News

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 are glad to announce two new music scholarships, one for Choral singers and another for String players.  These are open to students from any faculty at the University of Waterloo.  See awards site for complete details.

Corey Linforth, class of 2013, took the task of choosing a post-secondary school seriously. She researched the program at Grebel and found it was the perfect fit for her. She was able to study without specializing specifically in Opera. When she first enrolled, Corey enrolled as an Arts and Business student, although she would later drop the business side to pursue her passion for music. The atmosphere she remembers is a unique and healthy one, and the community does not result in a feeling of competition between students.

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.

Although Matthew has played piano since he was a young child, it wasn’t until he was able to try his cousin’s drum set that he really connected to music. Since then his love for music has only grown.  Despite this when he first came to Waterloo Matthew was enrolled in Math, although it didn’t take too long before he realized this was not for him. Wanting to keep his co-op Matthew switched to Arts and Business, which allowed him to focus on his music while still keeping his co-op program.

Gabe Guerra started to love music at an early age. He grew up in a Central American household, where music filled every corner of the house and inspired him to begin his musical journey. “When I was 8 years old, my dad bought me my first electric guitar, and that’s what really kickstarted my journey as a musician,” shared Gabe.

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

For Kathryn Ladano becoming a Musician and Music teacher was never a question, she had started lessons at eleven and a natural affinity for the subject. Encouraged by her teachers, she knew this was the path of her destiny, and she began to plan how to get there. When it came time for Kathryn to start her post-secondary studies, she had originally looked at Wilfred Laurier but the school did not offer classes to students wanting to major in the Bass Clarinet, which is Kathryn’s main interest.