ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Whittier College Department of Music provides a welcoming environment to all students who wish to learn more about music ranging from popular to jazz and classical to world music. Introductory and advanced courses (both theoretical and historical) are designed for students to explore this wide range of music as either music majors, music minors, or as students fulfilling liberal education requirements. Our performing ensembles also embrace this wide variety of musical styles and are open to all Whittier College students regardless of their major field of interest. Information concerning departmental offerings, policies and procedures can be found in the Department of Music Student Handbook. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for Talent Awards (scholarships) to help subsidize the cost of attendance. If you want to develop your current musical experiences or explore new musical avenues—including music business, recording techniques, etc.— we encourage you to explore this website and contact us for more information.

Our Mission

The Department of Music provides a challenging yet supportive environment to students of wide-ranging experiences and accomplishments, for the purpose of guiding and preparing them for a lifetime of musical exploration ranging from casual but informed listening to intense graduate study and musical career paths.

Department Goals

  1. To foster a sense of community within the department and promote musical activities that support the wider Whittier community both on and off campus.
  2. To ignite a quest for musical knowledge through the development of active learning and critical thinking skills.
  3. To develop a complete understanding of the evolution and usage of the signs and symbols that constitute the musical vocabulary of a wide array of music.
  4. To provide an overview and in depth study of historical considerations that include composers, forms and genres of diverse types of music.
  5. To develop research techniques and refine communication skills both written and oral.
  6. To nurture performance capabilities and provide performance opportunities designed to stimulate both artistic and listening skills in a live music setting.

Department News

11.5.08 Inside Latin Jazz with Justo Almario

Jazz artist, Justo Almario and his Afro-Colombian Ensemble will come to Whittier College for a brief residency, Inside Latin Jazz, November 13 and 14, 2008. Thursday evning (11/13) at 7 pm on the Shannon Center stage, Danilo Lozano will moderate a discussion of Almario's life and a live performance. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

Justo will present an outreach program for public school children at 11 am Friday (11/14 - reservations required), followed by a Workshop in Memorial Chapel which is free to interested people.

Friday evening (11/14) at 8 pm, Justo Almario and his Afro-Colombian Ensemble will present a concert in the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $15 General; $10 Students/Seniors; $5 WC Faculty/Staff/Students. Seating is limited Call the box office, (562) 907-4203, for tickets.

11.5.08 Whittier College Holiday Dinner

An annual tradition, the Whittier College Choir, soloists, Music Department Instrumental Ensembles and the Broadoaks Children's Choirs will present their Holiday Dinner, Music...Laughter...Peace. The dinner and performance will be presented Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6, 2008. Seating begins at 6:30 pm. There will be a special performance on Sunday, December 7, 2008 which is nearly subscribed - less than 16 seats are available. Sunday seating begins at 5:30 pm. Adults are $45, Students and Children are $25. If you reserve a table of 8, you may subtract $20 from your total amount. Reservations are required. Please call (562) 907-4237 for more information or to make reservations with a credit card. Proceeds will help support the College Choir Spring tour.

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