Barry Torres helps nurture a love of music. As Director of Music
Ensembles, Torres understands that his students are encouraged
to experience music from a variety of cultures, in a variety of
media, to expand their musical horizons. “Even more refreshing,” he
says, “is the fact that all students are encouraged to join
the exploration. What’s important is the nurturing of a love
of music that could lead to a lifetime of involvement with and
a greater understanding of the art form.”
St. Lawrence University's Laurentian Singers, the University
Chorus (a community-based choir of students, faculty, staff
and community residents), the Early Music Players and Singers (performing
medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music) and the Gospel Choir (a
chapel choir that performs African American music for Sunday services)
all benefit from Torres’ leadership.
Since coming to St. Lawrence in 1996, Torres has felt he’s
collaborating with his colleagues in the arts departments to educate
the whole person. “My involvement with my students is deep.
I know them well, and because of this I can impart to and share with
them how music can give meaning and enrichment to their lives,” he
says. The atmosphere at St. Lawrence, among students and among teachers,
is one of support and openness.” Concern for the welfare of
the entire community both on campus and in the world is central to
the St. Lawrence experience.
That openness is obvious in the arts curriculum planning process,
and the facilities renovations planning that support program enhancements,
says Torres. “We’re on the threshold of a new era in
music making here at SLU, with a new curriculum that we hope can
nurture both beginners and more advanced musicians. It’s an
exciting time to be here,” he says.
An early music specialist, he sings countertenor and plays early wind
instruments. Torres has appeared as soloist with New York State Baroque
and the Orchestra of Northern New York, and was a member of the early
music consort Sonare. He is the founding director of Schola Cantorum
of Syracuse, New York, a chamber choir of amateur and professional
singers devoted to performing medieval, Renaissance and Early Baroque
music, now in its 30th season of presenting concerts. Torres studied
composition and theory at Syracuse University, and performed early
music at Yale University, the University of Pennsylvania and the Longy
School of Music in Boston.
