News

The founder and artistic director of Waterloo Region Mass Choir led a dynamic gospel music workshop for students at Conrad Grebel University College on Monday, January 27. Darren Hamilton is an accomplished musician and is experienced as a vocalist, arranger, songwriter, and music educator. He joined students from the Chapel Choir and Grebel’s Worship Practicum course to discuss the African American gospel tradition.

The Noon Hour Concert Series at Conrad Grebel University College includes a range of both local and international musical talent. The performances consist of classical, jazz, world music, and contemporary works and are presented throughout the fall and winter terms. These free events take place on most Wednesdays from 12:30-1:20pm in the Grebel Chapel. This season introduces eight unique concerts, presenting multi-faceted talent.

The Department of Music at Conrad Grebel University College invites applications for a part-time adjunct faculty position in Studio Piano to begin May 2020. The successful candidate will teach in Fall, Winter and Spring term for approximately 10-15 hours/week as part of our interdisciplinary and innovative department at the University of Waterloo. Review of applications will begin February 15, 2020; however, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

From the Prairies: The Solo Piano Music of Karen Sunabacka received warm applause from the full audience at the first Noon Hour Concert of Conrad Grebel University College's season on January 15. Grebel Music Prof. Karen Sunabacka is a composer, cellist, and music theorist based in Waterloo.

Music and Mathematics have been connected disciplines in the minds of psychologists and neuroscientists for years. An increasing number of studies have been carried out to link the effects of music on mathematical skills and vice versa. Many of these studies have found correlations between above-average musical abilities and above-average math performance.

The Passion accounts in the four canonical gospels are full of witnesses to the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ. Often, their presence is distilled into a single line of text. In musical settings of the Passion, that single line of text might result in just a single measure of music, yet their presence as eye-witnesses is absolutely essential. 

The students, staff, and faculty of Conrad Grebel University College are fortunate to have Karen Sunabacka as an Associate Professor in the Music Department. Along with teaching music theory and composition, Karen is an internationally renowned composer. Her compositions have been performed across Canada and the U.S., as well as in South America and Europe.

Did you know any Waterloo student can take a studio course (individual lessons: voice|piano|instrumental), Music 226, for a full credit elective?

If you are planning to attend the Climate Strike at Waterloo Town Square on Friday Sept 27 and would like to add your voice to a rousing chorus of Beethoven’s 9th symphony with other area choristers and members of the KW Symphony you are all more than welcome!  There will be a short run-through at First United Church (King and William Streets) beginning at 11.30.  By 11.45 we will move over to Waterloo Square to be ready to sing at 12 noon.

The Balinese Gamelan, Instrumental Chamber groups, orchestra@uwaterloo, and the University Choir are open for audition registration.  Please see our Ensemble Page for details.  Auditions start on May 6th.