The Herberger Institute’s School of Music recently partnered with Barrett, the Honors College to create a vocal group open to all undergraduate students.
The Barrett Choir, an 87-student ensemble, is the project of School of Music professor David Schildkret.
“The School of Music asked me to start a group and I asked if they would be interested in a choir for the honors college,” Schildkret said. “Music schools like ours tend to not do a very good job serving non-music majors.”
Only two of the 87 members are music majors, Schildkret said.
Since the choir’s purpose is to give students the opportunity to perform, Schildkret also opened the ensemble to non-Barrett students.
Business supply chain management sophomore Bruce Fowler is a non-Barrett student singing bass.
“I found out about the choir through my roommate, (a Barrett student),” Fowler said. “I sang some in high school.”
Those interested were required to audition for the choir Schildkret said.
Participants have the option of taking the class for honors or regular credit.
Schildkret said he also allowed students to help write the class syllabus, acknowledging these are some of the brightest students ASU has to offer.
“It’ll never be like this again,” he said. “This is a pretty exciting opportunity for everybody. We get to shape (the ensemble).”
Biology sophomore Andrea Noziglia, who sings alto, said she anticipates having a great experience in the choir.
“I like the dedication, experience and devotion to detail that Dr. Schildkret and the other students in this choir (have),” Noziglia said.
Aerospace engineering freshman Kevin Balzer carried his musical experience in chorus and guitar from high school to the new ensemble to sing second bass.
“After knowing I was accepted, it was really cool feeling part of a college-level choir,” Balzer said. “Being part of something that big is awesome.”
The Barrett Choir, which meets semiweekly, began rehearsals Aug. 18 for upcoming concerts in November and December. The choir will make its first public appearance Oct. 29 in the Barrett Showcase. The time and location have not been announced.
“The best part of this choir is that every person (is) there because they want to be,” Balzar said. “Everyone in the room is passionate and ready.”
Reach the reporter at apmccull@asu.edu
