One of the main events happening within the Music Department this year is the invitation for the College Choir to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. The 70-member choir, along with 35 friends and family members will be visiting the city in late May. The first performance will take place Saturday, May 29. Other Music Department events include a separation of the concert and jazz bands due to department growth, and the beginning of the construction on a new music building. (Photo by Anthony Spangler)
“There are many exciting things happening in the music department this year,” says Tom Hodgman, Adrian College choir director and music department chair.
Because of the enormous growth in the department, Hodgman said, the concert band and jazz band have split into two separate groups and there are 16 solo recitals scheduled this year.
“That’s the most we have ever had,” Hodgman said.
Hodgman noted in 2000 there were only four music majors, compared to the more than 50 majors and minors in 2010. He attributes this growth to Marty Marks, AC band director, and his development of the marching band.
“The work that professor Marks has done to recruit talented musicians to our college has been fantastic,” Hodgman said.
Hodgman also is excited about the construction of a new music building. He feels that since so many students are involved in music and choose to make it a part of their college experience sets Adrian College apart from other small colleges.
“The accomplishments of our Music Department serve to raise the stature of Adrian College among liberal arts schools across the country,” said Hodgman.
Adrian College has one of the largest choirs among schools its size and many other small colleges are looking to Adrian College to learn how to create a marching band, according to Hodgman. In fact, the achievements of the department’s ensembles and graduates are drawing a great amount of attention.
Most exciting is the invitation the AC choir received to perform a solo concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
“In short— it’s the Super Bowl for the music world!” said Hodgman. “It is a lifelong dream for musicians to perform in this world-renowned hall. I am thrilled beyond measure.”
In May, 70 members of the choir and 35 members of their friends and family will travel to New York City for this momentous occasion. The choirs first performance takes place on Saturday, May 29 at 8 p.m.
But, Hodgman has set even higher goals.
“After we are moved into our new building, the next step will be getting accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music,” Hodgman said. “Gaining this accreditation will continue to build the stature and reputation of the department and college as a whole.”