The organ department is comprised of approximately 40 students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. In addition to academic coursework, applied lessons, and ensemble participation (required by the JSoM of all undergraduate and masters students), organ students are afforded many opportunities for engagement in professional activities.
Sacred Music Practicum
All organ majors enrolled in Applied Organ participate in Sacred Music Practicum. Meeting each Wednesday afternoon, SMP functions as a laboratory environment in which students gain experience in a wide variety of areas related to sacred music, including but not limited to choral conducting, console conducting, anthem accompaniment, vocal and rehearsal techniques, and improvisation. Students enrolled in sacred music courses use SMP as a testing ground for their assignments and projects. SMP also includes presentations by guest lecturers and performers, demonstrations by current faculty, and the premiere of original hymn tunes and compositions by current students.
Bloomington Chapter, American Guild of Organists
Comprised primarily of students, the Bloomington Chapter, AGO is an affiliate of the largest professional organization for organists in the United States and Canada. In recent years, the chapter's primary events have included annual Pipes Spooktacular concerts in the fall, Choralfests in the winter, and the Pipe Organ Encounter-Advanced (POE-A) workshops in the summer. See the Chapter website here.
