Music Department Mission
The mission of the Music Department at Spring Arbor University is to develop the ability of each student to perform music with expertise and insight and to understand music within a context of serious study of the liberal arts, Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning and critical participation in the contemporary world.
Music Programs
Campus Undergraduate Programs
Fine Arts Events
Check out our upcoming events! We love gathering as a community and always have fun things happening on campus. We hope you’ll join us!
View All Campus EventsMusic Scholarships & Auditions
Music scholarships are available to students who audition into the music program and for students who participate in our ensembles. If you are interested in a scholarship, please fill out the application. Please have two contrasting pieces (lyrical and technical) prepared in advance. If you need an accompanist, please contact Dr. Dueppen at [email protected]. Instrumentalists will be requested to play two major scales on their primary instrument for memory. Vocalists will be requested to sing one major and one minor scale.
Our 2025 Music Scholarship Audition Dates
- Monday, February 17th – Band Room – SMC 132
- Monday, April 7th – Band Room – SMC 132
Please schedule a visit to audition and fill out our audition application below.
Music Ensembles
The Music Department presents more than a dozen concerts and recitals each year and provides many other kinds of playing and singing opportunities for students. Our ensembles include the Concert Band, String Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble, University Singers, Gospel Choir, and Chapel Band and Rooted, the university's music worship ensembles. Any Spring Arbor student is also welcome to take private lessons, which are available for voice or nearly any musical instrument.
Instrumental
MUS 230C - Concert Band
Performs standard band literature including marches, contemporary composition, transcribed orchestral literature, and combined band and choral literature. Periodic public appearances are required. Placement is determined by audition or permission of instructor. Community members welcome. Music scholarships are available for participation with a successful audition. Under the direction of Dr. Matthew Dueppen.
Jazz Ensemble
A 15-20-member group that performs big-band and jazz-oriented compositions. Membership is open by invitation and/or audition. The group performs several concerts a year and performs various styles of music including, swing, rock, latin, funk, fusion, and others. In the Fall semester, the group also performs as a “pep” band for several school functions and events. Music scholarships are available for participation with a successful audition. Under the direction of Dr. Matthew Dueppen.
MUS 230JY - Jazz Lab Band (Arbor Jazz Cats Combo)
The Arbor Jazz Cats Combo is a premier instrumental group open by audition only. The group is a small jazz combo ensemble that performs for special university events, within the local community, and at local schools. Music scholarships are available for participation with a successful audition. Under the direction of Dr. Matthew Dueppen.
Vocal
MUS 340 – Gospel Choir
Gospel Choir is designed for students interested in learning, studying, and performing gospel music. This ensemble includes instruction in basic vocal technique, diction, and stylistic and dramatic interpretation for vocal musicians performing authentic gospel music. The course also includes historical context for the repertoire performed, as well as the gospel music genre as a whole.
MUS 343 – Concert Choir
A mixed ensemble that performs a variety of literature, both sacred and secular. Concerts are given each semester with additional performance opportunities as they are presented. Audition required. Under the direction of Professor Annabelle Pollard.
MUS 346 – Vocal Ensemble - Rooted
Rooted is a premier vocal group open by audition only. This mixed ensemble performs a variety of music for churches, schools, and civic groups, and tours in Michigan and surrounding states. Under the direction of Professor Annabelle Pollard.
Worship
Contemporary Worship Ensemble (Chapel Band)
Chapel Band is an auditioned music ministry team that assists in leading worship at SAU Chapel. The class is divided into rehearsals and biblical discussion to ultimately prepare the student to lead worship at a church in coordination with a music degree. The group leads student worship in several on-campus events. Open to both majors and non-majors.
Music Department Faculty
Dr. Matthew Dueppen
Chair of Music Department
Assistant Professor
Director of Concert Band/Jazz Ensemble
Professor of Trumpet, Horn, & Music History
Email: [email protected]
Anabelle Pollard
Assistant Professor
Professor of Voice & Vocal Education
Director of Concert Choir & Rooted
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Jinhyun Kim
Adjunct Professor
Director of String Ensemble
Professor of Cello & Strings
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Cynthia Duda-Pant
Affiliate Instructor
Professor of Bassoon & Music Education
Email: Cythnia.DudaPant
Chase Garrett
Adjunct Professor (Degree in Progress)
Professor of Percussion
Email: [email protected]