Barry Torres helps nurture a broad 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) and the Gospel Choir (a chapel choir that performs African American music for Sunday services) all benefit from Torres’ leadership.  He also teaches voice, maintaining a studio of 12 to 15 students a semester.

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.”

An early music specialist, Torres sings countertenor and plays early wind instruments. He 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. 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.