By MEGAN MAHARRY, Assistant Editor
The music department at Northwestern Oklahoma State University offers many different classes revolving around music, and opportunities for students to join choir and band.
Karsten Longhurst is the choir director for NWOSU. He also teaches a series of classes in the music department. He teaches musicianship and conducting. Longhurst conducts three different choirs in the music department. The concert choir is open to anyone, including members from the community of Alva. The concert choir gives a concert every fall. Chorale is an elite group that students must audition for. Longhurst said Chorale performs many different styles of music, ranging from classical to contemporary. Chorale gives a fall and spring concert every year, and they sometimes perform at various events around Alva. The Singers is the most advanced choral group at NWOSU. The Singers also sing a wide variety of music styles. They give a fall and spring concert, but also perform at large events outside of Alva. Longhurst said the Singers and Chorale will perform at the Enid Symphony Collaboration this year. The Singers and members from Chorale are also touring and performing in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic in July. Longhurst said his favorite part about teaching and conducting is the interaction he has with students and music. He invites people to join choir no matter what.
“I believe singing is something that can enrich your life,” Longhurst said.
Dr. Marc Decker is the director of instrumental music and music education at NWOSU. He teaches the classes Instruction in Percussion Instruments, Introduction to Music Education, and Instrumental Materials for the Secondary Schools, which are targeted for music education majors. He also directs all the bands. The Ranger Marching Band performs and entertains at the football and basketball games. The Northwestern Jazz Ensemble is a smaller group that travels and performs at various community events. Decker said the Jazz Ensemble is performing at the Alva Citizens Choice Awards this semester. The Symphony Band is a larger ensemble that performs concert works of the highest artistic value. Decker said the Symphony Band will perform twice in Herod Hall this semester. The Community Band is a new ensemble that will begin rehearsal in March and will perform in concert in April. Decker said the best part of being a band director is watching the students and entire ensemble, grow and learn.
Lawana Newell is an instructor of music at NWOSU. She teaches all voice students. She teaches her voice students good vocal technique as well as good tone quality and breathing. She also teaches Vocal Literature, Language Diction and Vocal, Music and Life and a musical theater class. Newell said her favorite part about teaching at NWOSU is imparting her passion for music to her students. She said the music department aims to expand students’ horizons and instill a good structure of music.
“We have very fine students at NWOSU who work hard,” Newell said.
Madison Hofen is a sophomore music major at NWOSU. She participates in all three choirs, the Ranger Marching Band and the concert band. Hofen said she has a lot of fun singing in all the choirs. Her favorite genre of music to sing in choir is gospel and spiritual. Hofen plays the trumpet in concert band, and she is the Drum Major for the Ranger Marching Band. She was recently selected to the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band. Hofen said she loves being part of the music department.
“I like any opportunity to make music with my friends,” Hofen said.