Schnipke takes over

By: Zenab Saeed ~Guest Writer~ Dr. Richard Schnipke has taken over as the director for Xavier’s concert choir. Dr. Schnipke, who was initially hired as the director of music education, is in his second year at Xavier and is now the Director of Choral Activities. In addition to directing Concert Choir, Schnipke directs both the men’s and women’s choruses. Xavier’s concert choir is a chorus group comprised of 40 to 55 students or, “as many students who can fit on a bus for touring,” Dr. Tom Merrill, the Head of the Department of Music and Theatre, said. The audition process … Continue reading Schnipke takes over

Matthew Phelps to compete in national organ competition and record premiere

By: Sean Mcmahon Xavier University’s Matthew Phelps, director of Concert Choir, is a finalist in the Rodgers National Classical Organ Performance Competition. He will compete against two students from The Julliard School on Oct. 4. The competition coincides with the broadcasting of Phelps’ recording of Dan Locklair’s “Trumpet of Light” on Pipedreams, a program featured on NPR. Xavier Newswire sat down with Phelps before this momentous occasion. Xavier Newswire (XN): What brought you back to Cincinnati? Matthew Phelps (MP): Some days I don’t know. I’ve always wanted to do a doctorate, and Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM) offered me the … Continue reading Matthew Phelps to compete in national organ competition and record premiere