By: Liz Slocum ~Staff Writer~

The Xavier Music Department has hosted a number of vocal ensemble performances throughout each year as opportunites for performance for both singers and the audience receiving them. Most of the songs one hears require complex piano accompaniment.

Jan Corrothers, an adjunct Xavier Music Department faculty member, does that and more. She serves as the accompanist for the Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Concert Choir and for individual student recitals.

A dedicated and talented pianist, Corrothers is a valuable part of each rehearsal and performance for Xavier’s vocal ensembles and has helped many busy vocal students prepare for their upcoming recitals. Additionally, Corrothers teaches Choral Sight-Singing to nonmajors, among other courses in the music department. “My favorite part of my job is forming relationships with students and witnessing their technical, artistic and personal growth as a musician and as an individual,” Corrothers said. “Helping them discover their potential while collaborating from the keyboard is extremely rewarding.”

Corrothers has been with the department for several years and knows the ups and the downs of the position. As with any career, there are aspects that are more difficult.

“Perhaps my least favorite part of my job is saying goodbye to our graduating seniors,” said Corrothers. “It is bittersweet to not collaborate with them regularly once they graduate, yet it is thrilling to watch them mature and blossom through the next phase of their life journey.” It may not come as a surprise that Corrothers enjoys listening to music as well. Her taste in music is as diverse as her performance repertoire.

“I enjoy a wide range of music styles and forms, particularly works from the Romantic period, as well as sacred choral repertoire,” Corrothers said. “On the lighter side, I enjoy a variety of songs from the pop and classic rock culture.”