Sunderman Conservatory - Gettysburg College

The Sunderman Conservatory of Music is a vibrant musical community preparing passionate and intellectually curious musicians for diverse careers, lifelong learning, and engaged citizenry.

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A Personal Educational Experience

Prof. Amanda Heim of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College shares why Sunderman is such a special place to grow as a musician.

Professor Amanda Heim working with a Gettysburg music student

Featured courses

All music courses

MUSIC CLASS 170 Video Game Music: Style, Technology, and Culture

Survey of technological, sociological, and artistic issues related to games and game music. Students will critically examine notions of play; explore the evolution of video game soundtracks; analyze how music operates in games; explore and critique “music games” such as Guitar Hero; and explore music and sound in game-related cultural phenomena (such as video game soundtrack concerts and tribute bands). The course includes a substantial multimedia component.

MUSIC ENSEMBLE 161 Wind Symphony

The premier wind band in the Sunderman Conservatory designed for the development of the professional performer, music educators, and dedicated musicians. A select group of 40-50 players, the ensemble rehearses and performs a combination of wind band masterworks and new repertoire. The Wind Symphony is open to all Gettysburg College students.

MUSIC CLASS 318 Africana Music: Juju to Hip Hop

An interdisciplinary perusal of issues surrounding Africana musics ranging from African music such as juju to Afro-Caribbean styles such as salsa and African American forms such as jazz and hip-hop. This discussion-oriented course calls upon perspectives from Africana studies, ethnomusicology (the study of music in its cultural context), anthropology, religious studies, history, philosophy, critical race theory, gender studies, and literary criticism.

Sunderman Conservatory Spotlight

Alexandra Clint ’13

Currently works as an artistic director at City Lyric Opera

The Sunderman Conservatory gave Clint the outlet to explore her many creative interests while still developing a mind rooted in the liberal arts.

“I’ve been involved in the arts as long as I can remember and knew that music was something I wanted to pursue. Gettysburg provided the opportunity to study voice in a conservatory environment, while having a full liberal arts collegiate experience. As a winner of the Concerto Competition, I had the opportunity to perform with the orchestra. Through Opera Workshop, College Choir, Student Musical Theater, and the theater department, I explored as many performance styles as I could. With the encouragement of professors like Scott Crowne, Matthew Osifchin, and Chris Kauffman, I went on to pursue my master’s in classical vocal performance at the Manhattan School of Music.”

“Career paths in the arts aren’t always linear and there’s no ‘right way’ to do things—your journey is unique and sometimes the most exciting opportunities come as complete surprises. My experiences at Gettysburg helped me to realize that.”

“I’ve freelanced as a performer and dramaturg, was an event coordinator at a two-Michelin starred restaurant, and am now the Associate Director of Youth Programs at Steps on Broadway. After collaborating with City Lyric Opera directing a scenes concert, I was offered and accepted the position as Artistic Director. As a female-founded and led company, our mission is to provide a space for the unheard voices in opera and bring opera to new audiences.”