Is your roommate a part of the Amherst choir society? Amherst Symphony Orchestra? Jazz combo? Amherst College has a large variety of different types of arts. Every semester Amherst groups like the Amherst Choir Society present a show open to Amherst students and the public for FREE! My roommate, Alina, joined the Choir Society to continue her love for singing in large groups, the same goes for the rest of the choir. Having casual conversations with Alina, it is clear how much time and effort she puts into every piece as well as the other singers. Throughout the year I slowly became more and more amazed at the concerts and big music family at Amherst. After attending the curated outside artist, I began to take an interest in the student groups. Another reason I have been exploring various types of ensembles is because of a class I am taking this semester with Professor Harper.
Amherst College offers a course called Live Music that allows you to dive deep and shadow the music groups at Amherst. The first ensemble I sat in for a rehearsal Tauraus jazz ensemble which I connected with the drummer Aaron Watkins. The second rehearsal I attended was the Amherst Choir Society a month before their performance. The class allows me to make a close analysis of the techniques, curated pieces, and ambiance of the group. It was refreshing to see the finished product after their weekly rehearsals on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8:30 pm. The choir had a successful performance with lots of claps and cheering towards the end.
Perhaps this class was in hopes of getting more students to understand the importance of live music and the impact it has in our communities and daily lives. On the other hand, it could be just an appreciation of the hard work, time, and effort every artist puts into the pieces. I hope this post can bring more attention to the performances happening on campus and things you can enjoy from.