Change on Campus

Change is good. Change offers new opportunities, new experiences, and new possibilities for those involved. The Department of Music and Clarion University are undergoing a semester of change this spring, opening up students, faculty, and staff to new ideas and directions.

The Department of Music is pleased to welcome Dr. Stephen Johnson as its new Chairperson. Dr. Johnson brings to the department a wealth of administrative leadership experience, having served as both Associate Dean and Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Clarion University. Not only is Dr. Johnson a skilled in day-to-day administrative responsibilitie, but his genuine interest in people will go far toward fostering strong, positive relationships with those who are directly and indirectly connected with the department,  on campus, in our community, and throughout the region. Expect to see Dr. Johnson frequently at department and university events this semester and in the future. When you see him, make certain you take the time to introduce yourself. I know he will be happy to meet you.

At the end of the June 2010, Clarion University will say goodbye to its current president, Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald, who will be retiring after 32 years at Clarion. It is impossible to accurately guage the positive impact Dr. Grunenwald has had on Clarion University during his years as a faculty member, department chairperson, Dean, Provost, and now President. He has touched so many lives, in so many ways, his time at Clarion will be fondly remembered for many years to come.

Dr. Grunenwald always has been a strong supporter of the Department of Music and regular attendee of department events. His wife, Janice, too, is a staunch supporter of the Department of Music, having endowed a scholarship for incoming freshman Music majors in her name – the Janice Slanco-Grunenwald Scholarship – and as a regular accompanist for student recitals. We are extremely grateful to the Grunenwalds for all that they have done on behalf of the Department of Music and the arts in general over the years. Fortunately, Dr. Grunenwald is expected to stay in the area, promoting Clarion University throughout the region.  So, I am very happy NOT to bid farewell to Joe and Janice, but merely say “see you at the next performance.”

Change is inevitable, and the risk of the unknown future that change brings can be very unsettling. But, with a strong, experienced leader in control of the Department of Music and good friends behind us, helping us all the way, our direction is clear and our future is hopeful. Many good things are on the horizon.

Yes, change is good.

Music Alumni Website

clarionmusicalumni.ning.com

I’ve never been to a high school reunion. Not out of fear, mind you – I can’t change much about myself now. Too old! – but more because it wasn’t a time in my life during which I formed strong bonds with the people I encountered. Once I went to college, though, I met many amazing individuals whom I often wonder where they are and what they are doing now. I’ve been fortunate to stay in touch with some, but I’ve lost touch with most. I suspect that many feel similarly about their college experiences. Many great people came into your lives, but you slowly drifted apart over the years.

The Department of Music recently launched a new website to help our music alumni and friends reconnect with friends from the past whom they met at the Boyd during their time at Clarion. Clarion Music Alumni (http://clarionmusicalumni.ning.com) is a social networking site that allows each member to create their own space on the site to share information about themselves, share photos and music, and have discussions on topics that interest them. Members also can establish groups centered around a topic or theme. For example, we have already a Golden Eagle Marching Band group. Anyone want to start a Vahe Berberian or Stan Michalski Fan Club?

Most importantly, old friends can reconnect with friends from the past by visiting other members’ pages on the site and sharing comments. But you also can meet many new friends. Alumni from various generations already have joined, along with several current Music Faculty members. It’s always great to hear (and see through photos) all of the great things our graduates and friends have been doing.

This isn’t for just alumni, though. If you know of someone who was a die-hard Marching Band “geek,” invite them to join. Do you have fond memories of participating in the choir or orchestra but weren’t a music major? We want you to join and share your stories, too.

So, we invite you to login, connect, and share your thoughts and ideas. Become an active part of our new online CUP Music community. 

PLEASE don’t make me host an music alumni reunion to find out what you all have been up to…I’ll have to go on a diet.

Band Day 2008

Join the Golden Eagle Marching Band at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 11, 2008 for Band Day 2008. Band Day brings together Clarion Music Alumni, high school band students from throughout the region, and our own Golden Eagle Marching Band on the field and in the stands as our Golden Eagle football team takes on Slippery Rock.

The selections for pregame are: the Alma Mater, National Anthem, Solid Gold, Let’s Go Blue (Crowd Spam 11), and Brooklyn. Stand selections will include Carry On for Clarion, Crowd Spam 11, and Hey Baby. You can download the music from the website:

http://jupiter.clarion.edu/~cumarching/warriortales2008/

(Hey Baby and Brooklyn are not on the website and will be available the day of the event)

BAND DAY SCHEDULE

4:00	Report to the northwest corner of the Clarion University stadium parking lot in full uniform, with your instrument, music, lyre, and flip folio. Bring rain gear if needed. The report time could change based on the number of participants.
4:05	Lunch: Pizza from Pizza Pub and a sports drink will be served for lunch.
4:30	Rehearsal: Music and Field Entrance-Exit, Alma Mater, National Anthem, Solid Gold, Carry On for Clarion, Crowd Spam 11, and Hey Baby.
5:20	Parade Formation and Stadium Entrance
5:40	Pregame: Alma Mater, National Anthem; form tunnel: Solid Gold, Let’s Go Blue, and Carry On for Clarion
6:00	Kick-off
7:30	Halftime
9:15	End of game

COST

Cost for this event will be $4.00 per student to cover lunch. Payment is due the day of the event. Checks payable to “Clarion Student Association”

REGISTRATION

To register for Band Day 2008, complete the online registration form, or contact Dr. Hubert Toney, Jr., Director of Bands, at 814-393-2263 or htoney@clarion.edu

Registered Band Day 2008 Participants
GEMB Alumni

Geraldine Truog, Mellophone 2007
Scott Ditullio, Trumpet 1995
Joyce Yeung-DiTullio, Majorette 1994
Maurie Campanella, Snare Drum 1979
Pat Shannon, Tenor Drum 2006
Kathy Dillion, Trumpet 2007
Jessica Allshouse, Color Guard 2005
Courtney Smith, Majorette 2008
John Panella, Snare 2000
Tara DiMichele-Rearick, Flute 2005/06
Adam Rearick, Snare 2005
Carrie Kronenberger-Harris Flute, 2005/06
Bob Harris, Alto Saxophone 2004?
Ali Hall, Trombone 2006

High School Students = 71!

Brockway, Currwensville, Rochester, A-C Valley, many others!