A Message from the Music Chair

Clarence Padilla,
Associate Professor of Clarinet & Department Chair

Drake's music program provides big school opportunities in a small school setting. Our students receive individual attention and mentoring in their studios, ensembles, and classes and enjoy an “open-door" relationship with faculty. At the same time, students have the chance to tour regionally and internationally, record CDs, work with world-renowned artists, and perform major works.

In addition, because of Drake's urban setting, our students have opportunities to perform throughout the area and to audition for the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra (DMSO), one of America's finest regional orchestras. Drake students have recently collaborated with other musical organizations such as the Seoul South Korea Women's Chorus and Boni Pueri from the Czech Republic, internationally known artists such as Wynton Marsallis, Jon Nakamatsu, Richard Stoltzman, David Berger, Maria Schneider, and Dawn Upshaw, and the DMSO.

To get a sense of the offerings on campus, I encourage you to visit the Recital Schedule. Annually, the music department sponsors more than 100 performances at Drake. If you happen to be in the area during any of these events, you are welcome to attend.

All of us in the Department of Music are eager to meet you and hear you perform. We are committed to sharing our knowledge, expertise, and insights with you. In addition, we pride ourselves on being more than just your teachers; we are also your advisors and mentors. We have attractive scholarship packages for music majors, minors, and ensemble participants. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to click on the Contact Us link and complete the provided form. The department will send you a general packet of information plus any specific items that you request.

Auditions for admission and scholarship consideration should be completed by March 1. For more information on scheduling an audition, visit our Audition Days site. You may contact the Music Department office at 1-800-44-DRAKE ext. 3975, or (515) 271-3975. You can also e-mail the department via the Contact Us link. I also encourage you to spend a day with us, taking or observing a lesson, sitting in on classes and ensemble rehearsals, having lunch with students, and generally absorbing the campus climate.

Best wishes,

Clarence S. Padilla, Chair and Associate Professor of Clarinet
Drake University Music Department