performance ensembles

Performing Ensembles: Music

The Widener Chorale rehearses throughout the year on a weekly basis and performs at the end of each semester.  All Widener students and other members of the Widener community are welcome to join.  Studio instruction and vocal scholarships are available.  Undergraduates may receive academic credit.  Contact Mara Parker for more information.

The student-led Gospel Choir was organized in the fall of 1987.  It has given several musical programs both on and off campus, including performances at the MLK Service, the Jesse Anderson Awards Dinner, and a songfest with other area colleges.  Undergraduate students may receive academic credit.  Contact Jocelyn Manigo for further information.

Widener University's String Performance and Chamber Music Program offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere in which to play chamber music.  Designed to be flexible and sympathetic to participants' needs and schedules, the program introduces interested students to a repertoire that is both accessible and challenging.  Private lessons and regular rehearsals prepare the student for studio and chamber recitals.  The Chamber Ensemble, open to students of all levels, emphasizes ensemble playing.  Student groups vary according to instrumentation and ability.  Performance opportunities include recitals, chamber concerts, and mini-chamber recital.  Undergraduate students may receive academic credit.  Contact Mara Parker for further information.

Widener University's Wind and Jazz Ensembles rehearse weekly throughout the year.  Our professional recording facilities allow students to assess progress.  Performance opportunities include football games, recitals, and concerts.  CD recordings of recent performances are available.  The Wind Ensemble repertoire consists of the standard collegiate concert band literature.  Sixteen members participate in the performance of compositions from the libraries of Thad Jones, Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Oliver Nelson, Don Menze, and others.  Improvisation workshops, off-campus performances, and use of the recording studio round out the Jazz Ensemble experience.  Undergraduate students may receive academic credit.  Contact John Vanore for more information. 

Performing Ensembles: Theater

Widener's Freshbaked Theatre Company focuses on performing quality drama for schools and individuals in Chester, PA, and the surrounding community.  Students assess the suitability of, adapt, and develop material from stories, tales, and original literature into theatrical presentations.  Undergraduates may earn academic credit.  Contact Lisa Eckley Cocchiarale for more information.

Theatre Widener provides a regular program of significant plays for the entertainment and enrichment of the Widener community.  This program gives participants the opportunity to experience all phases of play production, including acting, technical support, and theater management.  Contact Bohdan Senkow for further information.

VISUAL ART

Widener's Art Gallery and Collection, housed in the University Center, has served as a wonderful resource for teaching and community outreach with its fine permanent collection and changing temporary exhibitions.  In recent years, the Juried Art Shows have displayed the enormous talents of our students in all areas of visual art:  painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and mixed media.

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