CWU Music programs receive well-earned media attention

The Ellensburg Daily Record has been tuned in to the Central Washington University Department of Music over the past few weeks, producing three glowing news features about our standout music students and faculty.

Most recently, reporter Anna Rose wrote a piece titled “Powerhouse players: CWU's top music groups invited to regional conference,” which highlighted three groups of CWU music students who were selected to perform at next month’s  Northwest Regional Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) conference in Yakima.

The groups invited to perform at the conference are Jazz Band 1, directed by Keith Karns; Chamber Choir, directed by Nicole Lamartine; and Symphony Orchestra, directed by Nikolas Caoile.

“I realized my passion for teaching and impacting the next generation of choral musicians and teachers would be best fulfilled here at Central because of the reputation we have and I just wanted to be part of this amazing community of musicians,” Lamartine said.

Caoile said in the article that he is excited for the collaboration his orchestra will experience at the conference.

“Altogether, we will have more than 100 musicians on stage at the Capitol Theatre in Yakima,” he said, adding that collaboration is the most critical element for his students. “Given that I direct many orchestras of varying levels, my approach to direction has to do with creating a space for all musicians to play at their best no matter their background and ability.”

On December 30, Rose highlighted the ways in which the CWU Music faculty goes the extra mile to support their students in an article titled “Central music faculty showcases its talents to fundraise for students.”

To make up for a relative decrease in financial resources, Department Chair Mark Goodenberger and his colleagues came up with the idea to host musical-performance fundraisers to help their students cover the cost of travel to regional events.

The first event was held in October, with 15 CWU faculty members participating. Another event is planned for February 9, and Goodenberger thinks the faculty participation may grow.

Admission is by donation, and all of the money raised will go toward supporting the music program.

“We’re already rehearsing individually,” Goodenberger said. “Solos, duets. With a little more organization, I’d love to do a bigger ensemble piece someday.”

Goodenberger added that he is pleased that Ellensburg residents are willing to support such a venture.

“Having a university like this in a small town is special because it brings big-city-level talent, world-class performers right out into the community. We always feel support from the community when we do things. This is the top music department in the state. And it’s here in this little town.”

A third Daily Record article on December 27, titled “Central’s vocal group selected for elite conference,” featured CWU’s Vocal Jazz 1 group, which was selected to perform at this month’s American Choral Directors Association Northwest regional conference in Spokane.

Professor Vijay Singh’s students were the only collegiate vocal jazz group chosen to attend the conference. Vocal Jazz 1 has attended the regional conference six times in Singh’s 24-year tenure, and two groups have been selected for national conferences.

“It’s a real honor, and very competitive, obviously,” Singh said in the article, adding there is a rigorous application process that spans three years. “Groups that apply to perform or present at these conferences have to submit quality live concert footage — three consecutive years of it,” he explained.