Music professors strike new chord
Campus Times
September 12, 1997
photo by Laura Ambriz
Choral Director Alan Raines sets an example for a group of about 30,
in warming up before their second rehearsal. Raines began recruiting for
choir this summer by writing letters to every undergraduate, attending new
student orientation and stopping students on campus.
The University of La Verne Music Department will be singing to a different
tune with Alan Raines, the new director of choral activities, and David
Scott, the new part-time instrumental teacher.
Raines moved from Houston, Texas, where he conducted professionally,
to Los Angeles to complete his doctorate at the University of California
at Los Angeles and work with Donald Neven, UCLA's director of chorale activities
and an internationally known conductor.
Raines said he chose ULV because "of their desire to have a great
music program and the great support I received from my colleagues and the
dean.
"I want to build a phenomenal choral program. One that would not
only represent the University of La Verne well, but also the Brethren colleges
nationwide," he said.
In the past, the music program has not been as visible in the University
community. Raines and his colleagues will increase the visibility through
choir tours and various performances.
Raines said that his ultimate goal at the University is to have 80
to 100 students in the chorale. Regarding any changes he would make, Raines
said that the Music Department is in a building phase. He "wants to
teach young adults to sing with unbelievable expression and enthusiasm."
He also wants to motivate them to be in love with the music.
Raines encourages students from other majors to participate. He said
that auditions are extremely easy.
Another addition to the music department is Scott. He was hired to teach
instrumental music. Unfortunately, due to his busy schedule, he was unavailable
for comment.
Dr. Reed Gratz, chair of the Music Department, is excited about the
addition of instrumental music and feels that Scott will make a wonderful
professor.
Scott taught trumpet in the past, and plays in several Inland symphonies,
while finishing his doctorate at the University of Southern California.
Scott will also be heading up a pep band for some of ULV's home football
games.
According to Dr. Gratz, this will be the first ULV pep band in more
than 10 years.
Dr. Gratz said, "It will be tough to get the instrumental idea
off the ground. This will be a recruiting year. It will be a great challenge
to have people dive in."
Band rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 8:50 p.m. in Founders
Auditorium.
Students who are interested in chorale auditions can contact Raines
at ext. 4918.
