By: Charlotte Cheek ~Staff Writer~

Junior Bobby Crawford has been involved with Concert Choir since freshman year.

“Over the last few years, it’s been really dynamic because the music department itself has undergone some shifting,” Crawford said. “We’re kind of in a rebuilding phase right now.”

Concert Choir is the only coed choral group on campus. The group meets three times a week for rehearsal and is one credit hour. Crawford said Concert Choir is for experienced singers.

“It’s for the musicians on campus who have had some experience singing,” Crawford said. “We take all types of singers, but we do a lot of rather difficult music.”

This year is Dr. Rich Schnipke’s second year as Concert Choir Director. Crawford noted changes in the group after Schnipke’s takeover.

“It’s grown a lot in terms of how we represent Xavier and both how the students learn as musicians and as people with responsibilities,” Crawford said. “Dr. Schnipke does a great job and we learn a lot of music things and life lessons.”

Schnipke aims to enhance enrollment with musical selections that are interesting and engaging for both his singers and audience members. Building a larger choir in order to accommodate more difficult pieces has been an initiative since Schnipke’s arrival Concert Choir wishes to undertake greater challenges and present stimulating performances, according to Schnipke.

“We’re still heading in the right direction,” Schnipke said. “This choir is coming along really well.”

Schnipke’s target number for a larger choir sits between 45 and 50 members, filling any potential gaps in different vocal ranges.

Crawford chimed in on initiatives across all choral programs to promote better funding for their organizations.

“The music department has faced a lot of opposition,” Crawford said. “I have to commend the job that people like Dr. Schnipke are doing in the music department.”

Concert Choir regularly attends student activity fairs during the academic year. For any questions concerning enrollment in the program, contact Dr. Richard Schnipke (schnipker@xavier.edu) in 105 Edgecliff Hall at (513) 745-2832.