0471.
The head of the department of music, and professor of music, Dr. Jeff Bright, stated “I take satisfaction in the accomplishments of the music department, students, and faculty members. I do my best to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed. One thing I would like to accomplish is to make music instruction and performance more accessible to all students.”
Many talented faculty and staff work alongside Dr. Bright. Dr. Daniel A. Belongia is the director of bands and a professor of music. Dr. Jon Nash is the associate director of bands and an assistant professor of music. Dr. Benjamin Johns works as a visiting director of choral activities and a visiting professor of music.
When asked what his department hoped to accomplish, Dr. Bright said “Our faculty is committed to raising the quality of music instruction and performance by mentoring students into the music education profession.”
Music, band, and choral programs are always open to donations which can be found at www.atu.edu/music as well as a full schedule of this semester’s events.
