News

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! 

No matter your program, no matter your year, anyone can participate in music ensembles at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo! Joining an ensemble is an ideal way for any student to keep music in their lives, especially those who are studying another subject and are craving musical opportunities.

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.

Gathering to create, share, and experience music together is an important part of the Conrad Grebel University College community. In an effort to stay connected and fulfill musical wishes, Grebel’s Noon Hour Concert series will go virtual for the fall 2020 term.

One of the core contributors to the Music program and its welcoming atmosphere over the past two decades has been Catherine Robertson. Catherine retired from her role as Piano Studio and Piano Literature instructor after her last lesson this summer. The warmth and humour she brings to her interactions with students and co-workers will be missed.

The Music Department at the University of Waterloo is using the Covid-19 situation as a unique opportunity to focus on the fundamentals through an online music performance experience that will use technology to bring students together.

Helen Martens, Conrad Grebel University College’s first music faculty member, passed away on Thursday, April 9 at the age of 92, surrounded by family in Winnipeg. She last visited Grebel in 2013 during the College’s 50th anniversary.

Grebel staff and faculty remember Helen Martens for her extensive contributions to the Music Department and the College community.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the University's suspension of all in-person courses for Spring term 2020, we regret that ensembles are cancelled for the term. This is a disappointment for students who look forward to participating in ensembles, as it is for ensemble directors and all of us in the Music Department. We hope that ensembles can resume in fall term but we will update the website once we hear from the University.