The Westmont Orchestra Press Kit
The Westmont College Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Michael Shasberger, performs original literature, transcriptions, and arrangements. Included in this are works for full orchestra, string orchestra, and small ensembles. The study and practice includes various style periods and composers from the Renaissance through the Twenty First Century. The orchestra performs two major independent concerts each semester, as well as a combined Christmas concert with the choral ensembles and a major works program in the spring with the College Choir. Typically, the orchestra is made up of circa 60 student string players and a classical wind component with appropriate percussion and keyboard musicians. Faculty specialists coach each section of the orchestra, including Dr. Philip Ficsor (upper strings), John Sant'Ambrogio (lower strings), and Dr. Paul Mori (wind, brass and percussion).
Orchestra Trip to China
In May 2012, 60 members of the Westmont Orchestra will travel to China to visit the cities of Beijing, Suzhou, and Shanghai. The orchestra will perform at various universities and atop the Great Wall of China! Student will connect with a music ensemble in Beijing and share a concert with local musicians of Suzhou. For the orchestra's prelimintary itinterary, please view this link.
Over $10,000 has been raised through creative student fundraising for this trip. In order to make this trip possible, students will need to raise an additional $15,000 over the next few months.
If you would like to sign up for an e-mail newsletter about the tour, please send your e-mail address to music@westmont.edu. We will add you to our email list and share with you periodically as we prepare, perhaps while we travel, and when we return home. If you choose to donate on-line at www.westmont.edu/giving, please indicate “Orchestra Tour” in the “other” gift designation box.
Adopt-A-Musician
The Music Department is excited to announce its newest program called Adopt-A-Musician! Through this program, you will have the unique opportunity to be paired with an orchestra musician for the 2011-12 Season!
Westmont concert-goers and music supporters may "adopt" a musician from the Westmont Orchestra for $100. Adopters will also have the option to support their student further in sponsoring him or her for the orchestra's summer tour to China. Please spread the word to your friends and other orchestra enthusiasts!
All funds received through this program will go toward supporting these students' performances and their tour expenses. Our goal is for every musician to have a season adopter by the end of the fall semester.
It is our hope that this program will cultivate new support for the orchestra and provide a unique relationship opportunity for you with our orchestra musicians. As a musical "parent" you will have the chance to mingle and get to know your adoptee at each concert, where you can meet and greet him or her the during intermission orafter the concert.
Each adopter will receive an Adopt-A-Musician card that will include a sparkling photo and some basic information about your student musician. You will be able to wear your musician's card on a Westmont lanyard at each concert, so you will be clearly identified as their musical adopter.
Check out our Adopt-A-Musician Facebook photo album at this link!
Please email music@westmont.edu for more information on how to join in the fun!
About Westmont
Westmont College is a Christian liberal arts college with an enrollment of 1200 students located in the hills above Santa Barbara, California. Westmont College's mission is to be an undergraduate, residential, Christian, liberal arts community serving God’s kingdom by cultivating thoughtful scholars, grateful servants and faithful leaders for global engagement with the academy, church and world.
Click here for more information about Westmont.