Cornell music: More than just choir and band

Most students at Cornell don’t realize that the music department is more than just your typical choir and band. Cornell College’s music department has a vast amount of monthly offerings, including Music Mondays, in which featured artists are invited to perform at Cornell, free of charge to students. Wind Ensemble and Orchestra have semesterly concerts, whereas the Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble have two performances this semester alone.

The dedication and time commitment students put into the music here at Cornell would amaze most of the student population. Each group has weekly practices- the Orchestra and Wind Ensemble groups practice twice a week for a one-hour period. Those meager two hours do not account for the individual time each student puts in. A majority of the ensemble members are participating due to a music scholarship award.

When a student receives said award/scholarship, he/she must participate in at least one ensemble (while many students participate in two or more), as well as take private lessons. These lessons would normally cost $325 a semester, but most students taking private lessons are on scholarship, thus waiving this fee. Private lessons also require that the student put in more time practicing. Most teachers would require the student to practice one hour every day, which can mean that the student practices maybe seven hours a week just for the lesson.

Students who are performance art or music education majors may put in many more than that. Students like Joey Crowley, a music education major, have to learn to play a majority of band instruments (imagine every instrument that makes up an ensemble!) and be able to take that knowledge and ultimately be able to teach someone else. Being a music major, whether it is performance based or education based, is no easy feat and requires serious commitment at Cornell.

Music as a part of a well-rounded education seems to be dying out due to lack of interest, or maybe just people not realizing what it has to offer. Music can offer a relaxing vacation for some (an Orchestra, Choir or Jazz concert) or a very entertaining experience (Steel Drum Ensembles), but most of these offerings do not seem to be understood by Cornellians. The Cornell College Music Department has much to offer and creates a welcoming environment where music can be thoroughly enjoyed.

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