Why Study Music and Theatre at SMWC?
Mission Statement:
The Department of Music and Theatre encourages the growth and development of tomorrow’s leaders to bring about change and foster community through the cultivation of skills in the performing and expressive arts.
Vision Statement:
The Department of Music and Theatre strives to be a community of educational and cultural leaders fostering creative and innovative arts-based approaches to student-centered learning.
We value:
- Creative and innovative arts-based approaches to student-centered learning
- Fostering connection to self, others, SMWC, and the community-at-large through its legacy of the performing and expressive arts
- Striving for cultural responsiveness and anti-oppressive practices in all facets of programming
- Supporting spirituality through music and the arts
You’ll gain a unique experience
Being a music and/or theatre student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a unique experience in which students receive individual attention from accomplished faculty members, enabling them to develop both personally and professionally. Students wishing to attend The Woods may have a focus as an instrumentalist, pianist or vocalist before beginning classes.
Students in the various music and theatre programs of study work collaboratively with faculty in a variety of ways. Students may choose to:
- perform a recital with a peer and/or faculty member;
- co-present with faculty at a conference or in the community; or
- prepare for an audition under the direct guidance of faculty.
The music programs at SMWC are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). In addition, the Music Therapy programs are approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
You’ll have access to equipment you need
The Department of Music and Theatre is housed within the beautiful Conservatory of Music (built in 1913). The marble stairwells, spacious practice rooms with large windows, historic 750-seat Cecilian Auditorium, state-of-the-art piano lab, and music technology lab all provide students with the environment they need to excel in all areas of study. Students have two public spaces in which to rehearse and perform—Cecilian Auditorium and the intimate Little Theatre at Guerin Hall.
You’ll have performing opportunities
- Students have multiple opportunities to excel in the Music and Theatre Department. You’ll be able to sharpen your skills by joining SMWC’s renowned music ensembles:
- SMWC Chorale (non-auditioned choir open to all majors)
- SMWC Madrigals (Audition only, but open to all majors; smaller women’s ensemble which performs a range of repertoire)
- SMWC Band (Non-auditioned instrumental ensemble open to all majors, performing Pep Band literature for home athletic events and Concert literature for instrumental concerts)
- SMWC Woods Vocal Ensemble (co-educational vocal ensemble, open to all majors)
Opportunities in theatre performance also exist. There are student-directed scenes and one-acts, and main stage productions during the fall and winter. Musicals and dramas are open to all campus students by audition. Productions range from outstanding musicals and operettas to original adaptations of Shakespeare and children’s literature. Guest artists are invited every year, not only to direct, but to present music recitals and dramatic performances. Students are able to work with these professionals in master classes and/or workshops.