Around every corner, talent can be found within Bucks: The school is flooded with artists, dancers, performers, but perhaps one that seems to stand out happens to be the music department.
Many people are aware that Bucks has a music department, however, they are not always aware of just how progressive the department is.
Rochelle Reed, the head of the music program, teaches Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, World Music, musicianship courses and all the private voice lessons.
“Bucks is one of 20 community colleges nationwide whose music degree program of study is NASM-accredited (National Association of Schools of Music) and one of three community colleges in the nation with the dual distinction of having both NASM-accreditation and All-Steinway School (90 percent or more of our pianos are made by Steinway) status,” Reed said.
“We have a rigorous associate’s degree in music that is commensurate with the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in music at a four-year college or university, with regard to music theory, ear training, history/literature and performing. Our students have transferred smoothly to West Chester University, Temple University, Rider College, Mansfield University, Berklee College of Music, to name a few,” Reed said.
“If you want instant friends at Bucks, join one or more of our ensembles,” Reed said.
The music department is a very close-knit group of people. Gracie Postorino, a music major at Bucks, said “you really get to work with people one on one. Everyone knows everyone, which works well because we all know each other’s abilities which helps with collaboration.”
The classes are not only open to music majors, but you can also be a part of the classes even if your major is not related.
Enrollment and participation means everything to smaller departments at Bucks. Six years ago, the music department faced the possibility of layoffs due to competition, lack of state funding and declining numbers of high school graduates in Bucks County.
Now, the music department is on better footing, and the notion from six years ago remains today: The music department will remain active at Bucks regardless of layoffs.
“Try it out! A successful career in the music field while seemingly sounding like one needs to be a virtuoso pianist, or headed for the Metropolitan Opera, or has 37,000 followers, can actually be accomplished with varying degrees of musical talent,” Reed said.
“Traditionally, most folks think that the music major is destined for only two choices: stardom or teaching. When, in reality, there are so many choices for music majors these days: music technology, music therapy, music business, music law, music library, lighting and sound design, etc,” Reed explained.
“A music student graduating from Bucks could embark on a career ranging from a world-famous guitarist to a successful talent agent in the music industry.” Reed advises students who may not be sure if music is the route for them.
An example of different professions with musical background would be Bucks’ own President & CEO, Dr. Patrick M. Jones.
Dr. Jones’ is no stranger to music, an extensive resume would show the president having a doctorate and bachelor’s degree in music education, master’s degree in conducting and a diploma in wind conducting and literature.
Dr. Jones also went on to educate at several high schools, community colleges and universities before overseeing Bucks.
“It really broadens the horizons to the music field,” Postorino shared.
The music department has plenty of performances coming up with high quality performances. Recently they performed “Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis” at Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The Madrigal Singers also had a performance.
However, there are still plenty of performances that you can still see. Monday, May 4, you are able to see the percussion ensemble perform at 7 p.m. in the Zlock.
Be sure to check out the Cover Band and Jazz Ensemble on May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Zlock. “Cover band will be performing music from every era. There is something in it for everyone,” Postorino said.
Reed has nothing but wonderful things to say about the department and her students.
“Imagine what it is like on your day off, where you get to do what you love, talk about what is most interesting to you, share that with others who have an investment in being there, and surround yourself with people who understand that music is a gateway to something else and somewhere else,” Reed shared about what it’s like to be a professor to such a wondeful art.
To her students, Reed said “believe in your passion and pour the best parts of yourself into it: All of your love, your strength, your intelligence, your sensibilities and do it with your best manners because remember you will be sharing the stage of life with people who are different from you, and that is a good thing.”
The music department is always dedicated to their passion.
Reed shared why it’s so important that we as a community go out and support the arts, she said; “Music, like many of the arts, heals our brains, bodies and hearts. From the listener to the performer, when you receive music, there is a physical, mental, emotional, and psychological effect.”
“Remaining curious about those effects builds audiences. Encouraging a young developing person to pursue music in any fashion is giving them the lifetime gifts of focus, self-regulation, awareness of others, and heightened listening skills – tools which our world could certainly use right now,” Reed stated.