With surrounding colleges and universities placing an emphasis on music education, Wofford tends to fall behind institutions like Furman and Converse in terms of musical arts. More musical opportunities on campus could draw in more students to apply to the college.
Currently, students have a variety of opportunities to participate in music related organizations and coursework on campus. Students are able to join chamber music groups and choirs.
Although these opportunities are available on campus, not many students take up the opportunity to pursue music during their collegiate career. This lack of interest wasn’t always the case in Wofford history.
The “Bohemian” in 1966 catalogued the achievements of the Wofford Glee Club, citing numerous public appearances and a tour of the entire southeast.
Moving toward the 21st century, in 2003, the Concert Band consisted of 39 students, surprising as the amount of band members is now limited, as seen by the small pep band on the sidelines of basketball games. Photos in the 2011 yearbook showcase a flourishing full piece string orchestra and multiple signing groups, including a gospel choir.
One of the ways the music department is working toward revitalizing interest in music programs on-campus is in exposure to the programs offered.
Wofford Singers took a trip to Charleston, SC Feb. 20-22. Performances of a group of 24 Wofford singers were led by Aaron Harp, DMA. The main goal of the trip to the lowcountry high schools was to inform students of the opportunities at Wofford to pursue music.
Harp, an assistant professor of music, serves as the director of choral and vocal studies and the chair of the music department. He states that the Charleston trip had multiple objectives.
“The trip (aimed to) increase awareness of Wofford’s music program across the state, letting students know that there are opportunities to continue their involvement with music in college, to provide our students with meaningful opportunities to interact and collaborate with other singers, to cultivate a sense of community and excitement within Wofford Singers, and engage with alumni and families in the Charleston area with our performance at Circular Congregational Church,” Harp said.
Wofford Singers visited J.L. Mann High School in Greenville, Spartanburg High School, Cane Bay High School in Summerville, and Charleston County School of the Arts. Between all the schools, Wofford Singers performed for over 300 high school choral singers.
Mary Miles Lee ‘27 is a soprano in Wofford Singers from Florence, SC. She appreciates how Wofford allows her to pursue her passions while majoring in psychology.
“The choir tour was a great opportunity to bond with the rest of the people in the choir, as well as meet high schoolers in the area. I’m happy that this tour can potentially open up even more opportunities in the future for Wofford Singers,” Lee said.
Other areas of the Wofford music community, like band members, express concerns on student involvement in music programs.
Kate Podrebarac ‘26 is a double major in computer science and applied mathematics. However, she is also dedicated to continuing her career as a flautist. Podrebarac has previously served in leadership roles for Mu Beta Psi, the Music Honor society on campus.
She finds Wofford music to be special but misunderstood. There are many different music groups that do not get enough publicity and perform mainly unheard.
Podrebarac hopes that students understand they can continue their music journey while at Wofford.
“I find it saddening that people who once sang in their high school choir or played in a band or orchestra are not interested in continuing because they are busy,” Podrebarac said. “Yet, they don’t understand that Wofford’s music groups are much more relaxed and want to work with you! In the coming years I hope to see more people interested and participating in music on campus.”
Thankfully for Podrebarac, the Wofford Singers trip worked toward this goal. The exposure to the college’s music programs will hopefully allow it to grow and flourish into a community as cherished as it was in past decades.
To watch the Wofford Singers in their performance at Circular Congregational Church, go to https://youtu.be/FKHCXY8n3tM?si=AE3bYVQDCi6pgBh5.
