By Karessa Cunningham
Dr. Nathan Windt, native of Chicago, is the new professor of the music department. More than just the choir/chorale director, Dr. Windt is also one of the professors of music appreciation, conducting, and studio voice. Although he has an “unhealthy” obsession with the Chicago Cubs, he has also made time to pursue his passion in music. Dr. Windt first graduated with his bachelor’s in music education from North Park University, and later he obtained his master’s and doctorate from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Windt is married to Amy and has one son, Ethan, 4. They are expecting their second child in February of 2009.
Placing emphasis on the concert choir , Dr. Windt will be taking them on a tour over the coming spring break to Knoxville, TN, Cincinnati, OH, his hometown of Chicago and possibly Louisville, KY. He hopes to build the choir, which is currently just under 50 people to over 50, filling the choir room. If such a number is produced, he hopes to divide the choir into an auditioned music major choir and an entry-level choir for freshman or those who are less experienced and combine them for special events. Doing Hebrew love songs and African percussion ensembles have already been on the agenda for the choir. Currently, one can join the choir by coming to rehearsals in Sherman Hall (12:00–12:50, MTWH). Dr. Windt only requires a “low stress” vocal exercise in order to determine vocal placement. On an audition basis, the Chorale is a chamber group specializing in music of the Renaissance, but it also performs a wide variety of musical styles. Giving an upper-level performance in a smaller setting, they recently performed for Homecoming with the Concert Choir.
The sixth annual Lessons and Carols, an event on the college calendar, is the opportune moment for those interested in joining the choir to see what it is about. They will be singing traditional carols like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and more diverse songs such as Betelehemu. He hopes to have the spring semester be as productive as the fall and welcomes all, with or without experience, to come and encourages the campus to fully support the group.
