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
Cheryl Nichols, instructor
and Music program coordinator, earned a B.S. from the University of
Missouri-Columbia.
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. and M.A. from the University
of Missouri-Columbia.
Pamela Ellsworth-Smith, assistant professor, earned
a B.S.E., Arkansas State University;
and M. Mus., Loyola University.
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