For most, music is just a hobby.  For Dave Torres ’08, it is a lifestyle. A dedicated member of the Laurentian Singers, Torres lives, breathes and dreams music. The senior, a graduate of William Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY, recently received the J. Kenneth Munson Award, recognizing him for his achievements in the choral field and contribution to the Laurentian Singers.

“When I arrived and joined the Laurentian Singers, I felt right at home,” he says.  “It’s my sport here; it’s been a great experience singing at the college level and touring.”

St. Lawrence is a good environment for an aspiring musician, Torres says, adding that many students share his passion.  His band, Hollywood Farm, met at St. Lawrence and is touring the Northeast this summer.  Torres, the band’s bassist and backup vocalist, describes their style as “jazz-infused funk and soul – an eclectic combination of styles.”  In the future, he hopes that his musical talents will blossom into a career.
One of Torres’s favorite places to perform is right on campus: Java House.  “We’ve played the Java house more times than we can count,” Torres admits.  “[Java] provides endless entertainment and inspiration to me; the bands are always talented, innovative acts.”  Hollywood Farm also played on the University quad during Springfest this year.

Torres is as passionate about music in the classroom as he is on-stage.  “I can’t stress enough how much the faculty and staff have helped me throughout the years,” says Torres, a music major.  “Each professor in the music department has opened my eyes to something new.”

Entering his final year at St. Lawrence, Torres hopes to make the most of the time he has left.  “I want to thank the students that make me feel like there’s always something cool going on here,” he says.