From the Chair: Dr. Karin Di Bella

I am often asked, “What does a degree in Music do for someone?”

I get this question now more than ever, when I tell people what I do for a living.

The answer is always:

Transferable skills.

Music students aren’t just learning to become proficient at their instrument, they are learning resilience and how to be scrappy. They are learning to be adaptable, good communicators, critical thinkers, humanists, team players and independent learners. They aren’t just used to performing under pressure, they are trained to perform under pressure.

Our performances this year will allow viewers a glimpse into how students are getting things done in a COVID-19 world. They record their performances on the devices they have at home. Some work with backup tracks and some don’t; a very few work (safely!) with a pianist.

As you enjoy these performances I would invite you to consider exactly what you are witnessing. Hard work, definitely. But you are also privileged to witness the development of true resilience and creative grit, the kind of real skills that can take these young musicians to excel in any vocation they choose.

I am beyond proud of each and every one of them.

– Dr. Karin Di Bella DMA, MMus, BMus, ARCT
Chair, Department of Music
Associate Professor of Piano

RBC Foundation Music @ Noon Series

Generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation, this free concert series takes place most Tuesdays at noon throughout the academic year. These recitals are open to the public, and feature our performance faculty, special guests, as well as talented students and alumni.

Department of Music Virtual Ensembles
The Show Zooms On

Brock Music ensembles have gone virtual for the 2020-21 performance season! The Department of Music Virtual Ensembles present a virtual concert series The Show Zooms On featuring:

The University Wind Ensemble, Zoltan Kalman, Conductor
The Choral Ensemble, Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Conductor
The University String Orchestra, George Cleland, Conductor
The University Jazz Orchestra, Zoltan Kalman, Conductor

Walker String Quartet

The Walker String Quartet (WSQ) is the Department of Music’s quartet in residence. The group gives prominence to the department through public performance and working with students in high school string programs to share in the joy of music and promote Brock’s music program.

University String Orchestra

George Cleland – Conductor

For the first time in the Department of Music’s history, we are proud to present our newest ensemble. Under the direction of George Cleland, the String Orchestra combines university students and community members in the performance of standard masterworks and lesser-known gems of the string repertoire. Please check back for 2020-21 season details.

University Wind Ensemble

Zoltan Kalman – Conductor

The University Wind Ensemble enjoys a rich heritage of musical excellence, bringing together both university and high school students as well as members of the Niagara musical community to explore and perform major symphonic wind band works, both original and arranged. Please check back for 2020-21 season details.

Viva Voce Choral Series

Rachel Rensink-Hoff – Conductor

The Viva Voce Choral Series features the Brock Chamber Choir and Women’s Choir as well as Avanti Chamber Singers, who serve as Ensemble-in-Residence for the Department of Music. Under the direction of conductor Rachel Rensink-Hoff, these excellent choirs perform multiple concerts throughout the academic year. They have also engaged in community outreach, collaborated with choirs in Canada and the U.S., and produced CD recordings of works by Niagara composers. Please check back for 2020-21 season details.

Encore! Professional Concert Series

The Encore! Professional Concert Series was a premium professional music experience. Guests from across Niagara joined us for four unforgettable evenings in the remarkable Partridge Hall of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. We are in the process of reinventing this series in accordance with current public health measures. Please check back for updates.

Hugh and Marie Logan Jazz Series

Through the immense generosity of Mrs. Norma Bassett, this new series offers jazz lovers three unforgettable evenings over the concert season: two end-of-term concerts by the newly minted University Jazz Ensemble, and a guest-artist concert in February. All concerts honour the memory of Niagara-based jazz enthusiast and amateur musician, Hugh Logan, and his late wife, Marie.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Hugh and Marie Logan Jazz Series is currently on hold as part of Brock University’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the community in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please check back for updates.

This page is being updated with events for the 2020-21 Season.  Please check back soon. (20/11/02)