Shepherd University Community Music Program

🎸 Please join us in welcoming Lauren Kourtz to our Community Music Program! 🎶

We are so excited to have Lauren join our team as a guitar instructor, where she will be teaching a variety of styles to students of all ages and experience levels.

Lauren is a cm laude graduate of Towson University, holding a music performance degree with a focus in jazz, commercial, and classical guitar. Her passion for music and teaching, paired with her diverse background, makes her a fantastic addition to our program!

We are truly thrilled to have Lauren aboard and can’t wait for our community to learn from her. You can read more about Lauren on our community music website at https://www.shepherd.edu/music/community-program

🎵 Interested in studying guitar with Lauren?
Email us at [email protected] to get started!

Welcome to the program, Lauren—we’re so happy you’re here!

Join us this week for our Shepherd Community Music Concerts at the Frank Arts Center at Shepherd University School of Music!

Shepherd Youth Chorus-Tuesday, April 28, 7:30 pm

Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble and the Shepherd Community Orchestra-Wednesday, April 29, at 7:30 pm

Shepherd Community Big Band-Sunday, May 3 at 2 pm

🎟️ Tickets are just $5 and may be purchased at the Box Office or online at https://shepherdrams.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=197

*Online sales end at Noon the day before the concert.

We hope to see you!

🎶 What an incredible afternoon of music this past Sunday, April 12! Congratulations to the Shepherd Community Trombone Choir and the Shepherd University School of Music Trombone Ensemble for an outstanding concert. Under the direction of Dr. James Martin, Shepherd University Faculty for Trombone, the performance was a true celebration of collaboration, artistry, and musical excellence.

We are truly proud of Dr. Martin and two of his student conductors, Richard Friends III and Matthew Jagela, for their inspiring efforts to bring together the talents of community low brass musicians with our university students. A special thanks also to our School of Music students Joshua Shupe and Richard Friends III, for their original compositions. The result was a powerful and memorable concert that showcased the strength of music-making across our entire community.

If you’d like to see more of our amazing faculty and community music instructors in action, we invite you to join us for these upcoming performances:

🎼 SCREECH (Shepherd Community Recorder Ensemble with Extraneous Comedic Happenings), directed by Andrea Diggs, Faculty for Flute and alumni assistant, Emily Ellmore
April 20 | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍 Shipley Recital Hall
This concert is FREE!

🎟️ Ticketed Events:
Masterworks Chorale Concert with the Shepherd Youth Chorus
Under the direction of Dr. Jason Strunk, Director of Choral Activities, and Dr. Austin Showen, Director of Music Education
April 25 | 🕢 7:30 PM

Shepherd Youth Chorus
April 28 | 🕢 7:30 PM
Under the direction of Dr. Austin Showen and music education student assistants

Sinfonia: A Learning String Ensemble & Shepherd Community Orchestra
Under the direction of Savannah Hochberg (currently substituting for Renee Shaw Nutwell) Berkeley County Strings Educator, and Camilo Perez Mejia, Faculty for Cello
April 29 | 🕢 7:30 PM

Shepherd Community Big Band
Under the direction of Matt Holmes (Faculty for Double Bass and Harpers Ferry Middle School Band Director) and Tanner Petri (Wildwood Middle School Band Director)
May 2 | 🕑 2:00 PM

Come experience the energy, talent, and passion of our vibrant music community—we hope to see you there! Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at: https://shepherdrams.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=197

🎻✨ Join Us for String Orchestra Camp – Summer 2026! ✨🎻
Looking for a fun and inspiring way to spend part of your summer? Come make music with us at our String Orchestra Camp!
📅 August 3–7
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
💲 Cost: $160
🎶 Led by our wonderful instructor, Renee Shaw Nutwell!

Whether you're sharpening your skills or just love playing with others, this camp is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and have a blast with fellow musicians. Check out all the details and sign up today! We can’t wait to play with you this summer! Register on our website at https://www.shepherd.edu/music/summer-music-programs/