Music
The Stephens Music program serves students
on several levels by offering opportunities for performance
and for study leading to a fuller appreciation of the meanings
and systems of expression which musical works involve.
The Program
A vital part of the Performing Arts
Program at Stephens, the music area enriches the academic
and residential environment of the campus. A minor in Music
is offered; students often choose to major in Theatre Arts
or Dance. The music curriculum is designed to develop a foundation
of intellectual, physical and artistic skills that are a necessary
basis for students interested in emphasizing musical theatre.
Performance Opportunities
Each month music students participate
in Bach’s Lunch, which allows students to “try
out” their technique in front of a supportive campus
audience. Other solo and ensemble performance opportunities
also are available in formal and informal recitals, workshops
and stage productions.
Students may audition for the Velvetones, the College's a
capella jazz ensemble; the eight-member group performed at
Carnegie Hall as part of the Ninth Annual Jazz Festival in
April 2005. Chosen as one of only eight groups to perform,
the Velvetones participated in a four-day residency with Phil
Mattson, who won a Grammy for his arrangement on “Manhattan
Transfer.”
Notable Alumnae
Stephens alumnae who studied music
at the College include the following:
- Paula Zahn, CNN news
anchor who attended Stephens on a cello scholarship.
- Corky Hale, a
jazz pianist and harpist, has accompanied many musical legends,
including Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett and
Liberace. She returned to Stephens in fall 2004 to perform
in "Jazz on the Lawn."
Music Faculty
Pamela Ellsworth-Smith,
assistant professor and Music program coordinator, earned
a B.S.E., Arkansas State University;
and M. Mus., Loyola University.
Tom Andes, instructor,
earned a B.S. from the University of Missouri and a two-year
certificate for Piano Performance from Berklee College of
Music.
Rusty Elder, instructor, earned a B.S. from the University
of Missouri-Columbia.
Cheryl Nichols, instructor,
earned a B.S. from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
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