Brianna Williams, '11
Bluefield, WV
Major: Education, Music Emphasis
Major Instrument: Euphonium
I
just completed my freshman year and it is without a doubt that it was
the best year of my life, but only because of the amazing music
department here at Concord. Having auditioned elsewhere as a high school
senior, when I auditioned at Concord I instantly knew it was where I
wanted to spend the next four years of my life. The music faculty
welcomed me to the campus and their smiles and friendliness made it
evident that they were genuinely interested in having me in their
program. After spending a year at Concord, I know I came for the right
reason; the faculty is even more wonderful after you spend time in their
classrooms. Not only are the professors intelligent and exciting, but
they actually care about the success of their students. Their office
doors are almost always open and they are ready to offer you help the
moment you ask. Not to mention that there aren’t very many schools where
the faculty will come outside and join their students in a game of
frisbee. There’s more to the music department than just the great
faculty, though. As a member of the marching, concert, and jazz bands I
was exposed to various styles of music that not only challenged me as a
player, but heightened my passion for music. The music classes are
intense, as the faculty expects you to put forth effort, but I feel that
I learned more in one semester at Concord than I did all four years of
high school. With hard work, dedication, and the help of an incredible
faculty, the opportunities at Concord are endless.
Sara Golden, '08
Rainelle, WV
BS, Education, Music Emphasis
Major Instrument: Piano
I
am a senior music education major at Concord University. Originally, I
chose Concord because it was close to my hometown, Rainelle. I soon
realized that Concord was a good choice for many other reasons, as well.
The music department at Concord is large enough that students have many
opportunities to perform, but small enough that no one becomes just a
face in the crowd. The professors are extremely personable and
knowledgeable. Professors are more than willing to help students, in
class and out. In applied lessons, I was taught not only fundamentals
and techniques, but also how to practice—how to learn. Overall, my
education at Concord has been very solid and well-rounded. This fall I
will pursue my Master's degree in piano performance/pedagogy, and
Concord has prepared me very well as a performer... and a student.
Jordan Stadvec, '11
Princeton, WV
Major: Biology (Preprofessional: Pre-Med)
My
experience with the music department at Concord has been short, but
sweet. Although my major is currently Pre-Med, most of my freshman year
as a commuter from Princeton was spent in the Fine Arts building. I was
vocally involved in many groups including the small select choir (the
ConChords), our bigger choir (the Collegiate Singers), the jazz band
(the Commanders), and a women’s quartet (the Chordettes). I also took
voice lessons both semesters. Through these I gained lifelong friends
and unforgettable memories, while being exposed to a great variety of
styles and genres of music, from singing a traditional Byrd Mass in
ConChords to belting the legendary Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” with the
Commanders. Many opportunities were available to me, including traveling
with the Conchords to Pittsburgh on tour singing at various venues and
performing at the Greenbrier with the Commanders. Opportunities for
stage performance are numerous. This past year the ConChords performed
the first staged opera at the university, “Dido and Aenaes.” Concerts
are given for every ensemble, and soloists and small ensembles perform
at the general recitals – opportunities to portray hard work and
practice involved with taking lessons. I also took piano lessons and
accompanied soloists and the concert band. The year was a challenge, but
opened me up to my passion for music. I hope to change my major now and
graduate with a degree in music, later applying for graduate school.
Matthew Tote, '08
Princeton, WV
BA, Interdisciplinary: Music & Philosophy
Major Instrument: Percussion
While I certainly chose Concord primarily for its program in music, I
can't say that that was the only reason that influenced my decision.
Being a native West Virginian - Princeton to be exact - I was well aware
of the other institutions within the state, but Concord's reputation as
being a university concerned with a well-rounded education was just what
I was looking for. I received my B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
in Music History and Philosophy, so I had the opportunity to work
closely with faculty members outside of the music department. In
fact, I was even able to take an independent study course focusing on
the philosophy of music, which was shaped to fit my individual needs.
I will be pursuing my M.A. in musicology at Tufts University. The
music faculty at Concord has played an enormous role in preparing me for
my future career as a musicologist and philosopher. Each professor
has been extraordinarily courteous and eager to give advice on any
topic, whether it be music related or not. All the times I've
stopped in any of the professors' offices they made me feel like I was
more than just another student; I feel like I've made long-term
relationships that will continue for years to come.
I
just completed my freshman year and it is without a doubt that it was
the best year of my life, but only because of the amazing music
department here at Concord. Having auditioned elsewhere as a high school
senior, when I auditioned at Concord I instantly knew it was where I
wanted to spend the next four years of my life. The music faculty
welcomed me to the campus and their smiles and friendliness made it
evident that they were genuinely interested in having me in their
program. After spending a year at Concord, I know I came for the right
reason; the faculty is even more wonderful after you spend time in their
classrooms. Not only are the professors intelligent and exciting, but
they actually care about the success of their students. Their office
doors are almost always open and they are ready to offer you help the
moment you ask. Not to mention that there aren’t very many schools where
the faculty will come outside and join their students in a game of
frisbee. There’s more to the music department than just the great
faculty, though. As a member of the marching, concert, and jazz bands I
was exposed to various styles of music that not only challenged me as a
player, but heightened my passion for music. The music classes are
intense, as the faculty expects you to put forth effort, but I feel that
I learned more in one semester at Concord than I did all four years of
high school. With hard work, dedication, and the help of an incredible
faculty, the opportunities at Concord are endless.
I
am a senior music education major at Concord University. Originally, I
chose Concord because it was close to my hometown, Rainelle. I soon
realized that Concord was a good choice for many other reasons, as well.
The music department at Concord is large enough that students have many
opportunities to perform, but small enough that no one becomes just a
face in the crowd. The professors are extremely personable and
knowledgeable. Professors are more than willing to help students, in
class and out. In applied lessons, I was taught not only fundamentals
and techniques, but also how to practice—how to learn. Overall, my
education at Concord has been very solid and well-rounded. This fall I
will pursue my Master's degree in piano performance/pedagogy, and
Concord has prepared me very well as a performer... and a student. 
My
experience with the music department at Concord has been short, but
sweet. Although my major is currently Pre-Med, most of my freshman year
as a commuter from Princeton was spent in the Fine Arts building. I was
vocally involved in many groups including the small select choir (the
ConChords), our bigger choir (the Collegiate Singers), the jazz band
(the Commanders), and a women’s quartet (the Chordettes). I also took
voice lessons both semesters. Through these I gained lifelong friends
and unforgettable memories, while being exposed to a great variety of
styles and genres of music, from singing a traditional Byrd Mass in
ConChords to belting the legendary Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” with the
Commanders. Many opportunities were available to me, including traveling
with the Conchords to Pittsburgh on tour singing at various venues and
performing at the Greenbrier with the Commanders. Opportunities for
stage performance are numerous. This past year the ConChords performed
the first staged opera at the university, “Dido and Aenaes.” Concerts
are given for every ensemble, and soloists and small ensembles perform
at the general recitals – opportunities to portray hard work and
practice involved with taking lessons. I also took piano lessons and
accompanied soloists and the concert band. The year was a challenge, but
opened me up to my passion for music. I hope to change my major now and
graduate with a degree in music, later applying for graduate school. 
While I certainly chose Concord primarily for its program in music, I
can't say that that was the only reason that influenced my decision.
Being a native West Virginian - Princeton to be exact - I was well aware
of the other institutions within the state, but Concord's reputation as
being a university concerned with a well-rounded education was just what
I was looking for. I received my B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies
in Music History and Philosophy, so I had the opportunity to work
closely with faculty members outside of the music department. In
fact, I was even able to take an independent study course focusing on
the philosophy of music, which was shaped to fit my individual needs.
I will be pursuing my M.A. in musicology at Tufts University. The
music faculty at Concord has played an enormous role in preparing me for
my future career as a musicologist and philosopher. Each professor
has been extraordinarily courteous and eager to give advice on any
topic, whether it be music related or not. All the times I've
stopped in any of the professors' offices they made me feel like I was
more than just another student; I feel like I've made long-term
relationships that will continue for years to come.