PRACTICAL ARTS
Music
Lortz stresses to students who feel that they’re not talented
Although not currently an academic degree, music—which is enough to participate that the program caters to the informal
offered as a minor—can be found throughout the university, learner through a supportive atmosphere and a family
from the Marching Band to the Greenspring Valley Orchestra, environment. “We’re extremely collaborative. We would like
and more. to have the orchestra perform with the choir, the choir with
Today’s vision for the program, says Mark Lortz, Interim the marching band. We’re also encouraging marching band
Director of Music, is to have a music department that combines members to be part of orchestra or choir—the fact is that the
performance ensembles such as the choir, band, and orchestra more you do, better you’ll get.”
with academic courses, from music history and music theory Among others helping Lortz to achieve his goal will be new
to music technology and performance studies. “This will give orchestra director Harlan Parker, Ph.D., who has been at the
students in the minor a much broader understanding, both Peabody Institute for 28 years and will continue teaching
theoretically and applied, of the foundations and impact of there, and new choir director Beverly Gandolfo, who taught in
music, both historically and today.” Carroll County Schools for more than 30 years.
He also wants more students to consider becoming music “We’re still having a concert at end of each semester but
minors. “The idea is that students involved in ensembles, such as we’re also looking at other opportunities on campus that show
the Gospel Choir, All Natural, and others, can truly benefit from our range, such as pop-up performances like the choir singing
the academic aspects of the music minor. We want to spread the at a dinner or orchestra members playing during a recruitment
word about the importance of music on campus. It’s fulfilling to event,” Lortz says. “It’s a new semester, a new vision, and a
both the students who are involved and the community.” new direction that is student-focused and all-inclusive.” SU
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