Performance B.M.

In addition to individual recitals and ensemble concerts, organ and piano performance majors may perform in the Setnor School’s weekly convocation, an informal gathering of faculty and students.

Organ majors are encouraged to sing in the Hendricks Chapel Choir during their first year, where you sing for weekly Sunday chapel services, perform occasional organ voluntaries and hymns and gain exposure to a broad range of liturgical choral music. Student organists are able to draw on a myriad of performance, church music and arts administration opportunities both on campus and in the wider community. While most of the teaching takes place in the Setnor School of Music, student organists regularly make use of additional opportunities supported by Hendricks Chapel, Syracuse Catholic Community, and the Syracuse Chapter of the American Guild of Organists in order to make the most of their experience in Syracuse. Read more about organ study at Setnor to get a sense of what students are up to. For more information, or to express an interest in applying or getting involved, email Professor Anne Laver, associate professor of organ and University organist, at alaver@syr.edu.

String performance majors are required to participate in a large ensemble during each semester they are enrolled as a full-time student. Students have an opportunity to perform in a symphony and/or chamber orchestra and the Contemporary Music Ensemble, as well as a variety of chamber music ensembles.

In addition, guest artists and faculty frequently collaborate with students in performances of the major chamber music repertoire, thus passing on their experience, traditions and insights to the next generation of players.

You are required to participate in a choir each semester that you are enrolled as a voice performance major. The Setnor School offers six different choirs with a variety of styles, from world music to contemporary works. In addition, the Opera Workshop provides an opportunity to perform complete operatic roles in fully-staged performances. An active, student-run a cappella culture provides camaraderie, fun and the opportunity for leadership. It is common for students to participate in each other’s degree recitals, and many take leadership roles in the productions of the First-Year Players.

Opportunities for vocal students include paid positions as section leaders in local church choirs or performing roles with the nearby Oswego Opera.

The Wind Ensemble is the premiere concert wind organization at Syracuse University.