Must students have been active in music at some point in their lives, whether through playing their favorite instrument or singing in a church choir.
By the time the college years roll around, however, many of these activities fall by the wayside. But now is an ideal time for students to get involved in music, because Bradley's music department offers a full spectrum of programs for both participants and spectators.
David Vroman, who chairs the music department and directs band activities, stressed that Bradley is an excellent place for students to familiarize themselves with different aspects of music culture, such as symphonies.
Music classes, bands and vocal groups are open to all Bradley students, regardless of their major.
The Bradley University band program, for example, presently has more than 180 students with several different academic majors from every college on campus. There are four performing groups in the band program, plus other small ensembles.
The symphonic winds is a group of about 55 students who rehearse high quality concert band literature and perform at formal concerts and on tours.
The symphonic band is a larger groups that rehearses three days a week in the Dingeldine Music Center. The Bradley jazz ensemble performs all styles of jazz for campus as well as community concerts.
Julian Webb, a mechanical engineering and music major who plays the bass, has been a member of the jazz ensemble for two years.
"The music here is more challenging than high school because everyone is on the same level," he said.
Auditions are required for these three bands, but there is no charge for full-time Bradley students to participate. There are also instruments available for students to use at no cost.
Volunteers from the symphonic winds, the symphonic band and the jazz ensemble make up the Bradley pep band. The band provides entertainment at all home men's and women's basketball games.
For students who are interested in playing music but don't have time to join the band, private instruction is available for all band instruments.
The chamber orchestra is made up of string players with some wind and percussion. This group specializes in works of the Baroque and Classical periods, as well as modern material. Qualified students can audition for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and receive credit for participation.
Any full or part time student, regardless of major, can audition for any of Bradley's vocal music organizations. The Bradley chorale is an award-winning mixed choir that has toured in the United States and Europe. Students receive one credit for their participation in the chorale.
The Bradley madrigal singers is a group composed of chorale members. These advanced singers perform madrigals and other chamber choir literature.
Female students can perform music written especially for women in the women's choir. Bradley students join singers from the community to perform a concert each semester in the community chorus.
Each spring semester singers are given the opportunity to develop their performing skills in the field of opera through the opera workshop. Students are then invited to perform in the chorus for Peoria Civic Opera productions.
The music department offers a variety of courses for Bradley students, including non-music majors. For example, classes are available for voice, piano and ear-training and sight-singing.
For students who don't wish to take the hands-on approach to music but would rather watch and listen, Bradley's music department has lots to offer in the upcoming weeks.
Music faculty member Michael Hull will present a guitar recital Saturday. Then, on Oct. 17, the Bradley chamber orchestra will give a concert. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Bradley jazz ensemble will take center stage on Oct. 20 for "An Afternoon of Jazz."
This concert is part of the Music Scholarship Concert Series, in which subscriptions for the performances benefit music scholarships. The concert starts at 3 p.m.
All performances are held at the Dingeldine Music Center and are free of charge to students. For more information on music programs, contact the department of music at x2605.