News

The connection between music and math is well established, particularly in the Jazz Ensemble at UWaterloo.  Every term the ensemble reforms, with over 50% of the players coming from a Math field of study.  See article from Waterloo News, courtesy of Melodie Roschman and the Math faculty.  If you are interested in joining the Jazz Ensemble next term, here is the link: Jazz Ensemble

Last month, the Theatre of the Arts at the University of Waterloo was brimming with thrumming beats, haunting voices, layered melodies, and a unique blend of electronic cello and traditional Indigenous music. As part of the Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters conference organized by Conrad Grebel University College, Indigenous and Mennonite musicians offered a concert that addressed relationships, beauty, nature, hope, and betrayal.

Congratulations to Jacquelyn Morley (Honours Music) on being this year’s recipient of the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Music for the graduating class of 2020.

New this year is Spring term Jazz Ensemble!

See Jazz Ensemble page for details.  Students from all faculties welcome, including Grad students.  This ensemble is directed by Michael Wood, and will start with auditions on May 2nd.  There will be an end of term concert as well.

Music unites people all over the world. This winter, Conrad Grebel University College is bringing people together virtually through the Noon Hour Concert series, starting January 26 at 12:30 pm. Additional concerts will premiere on most Wednesdays during the Winter term. These concerts are recorded with a small live audience and are broadcasted on the Grebel YouTube channel.

Through the Arts First program, the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Arts provides a wide spectrum of courses each term with an emphasis on developing inquiry and communication skills. First-year students have an opportunity to explore a variety of topics based on a professor’s expertise, with each course taught in a small seminar setting where students build social awareness and ethical engagement. These courses are often a gateway to learning about potential majors students might pursue, including Grebel’s programs such as Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Mennonite Studies, and Religious and Theological Studies.

The University of Waterloo Music Department at Grebel spent the last month recording end-of-term ensemble concerts. Showcasing talent from two vocal groups, a string orchestra, a Balinese gamelan, a jazz band, and small instrumental chamber ensembles, these recordings are a musical treat for all. Participants include students from all faculties at UWaterloo, demonstrating the connection between science, technology, engineering, math, and arts! 

We regret to inform you that we have decided to postpone the February 2022 Concerto & Aria Competition to February 2023.  The first Covid shutdown occurred shortly after the 2020 competition, so we have not had a chance for the winners from that competition to perform with the orchestra.  Given the uncertainty surrounding the current covid situation, the Music Department in

If you want to see a Grebel musical like no other, this is definitely your chance to do so. So many members of the community have come together to put together a show that will exceed what many would think possible during a pandemic.

Music plays an important role in the Conrad Grebel University College community, allowing audiences and musicians to share and experience stories told through song and the hearts of passionate artists. After a successful Noon Hour Concert Series@Home in the fall, Grebel’s concerts will continue in the same format this winter 2021 term. Grebel is very thankful to Staebler Insurance for sponsoring this series.