By Alainna Caitlyn Earl, The Whetstone

Wesley College unveiled its first official marching band in several decades last semester. The band, dressed in blue, white and silver new uniforms, performed its first halftime show on Sept. 6.

This year the Music department has grown, with higher student participation and enrollment, and more events and renovations planned for the Wesley College Chapel.

Renovations for the chapel continue, and the building will become completely soundproof, allowing for uninterrupted practice. The upstairs classroom, formerly the classroom space for the Art department, will be converted into office space and more classrooms.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Dr. Laganella, Chair of the Music Department. “It’ll be great for the students.”

Along with the new renovations there is also excitement about two new courses offered this semester: musical theater, and the wind symphony, a wind, drum and brass ensemble that plays concert music.

“Wind symphony will be learning a range of music from a fun Disney Pixar movie medley to a challenging standard band piece called ‘Variations on a Korean Folk Song,’” said Brian Cass, an adjunct professor. “The musical theater class will be presenting ‘Hairspray’ the first week of April.”

Laganella is teaching audio produMarching-Band-by-Jessica-Cook-at-homecoming-parade(408x270)ction again.

“It’s a class where you record and mix music using pro tools,” he said. “I’ll also be teaching Canon and Fugue, which is composing music in the style of SS Bach.”

Laganella said there were many more students participating in music through choir, ensemble and lessons.

“We have record enrollment in our music lessons – more than 80 students,” he said. “Gospel choir, marching band and concert choir are all doing really well in terms of enrollment.”

Professors and students said they were excited about the growth.

“They say it’s growing every year, but I say its growing everyday slowly,” said sophomore music major Eugene Nelson. “I’m excited about it growing because of more people joining the Department.”

“I’d like it to keep getting bigger,” Laganella said. “We have 12 music majors currently enrolled.”

Many students who are new to the department said they are drawn to the closeness of the department.

“I haven’t taken any classes in the music department before now,” said junior political science major Brandon Reynolds. “Next semester, I’ll be in wind symphony, playing trumpet and learning flute. I chose to participate because of the family aspect in band. Everyone I know there acts like family.”

Senior students take on leadership roles within the department.

“I was the section leader for the drum line,” Nelson said.” I do tours for the school; I play in almost all of the ensembles in the department. I get paid to play for Wesley United Methodist Church and I work the sound for gospel choir.”

Although there are not many music majors, it is as difficult and rewarding as any other major.

“I’m a sophomore music major and I study percussion, piano, xylophone,” Nelson said. “I play a lot of instruments. I chose music because of the mechanics behind it. There’s a lot to learn, a lot of challenge. I think if I was doing anything else, I feel like I would be bored with it.”

Students said they have noted the changes.

“Seeing the band transform from being a small pep band playing in the stands, to now in new uniforms and marching and playing on the field is great,” said Amber Wiltbank.” I’m the drum major and I conduct the show, lead the band and I’m the mediator between the band director and the students.”

This spring more ensembles such as the wind ensemble will debut at Arts In the Parlor, an event sponsored by the Schwartz Center.

“There’s going to be an all-state choral festival, sponsored by Wesley College,” said Laganella. “It includes the University of Delaware and Delaware State, so we’re gearing up for that.”

Many students are ready to perform on such a challenging scale.

“It’s difficult, but you have to stick to it, “Nelson said.” I love to perform and I love to learn more about my instrument.”