Pleased to meet you!!!!

Hello! Because this is my first blog entry I would like to give an overview of myself and my general feelings on Westminster Choir College. My name is Kyle Smaltz. I am from Myerstown, Pennsylvania, a small town north of Lancaster and near Hershey. I am now in my junior year here at Westminster. I am majoring in Music Education as a voice primary and also taking part in the new 5 year BM/MAT program. This program allows students to graduate with both their Bachelor of Music and Master in the Arts of Teaching in just 5 years. I am really enjoying my time here at Westminster. I enjoy the intimate size of the campus as well as the fact that all my friends here share the same musical passion that I have. My professors are all very involved and genuinely care about the school and the students. My teachers all have the opportunity to know my name and seriously critique all my papers and assignments (for better or worse!). Right now I’m taking a full load of 18 credits of very challenging courses. It is a lot of work, but I still find time for part-time work and a very active social life. The entire school shares a unique bond due to the fact that we share the common goal of creating beautiful music. In order to create that music we need each other. This need is what creates the atmosphere of supportive and constructive friends and eliminates any negativity. Dr. Abrahams, head of the music education department here, pointed out to our class the other day that John Finley Williamson was being deliberate when he had choir rehearsals scheduled in the middle of the day. It allows everyone here to keep the “team” environment despite anything else that may be going on in their day.