With deep gratitude, Westmont musicians seek to cultivate their craft and share their gifts with others. Under the mentorship of Christian faculty, students strive for artistic excellence, always with integrity of character and purpose. As both artists and scholars, students deepen their musical understanding in the rich intellectual context of a liberal arts education, drawing connections with other fields of knowledge. In all this, we as students and faculty seek to cultivate a musical community of worship, service, and mutual growth, with Christ preeminent in all we do.
Isaac Kay ’16 graduated from Westmont with a degree in music, focusing on violin performance, studying at the Heidelberg Opera House, touring Italy with the orchestra, and performing as a concerto soloist. He did graduate work at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Colorado Boulder. A member of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, he has performed with the Omaha Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic and New World Symphony and has received fellowships at the Aspen Music Festival and School, among others. His violin students at Westmont won the concerto competition and attended music festivals. Isaac has created and hosts a new docuseries, Travel Notes, that seeks unity and connection through music.
Carissa Corrigan ’24 double majored in Music Education and History and is featured on Westmont’s 2023 Outstanding Graduates list. Carissa studied music in an abroad program in Vienna, Austria in 2022. While pursuing her Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music through Westmont’s Teaching Credential Program, Carissa was a student music teacher at Adams Elementary School. She “worked hard to incorporate material that would be relevant and interesting to [her] students while still providing them with the nutrients to build musical literacy,” and of course, share the joy of music. Carissa is now the Music Teacher at Harding University Partnership School here in Santa Barbara and is the Coordinator for the Camerata Ensemble and Philharmonia Orchestra through Santa Barbara Symphony’s Youth Ensembles Program
This talented and dedicated group of educators and musicians brings a wealth of expertise in performance, composition, music theory, and music history. They inspire and guide students in a nurturing and dynamic environment, fostering a deep appreciation for the art of music. Their commitment to excellence enriches our vibrant musical community.
Both concerts are free, all are welcome!
Looking for Tour Stops from February 13-17th, 2026: The 50 member Westmont College Orchestra is looking for performance venues for President's day weekend. Would you like to host them at your church, community, retirement center or school? Contact the Westmont College Music Department today via email at music@westmont.edu.
Westmont Music students were honored to be invited by UCSB Arts&Lectures to join a special Q&A session with the one and only Yo-Yo Ma. Collegiate musicians from UCSB and Westmont joined together at the Arlington Theatre before Mr. Ma's evening performance to hear stories, wisdom, and advice from the acclaimed cellist. We are grateful for our continued partnership with UCSB Arts&Lectures and for their exceptional and educational programming throughout the year. This is just one example of the abundant opportunities that our Music students have as they study at Westmont. Follow us @westmontmusic to keep up to date with more exciting opportunities and events throughout the school year!
Founded with the college in 1937, the Westmont College Choir continues as a living legacy of Westmont’s spirit and mission, drawing singers from all areas of academic study together in worship and service for the community. The College Choir represents Westmont in the Santa Barbara community, featured at the annual Westmont Christmas Festival at the Granada Theatre, as well as in performances with the Santa Barbara Symphony and other local ensembles. Internationally, the College Choir has toured extensively, including in Italy, Austria, Germany, Costa Rica, Guatemala, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Currently under the direction of alumnus Dr. Daniel Gee ‘13, the College Choir celebrates the diversity of cultural influences in Southern California, particularly highlighting Spanish-language choral music alongside the traditional Western concert repertoire.
the Westmont Chamber Singers features Westmont’s top vocal talent and has become a regular and sought after performing presence in Santa Barbara’s vibrant music scene. Currently led by Dr. Daniel Gee, the Chamber Singers perform extensively and in a myriad of contexts, from the majestic Bellosguardo Estate, to the Grace Fisher Winter Showcase in the Granada Theatre, to the dedication of the U.S.S. Santa Barbara at the Rosewood Miramar Hotel, to private events in Santa Ynez Wineries. Inquiries for performances can be sent to music@westmont.edu.
The Westmont College Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Ruth Lin, 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 and plays for the annual opera production. Typically, the orchestra is made up of circa 60 students. Faculty specialists coach each section of the orchestra, including Dr. Han Soo Kim (violin), and Dr. Paul Mori (wind, brass and percussion).
Various Wind Chamber Ensembles, directed and coached by Dr. Paul Mori and Andrea Di Maggio, are organized for brass, woodwind, and percussion players. The various chamber ensembles perform throughout the semester. Typical groups include a woodwind quintet, 5 brass sextet, brass choir, and flute ensemble. Other ensembles form to meet student interest and abilities.
A wide range of music from contemporary jazz to hymn arrangements mixed with classical pieces.
Offering traditional string quartets, trios and other ensembles. These groups have an active presence on campus and throughout the Santa Barbara community.
