University of St. Thomas

Monday, December 19, 2011

Reserve Your Copy of the 2011 Christmas Concert CD

Please place your order by January 15.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Message from the Chair

Matthew George, chair of the Department of Music presents his welcome message for the 2011 Summer Newsletter.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

UST Music Joins Facebook

The Music Department has a new Facebook page: University of St. Thomas Music. We encourage you to look us up, “like” us and join in the conversation.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Faculty Notes

Read more for on the activities of our faculty. Featured are Denis Allaire, Dr. Paul Budde, Dr. Vanessa Cornett-Murtada, Dr. Bruce Gleason, David Jenkins, Dr. Shersten Johnson, Dr. Douglas Orzolek, and Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Updates from Keyboard Studies and Piano Pedagogy

Updates include information about the upcoming Summer Workshops in Piano Pedagogy, updates on the activities of current students and faculty, and past performances.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Updates from the Graduate Programs

Updates from Graduate Programs in Music Education, including information about the upcoming Jane Frazee seminar and the upcoming Research Roundtable.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

UST Choirs Update

Updates include recent concert appearances from the Liturgical Choir, Women's Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber singers.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

UST Bands Update

Updates from the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band including information about an upcoming CD and past performances.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Oak Grove

GPME alumni Bryan Blessing and the Oak Grove Middle School Singers heard live on Classical Minnesota Public Radio 99.5 FM.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Chamber Singers receive high national honor, to perform at Chicago choral convention

Monday, March 14, 2011

Minnesota Public Radio's PIPEDREAMS program to broadcast live from St. Mary's Chapel

MPR’s Michael Barone will host a live broadcast of Bach’s keyboard and chamber music from St. Mary’s Chapel at the Saint Paul Seminary, on Saturday March 19, 9-10 AM. The program, “Before Bach’s Birthday Bash,” will feature solo and ensemble music played by representatives of the Bach Society of Minnesota, the Lyra Baroque Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, along with seminary music director David Jenkins, and other Twin Cities organists.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

'Freak Piano Blowout' concert puts new spin on piano pieces

The St. Thomas Music Department's "Freak Piano Blowout" concert Saturday fit its title. The event, held in the Brady Educational Center auditorium showcased the talents of aspiring music majors as well as te work of contemporary composers.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Recent Music Department Faculty Publications

Dr. Matthew George, Dr. Douglas Orzolek, and Mr. Robert Strusinski published in national journals.

Friday, January 28, 2011

UST's Gabriel Kney pipe organ featured in two upcoming broadcasts of Pipedreams

The Gabriel Kney pipe organ in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas will be featured in two February broadcasts of Pipedreams, a nationally syndicated radio program from American Public Media.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Audiophile Audition Reviews UST Bands CD

From All Sides, the "latest in important commissions series adds to list of good, contemporary wind ensemble repertory."

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Undergraduate Music Audition Application Deadline

The application deadline for Undergraduate Music Auditions Days is February 1.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Christmas Concert CDs Available

The University of St. Thomas presents the annual Christmas Concert. Hear the splendor of the seasons of Advent and Christmas with performances by some of the university’s finest student music ensembles.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Letter from the Chair

Letter from the Chair

Friday, October 1, 2010

Faculty Notes

Faculty Notes

Friday, September 10, 2010

GPME Summer Wrap-Up

GPME Summer Wrap-Up

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Chamber Singers Receive National Recognition

UST Chamber Singers Receive Highest National Honor

Thursday, August 26, 2010

UST Music Faculty Quoted in Newsweek Magazine

“Creativity in America,” Newsweek, July 19, 2010. The article quotes Dr. Douglas Orzolek of UST’s Music Department: “While arts aren’t the only means to develop creativity, they surely do it better than bubble tests. Cut the tests and restore the arts.”  (Not available online)

Friday, May 28, 2010

Message from the GPME Director

"Greetings from the faculty and staff of Graduate Programs in Music Education. As you peruse this newsletter, I know you’ll be reminded that GPME continues to be at the forefront of graduate music education. We continue to move in the direction that Jane Frazee started 40 years ago when she formed our first Orff Schulwerk courses and what would become GPME. In fact, we are pleased to welcome her back to campus as this year’s speaker for the Jane Frazee Distinguished Scholar/Artist Series at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 1, in the McNeely Hall Great Room..."

Friday, May 28, 2010

Message from the Chair

"I welcome you to our Spring 2010 University of St. Thomas Music Department’s newsletter.  I invite you to explore all we present to you in this edition and hope you find inspiration through the activity of our students, faculty, staff and alumni activities..."

Friday, May 28, 2010

Faculty Notes

Updates on Dr. Angela Broeker, Dr. Vanessa Cornett-Murtada, Dr. Matthew George, Dr. Bruce Gleason, Dr. Carroll Gonzo, Ora Itkin, Dr. David Jenkins, Dr. Shersten Johnson, Dr. Doug Orzolek, Dr. Sarah Schmalenberger, and Dr. Jill Trinka.

Friday, May 28, 2010

From Wildflower to Rose Garden: 40 Years of Music Education Reform in Minnesota

Since 1990, Graduate Programs in Music Education (GPME) within the UST College of Arts and Sciences has sponsored a summer seminar in which distinguished figures in music and arts education present their work to the community of music educators in the Twin Cities metro area. The 2010 distinguished scholar-artist is Jane Frazee, founding director of GPME, who will address the 1971 establishment of the UST Orff program and how it and the ensuing Kodály and Dalcroze offerings evolved into a full-fledged MA program that placed St. Paul at the center of innovation in music education for the next 40 years.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Chamber Singers: Minnesota Collegiate Choral Festival

On Nov. 13-14, 2009, the UST Chamber Singers participated in the first annual Minnesota Collegiate Choral Festival. Five college and university choirs, chosen through audition, assembled at Bethel College for two days of music making. The Chamber Singers were joined by college choirs from St. John's University, University of Minnesota–Duluth, Minnesota State University–Mankato and Northwestern College. The Friday evening banquet included speeches by Dr. Anton Armstrong from St. Olaf College and Dr. Craig Jessop, guest conductor for the weekend's event.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Rob Strusinski to Retire

After 33 years of joyful music-making with the internationally renowned St. Thomas Liturgical Choir, Rob Strusinksi is retiring. Rob founded the Liturgical Choir in 1977 when membership included students from the College of St. Catherine. Since that time, the choir has been a vital part of our school's music ministry, providing music and congregational leadership during Sunday masses and beyond. The choir has toured internationally eight times twice singing for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at the Vatican.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Symphonic Wind Ensemble Celebrates New CD

The University of St. Thomas Symphonic Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Matthew George, has recently released its newest compact disc, “From All Sides,” volume 3 in the University of St. Thomas Commission Series.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

BrassChix

Sarah Schmalenberger (Horn, Music History) and Kara Bradshaw organized the first annual BRASSCHIX forum for High School girls in music who play brass instruments. 

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Minnesota Music Educators Midwinter Clinic

Minnesota Music Educators Midwinter Clinic

Teachers and conductors of classroom music, band, choir and orchestra, join their college and university counterparts each February for the Minnesota Music Educators Association Annual Midwinter In-Service Clinic.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Research and Issues in Music Education

Research and Issues in Music Education

With the publication of the Seventh Volume of Research and Issues in Music Education (RIME), I am happy to announce that the delay in publishing the Fall 2009 volume has been due to a complete reworking of the journal. 

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Singers, Guitar Ensemble give free concerts

Jazz Ensembles, Jazz Singers, Guitar Ensemble give free concerts

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to two music performances on the university’s St. Paul campus. Admission is free. For more information, call the St. Thomas Music Department, (651) 962-5850.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

UST invites public to October concerts, recitals

UST invites public to October concerts, recitals

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to the music performances listed below. Admission is free. For more information, call the St. Thomas Music Department, (651) 962-5850.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Music Department scholarship, performance auditions are Oct. 4

Music Department scholarship, performance auditions are Oct. 4
From the Department of Music

The Music Department will hold Fall Scholarship and Performance-Level Auditions on Saturday, Oct. 4, in Baumgaertner Auditorium, Brady Educational Center.

A performance-level audition is required for any student seeking acceptance into the Music, Music Education, Music Performance, Music Business or Liturgical Music program. Incoming music majors (freshmen, transfer students and current UST students coming into the music major from a different field) may audition for scholarship assistance and music major status at this time.  

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Music Department offers piano lessons for elective credit

Music Department offers piano lessons for elective credit

The UST Music Department invites students, regardless of major, to register for piano courses in the fall semester.

Group classes are available for beginners, and those with some prior experience are eligible for individual lessons. Although a minimum proficiency is not required, students must be willing to practice regularly to develop their musical skills.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

UST hosts May concerts, recitals

UST hosts May concerts, recitals

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to the music performances listed below. All will be held on the university’s St. Paul campus unless noted otherwise. Admission is free.

Important note: Spring is "recital season" for many student musicians, and best-laid recital plans often change as artists prepare for their big performances. If you plan to attend a student recital, please double-check with the performer or with the university’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Music Department, (651) 962-5850, for schedule updates.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Public invited to April concerts, recitals

Public invited to April concerts, recitals

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to the music performances listed below. All will be held on the university’s St. Paul campus. Admission is free.

Important note: Spring is “recital season” for many student musicians, and best-laid recital plans often change as artists prepare for their big performances. If you plan to attend a student recital, please double-check with the performer or with the university’s College of Arts and Sciences’ Music Department, (651) 962-5850, for schedule updates.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

February music events at St. Thomas

February music events at St. Thomas

For more information, call the St. Thomas Music Department, (651) 962-5850.  

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Choral singers welcome: UST Liturgical Choir has limited openings

Choral singers welcome: UST Liturgical Choir has limited openings

The UST Liturgical Choir has limited openings for sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. Offered for Music Department course credit, participation in choir fulfills the fine arts requirement.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Women’s Choir sings in OSF library today

The Women’s Choir, directed by Robert Vickery and Nathan Knoll, will sing from noon to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 8, in O’Shaughnessy-Frey Library.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Want to play in a band? Arrange an audition

Current University of St. Thomas students who are not enrolled in an instrumental ensemble but would like to participate in the Symphonic Band or Symphonic Wind Ensemble in the spring should e-mail Dr. Matthew George to arrange an audition.

Friday, December 11, 2009

UST invites public to December concerts, recitals

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to the music performances listed below. All will be held on the university’s St. Paul campus unless noted otherwise. Admission is free. For more information, call the St. Thomas Music Department, (651) 962-5850.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Choral festival features Chamber Singers

Discounted tickets are available for the Minnesota Collegiate Choral Festival performance this Saturday, Nov. 14, featuring the University of St. Thomas Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Angela Broeker.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Community Life Center’s Benson Great Hall at Bethel University, 3900 Bethel Drive in St. Paul.

Friday, December 11, 2009

UST invites public to November concerts, recitals

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to the music performances listed below. All will be held on the university’s St. Paul campus unless noted otherwise. For more information, call the St. Thomas Music Department, (651) 962-5850.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Mark your calendar for UST concerts, recitals

The University of St. Thomas welcomes the public to the music performances listed below. All will be held on the university’s St. Paul campus unless noted otherwise. Admission is free. For more information, call the St. Thomas Music Department, (651) 962-5850.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Play guitar for credit

Want credit for playing your guitar?

Members of the UST Guitar Ensemble study, perform and record music for multiple guitars and bass from Renaissance through 20th-century composers, including American jazz and rock styles.

Friday, December 11, 2009

UST Bands to hold auditions Sept. 7-8

It’s not too late to participate in the UST Bands Program.  

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Matthew George, and the Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Douglas Orzolek, will hold auditions for the upcoming school year on Monday, Sept. 7,  and Tuesday, Sept. 8, in Room  30A, Brady Educational Center.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Music Department to hold auditions for choral ensembles May 19

Music Department to hold auditions for choral ensembles May 19

The Music Department will hold auditions on Tuesday, May 19, for underclassmen not currently enrolled in a UST choral ensemble.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Legendary liturgical musician, St. Paul native Richard Proulx, to receive honorary degree, hear his own music performed at May 3 concert

Nationally renowned composer, conductor and music editor Richard Proulx, whom Modern Liturgy Magazine has called "the most significant liturgical composer of the last 20 years," will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Thomas and be present for a performance of his work at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, in the university’s Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Festival Orchestra Honors Concert is Monday

Festival Orchestra Honors Concert is Monday

The annual Festival Orchestra Honors Concert will be performed at 8 p.m. Monday, April 27, in Baumgaertner Auditorium, Brady Educational Center. Admission is free. A reception and refreshments of cookies and punch will follow in the building’s foye

Friday, December 11, 2009

Tony Hauser to present concert of flamenco music and dance Feb. 27

Tony Hauser to present concert of flamenco music and dance Feb. 27

Minnesota Music Award-winning guitarist Tony Hauser, the latest addition to the University of St. Thomas guitar faculty and a founder of the Minnesota Guitar Society, will present a free concert of Spanish flamenco music and dance at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, in the auditorium of Brady Educational Center on St. Thomas’ St. Paul campus.

Friday, December 11, 2009

St. Thomas Christmas Concert now available on DVD

St. Thomas Christmas Concert now available on DVD

The Dec. 7, 2008, St. Thomas Christmas Concert was an outstanding success. Students and their faculty conductors gave an excellent performance bringing the joy of the Christmas season to life with choral and instrumental music. The audience was thrilled.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Faculty, staff, students: Order Christmas Concert tickets by Nov. 19

The University of St. Thomas Music Department will present four performances of the annual Christmas Concert at 5:15 and 8:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, in the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Oct. 24 Halloween concert benefits UST Conservatory of Music

Try on your Halloween costume a week before the big night, and wear it to the fifth annual benefit concert for the University of St. Thomas Conservatory of Music. The audience is welcome to come to the concert in costume at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in Brady Educational Center auditorium.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Chapel music director to give talk about his year in Japan

UST students, faculty and staff are welcome to the next International Tuesday sponsored by International Student Services and the International Education Center.

The event, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, in the Fireside Room of Murray-Herrick Campus Center, will feature a talk by Robert Strusinski, UST chapel music director and director of the St. Thomas Liturgical Choir.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Two UST faculty to perform at Schubert Club

Schubert Club’s Metro Area Artist Series

The season’s opening concert of the Schubert Club’s Metro Artist Series will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 24, in the Ramsey County Room, Courtroom 317 (a turn-of-the-century wood-paneled courtroom) in downtown St. Paul’s Landmark Center, 75 W. Fifth St.

This varied program will include Spanish art songs, 20th century Brazilian songs and Claude Debussy’s exotic piano cycle "Estampes." Seating is limited to 100. There is no admission charge.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Japanese, American Indian and African drum groups in free concert here Saturday

Drum groups from three cultures — Japanese, American Indian and African — will share the stage in a concert, “Spirit of the Drum: Many Nations, One Voice,” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in Brady Educational Center auditorium at the University of St. Thomas.

The concert, open to the public, is presented by the University of St. Thomas Powwow Committee. There is no admission charge, but donations will be accepted.