Under the guidance of Arthur B. Himmelberger, Director of the Music Program, the various performance oriented instrumental and vocal ensembles have become the backbone of the Marist College Music Department. The department has grown tremendously over the past few years and is the residence for a 'family' of about 300 (non-music major) students. The young men and women that comprise this family pursue their love for music through the achievement of musical excellence while performing on the Marist campus as well as throughout the greater Hudson River Valley, New York State, the Nation, and abroad.
Each Marist student can participate in several of the eighteen performing ensembles and take a variety of courses offered in music theory and music history. From applied studies in voice, piano, brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, guitars and handbells to researching the lives and works of re-known composers, the Marist music student experiences an environment of individual care and attention that is conducive to personal musical growth. These nurtured skills contribute to the musical vitality of the College and remain with the student, to be used and enjoyed throughout their life.
The Music Department offers a Music Minor with both instrumental and vocal tracks. All music students are encouraged to consider the declaration of a Music Minor however it is not a requirement for full participation in our ensembles and as well for thorough enjoyment of our music course offerings.
Three of the most highly visible and active organizations on campus are the Marist College Band, Marist College Singers and Marist College String Orchestra.
All of the instrumental and vocal ensembles may be taken for academic credit. Additionally, membership in these ensembles will provide the student with coveted club "priority points" that are necessary for students to obtain the best possible on-campus housing accommodations during the sophomore, junior and senior years.
Marist musical ensembles are seen throughout the school year performing on and off campus, in the surrounding community, across the Nation and around the globe. In April 1999 the Marist Singers sang at the canonization of Saint Marcellin Champagnat for the Pope in Rome. Marist musical ensembles have also performed in Montreal, Boston, Hawaii, Florida, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
The Marist Council on Theater Arts (MCCTA) presents eight productions annually, including both musical and non-musical endeavors. MCCTA produces its annual musical in cooperation with the music department. The music department and MCCTA provide an opportunity for students to combine theater and musicianship. The music department offers vocal coaching for cast members and students from the Marist College Band perform in the Pit Orchestra. Because of the cooperative effort between MCCTA and the music department, musical productions have been a continual success at Marist.
